Easy Butternut Squash Apple Bake—A Fall Favorite

If you’re looking for a cozy and wholesome side dish that captures all the warmth of fall, this Butternut Squash Apple Bake is exactly what you need. It combines tender roasted butternut squash, sweet apples, and the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla for a dish that feels like a warm hug. Topped with crunchy pecans, chewy raisins, and tart cranberries, it’s a colorful, naturally sweet bake that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Apple Bake

This dish is as comforting as it is easy to make. It turns simple ingredients into a fragrant, golden bake that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, holiday mains, or even a light salad. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just craving something seasonal and satisfying, you’ll love how this recipe fills your kitchen with that irresistible cinnamon-apple aroma.

Here’s why it’ll become a go-to favorite:

• Naturally Sweet and Nutritious: Butternut squash and apples are full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Perfect for Fall Gatherings: It looks beautiful on the table and pairs with both sweet and savory dishes.
• Easy to Make: Simple prep — just chop, mix, and bake.
• Customizable: Use your favorite fruits, nuts, or natural sweeteners.
• Kid-Friendly: Sweet, soft, and lightly spiced — even picky eaters love it!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepares easily a day in advance and reheats beautifully.

Easy Butternut Squash Apple Bake – A Fall Favorite

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• Author: Dolly
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A cozy and wholesome fall side dish with roasted butternut squash, sweet apples, cinnamon, and vanilla. Topped with pecans, raisins, and cranberries for the perfect autumn flavor.

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Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 2 cups)
• 2 gala apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
• 2 tablespoons butter, chopped into small pieces
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup dried cranberries

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a covered baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine butternut squash, apples, cinnamon, vanilla, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Transfer mixture to baking dish and dot butter pieces over the top.
4. Cover and bake for 15 minutes. Remove, stir in raisins, cranberries, and pecans, then cover and bake another 15 minutes or until squash is tender and caramelized.
5. Stir before serving and enjoy warm as a comforting fall side dish or light meal.

Notes

Cut squash and apples evenly for best texture. Use maple syrup for natural sweetness or coconut oil for a vegan option. Great make-ahead dish that reheats beautifully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients for Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Main Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 2 cups)
• 2 gala apples, peeled, cored, and diced (or any sweet apple)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey, for a natural sweetener)
• 2 tablespoons butter, chopped into small pieces
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup raisins
• ¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped (or walnuts)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries

Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)

Butternut Squash:
This sweet, nutty squash is the heart of the dish. If you prefer, acorn squash works just as well — it’s slightly earthier but equally delicious. You can also use pre-cut squash cubes from the store to save time.

Apples:
Gala apples are ideal for their sweetness and texture, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or McIntosh also work beautifully. For a more tart balance, mix one sweet apple and one tart variety.

Sweetener:
Brown sugar adds a caramel-like depth, but honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar are wonderful natural options.

Butter:
For a dairy-free or vegan version, use coconut oil, vegan butter, or olive oil instead.

Nuts and Dried Fruit:
The combination of pecans, raisins, and cranberries adds a delightful mix of textures and flavors. If you’re nut-free, swap nuts for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

Spices:
Want extra warmth? Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves for a deeper autumn flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a covered baking dish (or use foil if you don’t have a lid). Peel, seed, and cube your butternut squash evenly to ensure it cooks perfectly.

Step 2 – Combine the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine butternut squash, diced apples, cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar (or honey). Add salt and pepper, then toss everything together until the pieces are evenly coated in the sweet-spiced mixture.

Step 3 – Layer and Add Butter

Transfer the mixture into your baking dish and spread it evenly. Dot small pieces of butter throughout the top so they melt into the squash as it bakes.

Step 4 – Bake and Add the Mix-Ins

Cover the dish and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, add raisins, cranberries, and pecans, then toss gently to combine. Cover again and return to the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized.

Step 5 – Serve Warm

Once done, remove from the oven and give it a quick stir to blend the flavors. Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it on its own as a wholesome sweet bake.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Cut Evenly: Dice your squash and apples into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
2. Use a Covered Dish: Trapping steam helps soften the squash while keeping the fruit juicy.
3. Check Doneness: Ovens vary — if the squash isn’t tender, bake for 5–10 more minutes.
4. Balance Sweetness: Taste before serving — you can drizzle a touch of honey if you prefer it sweeter.
5. Add Texture: Toast the nuts before adding them for extra crunch and aroma.
6. Crockpot Option: For easy prep, cook everything on HIGH for 1½–2 hours or LOW for 3 hours.

Flavor Variations

1. Maple Cinnamon Twist: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup for deeper flavor.
2. Cranberry Orange Bake: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest for a fresh citrus note.
3. Savory-Sweet Mix: Sprinkle with a bit of fresh thyme or sage for a gourmet touch.
4. Spiced Pecan Version: Use candied pecans and a pinch of nutmeg for a festive upgrade.
5. Breakfast Bake: Add a handful of rolled oats and bake a bit longer for a hearty morning dish.

Serving Suggestions

This Butternut Squash Apple Bake is a flexible dish that works in many ways:

• Holiday Side Dish: Serve it next to roast turkey, chicken, or ham.
• Brunch Favorite: Pair it with pancakes or waffles for a sweet side.
• Vegetarian Main: Enjoy it with quinoa or wild rice for a cozy meatless meal.
• Dessert Option: Add a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt and serve it warm.
• Leftover Magic: Spoon it over oatmeal or yogurt for a healthy breakfast.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
• Freeze: You can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Tip: Divide into small containers for quick, ready-to-heat side dishes all week.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

FAQ About Butternut Squash Apple Bake

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire mixture, cover it, and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time since it’ll be starting cold.

Can I make it vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply use plant-based butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter, and maple syrup or agave in place of brown sugar. The flavor stays warm and rich.

What other fruits can I add?

Pears, dried apricots, or chopped dates work beautifully here. Each adds its own touch of sweetness and texture while keeping the dish festive.

How can I make it less sweet?

Skip the added sugar entirely and let the natural sweetness of the apples and squash shine. You can also use unsweetened dried fruit to lower the sugar content.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes! Place all ingredients into a crockpot and cook on HIGH for 1½–2 hours or LOW for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally. It’s perfect for hands-free holiday cooking.

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Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Apple Bake is the perfect blend of simplicity, nutrition, and flavor. With its tender roasted squash, caramelized apples, and warm cinnamon aroma, it’s a dish that brings comfort to every table. Whether you serve it alongside your holiday feast or enjoy it as a cozy everyday meal, this bake is proof that healthy, homemade food can be truly delicious. Make it once, and it’ll become a seasonal staple you’ll look forward to every year.