10 Butternut Squash Desserts That Prove Pumpkin Isn't the Top Gourd

We’ve got nothing against pumpkin, but it’s far from the only seasonal squash that works in a dessert. Butternut squash has such a pleasant natural sweetness that only eating it in savory applications is a disservice. These butternut squash desserts, like butternut squash pie, butternut squash cookies, and butternut squash muffins, are proof that vegetables can work in desserts.

Butternut Squash Cookies

butternut squash cookies.
Jackie Manuel Hernandez

Rather than canned pumpkin, these easy cookies are made using an entire butternut squash. The use of quick-cooking oats gives these cookies some density, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger help bring out the squash’s sweetness and evoke classic fall flavors.

Butternut Squash Pie

“My grandmother taught me how to make this recipe while I was a teenager working on her farm in the summers. For people that find the taste of pumpkin a little strong or just want a change this is a milder but still delicious pie. Hope you like it. Top with whipped cream!” – blaze

Butternut Squash Bread

deb c

Got extra butternut squash? Whether it’s in your kitchen or in the garden, this easy bread is a great way to use it. Puree some cooked butternut squash and incorporate it into this perfectly autumnal quick bread. This recipe yields two loaves, so you can save one for later or give it to a friend.

Squash Cookies

These cookies have a spicy, squash taste. Use any winter squash you like.

Got an adventurous autumnal palate? Then give these Squash Cookies a try. “Wonderful and fool-proof and different (in a good way),” says Allrecipes cook DevilFish. “I’m a cook, not a baker, but these turned out perfectly all three times I’ve made them!” If you don’t have butternut squash on hand, feel free to use any winter squash you like.

Butternut Squash and Cranberry Muffins

lutzflcat

“I got some butternut squash and cranberries (both I am not fond of) in my ‘Bountiful Basket’ last week. Not having a clue what to do with them, I came up with this surprisingly yummy muffin,” says InvisiGyrl. “I made up this recipe with what I had on hand. It is really very light, tasty, and not too sweet. I serve mine with honey or sweetened cream cheese. If possible, always choose organic.”

Squash Cinnamon Rolls

Your kids won’t catch on to the fact these sweet cinnamon rolls are actually filled with squash. “You can use any type of squash including butternut, acorn, hubbard, or even pumpkin,” writes recipe creator Betty.

Fran’s Butternut Squash Muffins

Joey Joan

Recipe creator Franfran came up with this recipe when she was looking for a fun and flavorful way to get more healthy vegetables in her kids’ diets. But more than her kids have benefited from them. Reviewer Joey Joan says these are easy to make and very moist and tasty: “Everyone guessed pumpkin and was surprised when I told them no.”

Squash Pie

hsquared9380

When it comes to pie, butternut squash makes an incredible alternative to pumpkin, and chances are anyone who tries this won’t be able to tell the difference. This recipe makes a little extra filling, so keep a container on hand. You can also bake the extra filling in custard cups, separately from the rest of the pie.

Spiced Butternut Squash Muffins

Photo by Inggart.

If you have extra squash on hand and need an option for a meal beyond dinner, look no further than these muffins. “Mildly sweet” and “very moist and flavorful,” these make great options for make-ahead breakfasts as you can refrigerate or freeze them and let them warm up before enjoying.

Orange, Poppy Seed, and Butternut Squash Coffee Cake

“I came up with this coffee cake as a way to use up some leftover butternut squash puree. The cake itself is light, fluffy, and moist, with a crispy streusel topping providing a nice contrast,” says recipe creator Kim. “The flavor combo of the squash with the orange, poppy seeds, and spices turned out deliciously. Enjoy slightly warm, or at room temp. May even taste better the next day.”

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