If you’re craving a cozy, heartwarming dish that captures the very essence of fall, then I have a gem for you: the Delicious Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe. This bake perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, blending tender butternut squash with crisp apples, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a delightful crunchy topping of nuts. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, ideal for those crisp autumn evenings when you want something comforting but not overly complicated. Whether you’re new to cooking with squash or a seasoned pro looking for a fresh idea, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting together the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays an essential role. From the natural sweetness of apples and brown sugar to the buttery richness of nuts, every component combines to provide a spectrum of textures and flavors that make this bake absolutely irresistible.
- Butternut Squash: The star of the dish, its sweetness and creamy texture after baking make the perfect base.
- Apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp): Combining tart and sweet apples adds depth and contrast to the bake.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a rich caramelized sweetness that enhances the natural sugars in the squash and apples.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for richness and moistness, plus it helps brown the nuts beautifully.
- Cinnamon: This warm spice brings the classic autumn flavor that ties everything together.
- Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy warmth complementing the cinnamon without overpowering.
- Walnuts or Pecans (optional): For a crunchy texture and toasty nutty flavor that contrasts the soft squash and apples.
How to Make Delicious Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (or 190 degrees Celsius). This step is crucial so that your bake starts cooking immediately once it goes in, ensuring even roasting and lovely caramelization at the end.
Step 2: Cube the Butternut Squash
Peeling and cubing the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces may take a few minutes, but don’t rush! Uniform pieces mean even cooking and every forkful will be tender without any hard bits.
Step 3: Slice the Apples
Core and slice your apples into wedges or cubes—whatever you prefer. Using a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples balances tartness with sweetness, a combo that elevates this dish to a new level of flavor complexity.
Step 4: Combine and Season
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the squash, apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Make sure every piece gets a nice coating of spice and sugar; this transforms the simple produce into something magical.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease your baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking and to add a buttery base layer. Spread the squash and apple mixture evenly in the dish so it roasts uniformly.
Step 6: Add the Nutty Topping
Mix chopped walnuts or pecans with melted butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar. This topping adds crunch and a sweet, toasted flavor when baked. Spread it evenly over the fruit and squash layer for a fantastic textural contrast.
Step 7: Bake Covered, Then Uncovered
Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap moisture and allow the squash to soften beautifully during the first 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes. This step allows the top to brown and crisp up, giving you the perfect golden finish.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let your Delicious Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe cool for a few minutes after coming out of the oven. This brief rest time helps the flavors settle and makes the bake easier to serve without it falling apart.
How to Serve Delicious Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a splash of maple syrup on top complements the warm spices beautifully. A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream adds a creamy contrast that’s pure indulgence.
Side Dishes
This bake works wonderfully as a side for roasted meats like turkey or pork, making it an ideal dish for holiday dinners or family gatherings. It also pairs well with a fresh green salad to balance the warmth and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve it warm in individual ramekins or cast iron skillets for a rustic look. You could also layer it with granola and vanilla yogurt for a seasonal parfait that’s just as tasty for breakfast or brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will actually deepen overnight, giving you another chance to enjoy this delicious dish with even more intensity.
Freezing
This bake freezes beautifully. After cooling completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the bake into a 350-degree oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crisp on top again. You can also microwave it for a faster option, but the oven method keeps that irresistible crunchy topping.
FAQs
Can I use other types of squash?
Absolutely! While butternut squash is ideal for its sweetness and texture, you can experiment with acorn or kabocha squash, but the baking time and sweetness level might vary slightly.
Do I have to use nuts?
The nuts add a lovely crunch and flavor contrast but are entirely optional. You can skip them or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a nut-free version.
What if I don’t have both Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples?
You can definitely use just one type of apple. Granny Smith adds tartness, so if you only have sweeter apples, consider reducing some brown sugar to keep the bake balanced.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
With a simple swap of the butter for a plant-based alternative, this bake can be made vegan-friendly without compromising on flavor or texture.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a wonderful option for anyone avoiding gluten. Just be sure your nuts and other additives are processed in gluten-free facilities if allergies are a concern.
Final Thoughts
I sincerely hope you’ll give this Delicious Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels like pure seasonal comfort in every bite. Easy enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough for gatherings, this bake invites you to savor fall’s best flavors in the coziest way possible. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!
Print
Delicious Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Delicious Autumn Butternut Squash Apple Bake combines tender roasted butternut squash with sweet and tart apples, enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with a buttery, nutty crumble, this comforting dish is perfect as a side or a cozy dessert during the fall season.
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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the dish.
- Prepare the Squash: Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Apples: Core and slice the apples into wedges or cubes, mixing tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.
- Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash and apple pieces. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Toss well to evenly coat the fruit and squash with spices and sweetness.
- Prepare the 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.
- Prepare Nut Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the 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 squash and apple layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. This step helps the squash and apples soften gently.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the nut topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and to avoid burns.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans depending on preference or availability.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your taste.
- For extra texture, consider adding a sprinkle of oats in the nut topping mixture.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as a vegetarian side.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
