Butternut Squash Loaf
A moist and flavorful butternut squash loaf infused with warm spices, raisins, and walnuts, perfect for cozy gatherings, brunch, or as a sweet treat with tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, combine the thawed butternut squash puree, eggs, light brown sugar, and vegetable oil.
- Remove 1 tablespoon of raisins and 1 tablespoon of walnuts and set aside.
- Stir the remaining raisins, walnuts, and grated orange peel into the squash mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, and baking soda.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts and remaining raisins.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture and flavor, consider substituting the walnuts with pecans or using maple syrup in place of some brown sugar. If you want a spicier kick, increase the pumpkin pie spice by a teaspoon. Ensure the butternut squash puree is well-drained to prevent a soggy loaf. You can also add chocolate chips for a delicious variation.
Serving Suggestions
This Butternut Squash Loaf is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Serve it warm with butter or cream cheese for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with The Best Carrots for a cozy autumn meal. Consider serving it with a side of yogurt or a mixed fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Butternut Squash Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice and microwave for 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it cold with a smear of cream cheese for a delightful breakfast.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butternut Squash Loaf contains roughly 761 calories, with 10g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (110% of the Daily Value), calcium (56% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1027mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh butternut squash instead of frozen puree?
Yes, you can use fresh butternut squash. Simply roast or steam it until tender, then puree it until smooth. This will give your loaf a vibrant flavor, but ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the baking soda slightly to optimize the rise, so keep an eye on the loaf while baking.
What can I add for extra flavor?
You can enhance the flavor profile by adding chopped apples, cranberries, or even a splash of vanilla extract. For a citrus twist, try incorporating lemon zest along with the orange peel.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).