Butternut Squash Apple Bake Recipe
A cozy, wholesome Butternut Squash Apple Bake that combines tender cubed butternut squash with sweet apples, fragrant cinnamon, and a medley of dried fruits and nuts. Baked to perfection with a touch of butter and brown sugar, this dish is a perfect side or dessert for fall and winter meals.
- Author: reem
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds peeled, seeded, and small cubed butternut squash (about 2 cups, cubed evenly)
- 2 Gala apples (peeled, cored, and diced, or any sweet apple of your choice)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)
- 2 tablespoons butter (chopped into sections)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup pecans (or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
- Mix Squash and Apples. In a large bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, diced apples, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and brown sugar or honey. Mix well to evenly coat the fruits and squash with the spices and sweetener.
- Season Mixture. Add salt and black pepper to the bowl, then mix thoroughly to distribute the seasoning.
- Prepare Baking Dish. Transfer the squash and apple mixture into a baking dish that has a lid, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Add Butter and Begin Baking. Distribute the chopped butter sections evenly over the mixture. Cover the dish with the lid and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Add Dried Fruits and Nuts. Remove the dish from the oven, add the raisins, dried cranberries, and pecans. Using tongs or a spoon, gently toss the mixture to combine. Cover again and return the dish to the oven to bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender and lightly browned.
- Serve. Remove the dish from the oven, stir gently, and serve warm as a delightful side dish or light dessert.
Notes
- If you prefer a sweeter dish, increase the brown sugar or honey slightly.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds based on preference.
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter alternative.
- Ensure butternut squash pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently before serving.
Keywords: Butternut squash, apple bake, cinnamon, fall recipes, baked fruit dish, side dish, vegetarian, holiday recipe