If you’re searching for the perfect cozy dish to welcome cooler days, look no further than the Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe. This beautiful bake captures the essence of fall with tender butternut squash and crisp apples harmoniously blended with warming cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s a delightful, naturally sweet side or light main that fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma and delivers a comforting, flavorful experience with every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat, this recipe is bound to become one of your favorites to embrace the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe lies in its simple and wholesome ingredients. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to balance sweetness, spice, texture, and color, creating layers of flavor that feel like a warm hug on your plate.
- 1 Butternut Squash: Its naturally sweet and creamy flesh becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender when baked.
- 2-3 Apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp): The tartness of Granny Smith balances the honey-like sweetness of Honeycrisp, adding a vibrant crunch.
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramelized sweetness that ties the ingredients together beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Used to enrich the bake and create a luscious topping with the nuts.
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon: Warms up the dish with the quintessential fall spice flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg: Adds a subtle but essential nutty warmth.
- 1/2 cup Walnuts or Pecans (optional): Brings an irresistible crunch and earthiness to the topping.
How to Make Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the perfect baking environment for softening the squash and apples while caramelizing their natural sugars.
Step 2: Prepare the Butternut Squash
Peel, seed, and cube your butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. Taking care with this step means your squash will cook evenly and create that buttery texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Slice the Apples
Core and slice your apples into wedges or cubes, whichever you prefer. Mixing Granny Smith and Honeycrisp varieties adds a sweet-tart flavor profile that brightens the dish.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently toss together the butternut squash and apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This blend of spices and sugar will coat every piece with cozy autumn flavor.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a baking dish with some butter or oil—this prevents sticking and adds richness. Then spread the squash and apple mixture evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
Step 6: Make the Nutty Topping
In another bowl, combine chopped nuts with melted butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Toss them until everything is nicely coated, then sprinkle this over the squash and apple layer for a deliciously crunchy finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes to let the squash soften. Remove the foil and bake for an extra 15-20 minutes, giving the topping a chance to turn golden brown and irresistible.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe to cool for a few minutes before serving—this will help everything set slightly, making it easier to portion and enjoy.
How to Serve Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a lovely contrast to the sweet, spiced bake. Light drizzle of maple syrup can also amplify the autumn vibes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey or pork, or alongside a crisp green salad to lighten the meal. It’s equally delightful on a vegetarian table with grains like quinoa or wild rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the bake in individual ramekins topped with a small sprig of rosemary or thyme. Layer it over a slice of toasted rustic bread for a hearty brunch option that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen over time, making it just as delicious, if not more, the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the bake after it has cooled completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. This will help retain the bake’s texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of squash in this recipe?
Yes, butternut squash’s sweetness and texture work best, though kabocha or acorn squash can be substitutes. Just adjust baking times slightly as their densities vary.
What apple varieties work best?
Combining tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter ones such as Honeycrisp creates a balanced flavor and pleasant texture contrast in the bake.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and omit the nuts or use seeds if preferred. The bake will still come out delicious.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bake and store it covered in the fridge for a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.
How can I make the topping crunchier?
Make sure to toast your nuts lightly before mixing with butter and brown sugar. This adds more depth to the crunch and flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe that wraps you in all the best parts of fall. It’s easy to make, bursting with natural sweetness and spiced warmth, and so versatile in how you serve it. Whether you’re impressing guests or simply enjoying a quiet meal, this bake is sure to add a touch of seasonal magic to your kitchen. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite you look forward to year after year!
Print
Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4.4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Delicious Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake combines tender butternut squash cubes and sweet-tart apples, baked to perfection with warm spices and a crunchy nut topping. Ideal as a cozy side dish or a comforting vegetarian dessert, this recipe highlights seasonal flavors with a balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 Butternut Squash
- 2–3 Apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
- Pinch of Salt
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup Walnuts or Pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the squash and apples evenly.
- Prepare Butternut Squash: Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
- Prepare Apples: Core and slice the apples into wedges or cubes, mixing Granny Smith and Honeycrisp to balance tartness and sweetness.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash and apple pieces. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together until all pieces are well-coated with the spice and sugar mixture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking. Pour the squash and apple mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent baking.
- Make Nut Topping: In a separate bowl, mix chopped walnuts or pecans with melted butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Toss until the nuts are well-coated, then evenly sprinkle this mixture over the top of the squash and apples.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes to allow the ingredients to steam and soften.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender and the nut topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bake cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven to allow flavors to settle and it to firm slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
- Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg to taste if you prefer more or less spice.
- For extra moisture and richness, drizzle a little maple syrup or honey over the top before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- This dish works well as a side for Thanksgiving or cozy autumn dinners.
