Butternut Squash Bread

Homemade butternut squash bread is a unique twist on its more popular pumpkin counterpart but is a favorite fall recipe that is quick to make.

I'm a big fan of butternut squash - from butternut squash gnocchi to baked butternut squash mac and cheese. But today is about bread.

I know, I know - everyone loves pumpkin bread. Part of it is the ease of getting pumpkin puree these days I'm sure. But I'm all about butternut squash.

So I figured instead of making a version of bread that everyone has made, why don't I mix it up with some butternut squash bread. Luckily for me, Wegmans carries butternut squash puree, which means I don't actually have to roast some squash before turning into a puree myself. I'm sure it is available at other grocery stores as well, but I know Amazon sells it as well!

For me, when fall season rolls around I have the sudden urge to make everything with butternut squash, apples or pumpkin, which is how I arrived at this recipe today. So if you're up for trying something a little different, give this butternut squash bread a try.

Jump to:

• Recipe Ingredients
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice
• What If I Can't Find Butternut Squash Puree?
• Can I Replace Butternut Squash with Pumpkin?
• Can I Make the Bread Vegan?
• Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
• Other Bread Recipes
• Butternut Squash Bread

Recipe Ingredients

• All-purpose flour - has the right gluten for the bread.
• Light brown sugar - granulated sugar works too.
• Pumpkin pie spice - adds the right spice amount.
• Baking soda - gives rise to the bread.
• Salt - enhances the flavor.
• Butternut squash puree - can make your own if you can't find at the store.
• Vegetable oil - canola oil works as well.
• Applesauce - adds moisture.
• Eggs - helps bind everything together.
• Vanilla extract - added flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. If you don't have butternut squash puree, cut the squash in half and remove seeds. Place flesh side up and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter on top of squash. Bake for 400°F for 50-60 minutes or until flesh is fork tender. Allow to cool slightly before placing in food processor and blending until pureed.
2. Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with butter and dust with flour. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt and whisk until combined.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the butternut squash, vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Add the flour mixture and mix until just combined. If adding using chocolate chips and walnuts, gently fold them in at this time.
5. Add the batter into the pan, making sure it is even.
6. Bake for 65-75 minutes, covering with aluminum foil halfway through if bread is browning too quickly. At 65 minutes, start checking to see if bread is done every 5 minutes by inserting a toothpick or cake tester in the center where it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the bread to cool in pan for 10 minutes before placing on a wire rack.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Spice

Most grocery stores carry pumpkin pie spice these days, but you can always make your own. Check out Taste of Home's recipe. In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 tsp ground cloves and ½ tsp ground nutmeg.

What If I Can't Find Butternut Squash Puree?

Not to worry. Just buy a butternut squash and cut in half. Remove the seeds. Place flesh side up and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter on top of squash. Bake for 400°F for 50-60 minutes or until flesh is fork tender. Allow to cool slightly before placing in food processor and blending until pureed.

Can I Replace Butternut Squash with Pumpkin?

Yes you can use the same amount of pumpkin. It will have just a slightly different flavor.

Can I Make the Bread Vegan?

Yes. You can make chia eggs. Just mix 2 tbsp of chia seeds with 5 tbsp water and let sit for 5 minutes before adding to bread. You can also use same amount of flaxseeds.

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

There are a few reasons that you'll love this homemade bread.

1. Butternut Squash: There is more butternut squash than most recipes as it adds to the flavor.
2. Oil: Better than butter for making a moist bread.
3. Pumpkin Pie Spice: Made easy by just using pumpkin pie spice instead of a combination of spices. Also has a little more than your average bread.
4. Applesauce: Seems a little weird I know, but just a little bit of applesauce adds to the moisture of the bread while also giving it some additional flavor.
5. Chocolate Chips: While they are optional, chocolate makes everything better, especially with this bread.

Other Bread Recipes

• Whole Wheat Banana Bread
• Beer Bread
• Flaky Buttermilk Biscuits
• Brazilian Cheese Bread
• No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread

If you’ve tried this butternut squash bread or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.