Squash Loaves
Moist, flavorful squash loaves with warm spices and a tender crumb, perfect for cozy family meals or autumn gatherings, showcasing the natural sweetness of squash.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease two 8 1/2 x 4 1/4-inch loaf pans well.
- In a large bowl, with a fork, mix the flour, sugar, baking soda, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and baking powder.
- In a medium bowl, with a fork, beat the eggs, squash, and salad oil until blended.
- Stir the egg mixture into the flour mixture just until the flour is moistened.
- Pour the batter into the greased pans.
- Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the loaves in the pans on wire racks for 10 minutes.
- Remove from pans and cool completely on racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring. You can substitute vegetable oil for salad oil if needed. If you prefer, use fresh squash; just make sure to grate it finely. Adding a handful of walnuts or raisins can enhance the flavor, similar to what you might find in a Cran-Apricot Loaf. Adjust spices based on personal preference for a more intense or mild flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the squash loaves sliced, either plain or spread with butter. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect snack or breakfast option. For a more indulgent treat, top with cream cheese frosting or serve alongside a slice of Black Jam Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover squash loaves in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Squash Loaves contains roughly 272 calories, with 6g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (111% of the Daily Value), calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1193mg per serving (52% 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 a different type of squash?
Yes, you can use other types of squash, such as zucchini or pumpkin, as substitutes. Just ensure they are well-drained if using frozen, to maintain the loaf's texture. Adjust spices accordingly to match the flavor profile of the squash you choose.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make squash loaves gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or spices such as ginger or allspice. A dash of vanilla extract can also elevate the taste. For a unique twist, try adding chocolate chips for a dessert-like variation.
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).