Cozy Autumn Delight: Butternut Squash and Apple Bake with Cinnamon Crumble
Autumn is the season of warm spices, comforting flavors, and vibrant colors. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a delightful Butternut Squash and Apple Bake? This recipe perfectly blends the sweetness of apples and squash with a hint of cinnamon spice, topped with a buttery, crumbly oat topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and perfect for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dessert.
This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Butternut squash is a great source of Vitamin A and fiber, while apples are rich in antioxidants. The addition of oats provides a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber, making this bake a relatively wholesome treat.
Let’s dive into the details of creating this autumn masterpiece!
## Ingredients You’ll Need:
Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients. This will streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling. We’ve broken it down into three sections for clarity: the squash and apple mixture, the cinnamon spice blend, and the crumble topping.
**For the Squash and Apple Mixture:**
* **Butternut Squash:** 2 lbs (about 1 medium-sized squash), peeled, seeded, and cubed into 1-inch pieces. Roasting the squash beforehand is highly recommended (more on that later!).
* **Apples:** 3 medium-sized apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced into 1-inch pieces. A mix of apples can add complexity to the flavor.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/4 cup, packed. Light or dark brown sugar will work, with dark brown sugar adding a deeper molasses flavor.
* **Maple Syrup:** 2 tablespoons. Adds a natural sweetness and complements the squash beautifully.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon. A touch of acidity balances the sweetness and prevents the apples from browning.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the overall flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
**For the Cinnamon Spice Blend:**
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon. The star of the spice blend, providing warmth and comfort.
* **Ground Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon. Adds a subtle, nutty depth to the spice blend.
* **Ground Ginger:** 1/4 teaspoon. Provides a hint of spice and warmth.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon. Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
**For the Cinnamon Crumble Topping:**
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/2 cup. Provides structure to the crumble.
* **Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned):** 1/2 cup. Adds texture and a nutty flavor to the crumble.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/4 cup, packed. Adds sweetness and helps the crumble crisp up.
* **Cold Unsalted Butter:** 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons), cut into small cubes. Cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly texture.
* **Ground Cinnamon:** 1/2 teaspoon. More cinnamon for extra warmth in the topping!
* **Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (Optional):** 1/4 cup. Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
## Equipment You’ll Need:
* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the squash and apple mixture.
* **Medium Bowl:** For mixing the crumble topping.
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** The ideal size for this bake. You can also use an 8×8 inch dish, but the baking time may need to be adjusted.
* **Vegetable Peeler:** For peeling the squash and apples.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For preparing the squash and apples.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurement.
* **Roasting Pan (Optional):** For pre-roasting the butternut squash.
* **Parchment Paper (Optional):** To line the baking dish for easier cleanup.
## Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these detailed instructions to create your delicious Butternut Squash and Apple Bake. We’ll start with pre-roasting the squash (optional but highly recommended), then move on to preparing the fruit mixture, making the crumble topping, and finally, assembling and baking the dish.
**Step 1: Pre-Roasting the Butternut Squash (Optional but Recommended)**
* **Why roast the squash?** Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the butternut squash and gives it a softer, more tender texture. It also helps to prevent the bake from becoming too watery.
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of pepper.
3. Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
**Step 2: Prepare the Squash and Apple Mixture:**
* **Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, combine the roasted (or unroasted) butternut squash cubes and diced apples.
2. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt.
4. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the squash and apple mixture.
5. Gently toss everything together until well combined, ensuring the squash and apples are evenly coated with the spices.
**Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Crumble Topping:**
* **Tips for a perfect crumble:** Use cold butter and avoid overmixing. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
* **Instructions:**
1. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped pecans or walnuts (if using).
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl.
3. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing.
4. Alternatively, you can pulse the ingredients in a food processor until a crumbly mixture forms.
5. Set the crumble topping aside.
**Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Dish:**
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or line with parchment paper for easier cleanup).
3. Pour the squash and apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4. Sprinkle the cinnamon crumble topping evenly over the squash and apple mixture, covering the entire surface.
5. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit mixture is bubbling. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
6. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
7. Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the fruit mixture to thicken slightly.
**Step 5: Serving and Enjoying Your Butternut Squash and Apple Bake:**
* **Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve warm, on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
* A drizzle of caramel sauce or maple syrup adds extra decadence.
* Chopped pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled on top for added texture.
* Serve as a dessert at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any autumn gathering.
* Enjoy it for breakfast or brunch with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
* **Storage:**
* Leftover Butternut Squash and Apple Bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
* **Variations:**
* **Add dried cranberries or raisins:** For a touch of tartness and chewiness.
* **Use different types of apples:** Try a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
* **Add spices:** Experiment with other spices like cardamom or allspice.
* **Make it vegan:** Substitute the butter in the crumble topping with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
* **Add a streusel topping:** Combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and oats for a slightly different texture.
* **Top with cheese:** A sharp cheddar cheese adds a savory component that complements the sweetness of the bake. Add during the last 10 minutes of baking.
## Tips for Success:
* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final flavor of the bake. Choose fresh, ripe apples and butternut squash.
* **Don’t overmix the crumble topping:** Overmixing will result in a tough, rather than crumbly, topping.
* **Adjust the sweetness to your liking:** If you prefer a less sweet bake, reduce the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup.
* **Roast the squash for the best flavor:** Roasting the butternut squash beforehand brings out its natural sweetness and tenderizes it. This step is highly recommended.
* **Let the bake cool slightly before serving:** This allows the fruit mixture to thicken and prevents it from being too runny.
* **Experiment with spices:** Feel free to adjust the spices to your personal preference. A pinch of cardamom or allspice can add a unique flavor dimension.
* **Keep an eye on the topping:** If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate):
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.*
* **Serving Size:** 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of the bake)
* **Calories:** 300-350
* **Fat:** 15-20g
* **Saturated Fat:** 8-10g
* **Cholesterol:** 30-40mg
* **Sodium:** 100-150mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 40-50g
* **Fiber:** 4-6g
* **Sugar:** 25-30g
* **Protein:** 3-5g
## Conclusion:
This Butternut Squash and Apple Bake is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of autumn. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or a cozy weeknight dessert, this bake is guaranteed to bring warmth and comfort to your table. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the deliciousness of this autumn masterpiece! Happy baking!
## Related Blog Posts:
* [Apple Crumble Recipe: A Classic Comfort Dessert](link to apple crumble post)
* [Butternut Squash Soup: Creamy and Delicious Autumn Soup](link to butternut squash soup post)
* [Fall Baking Guide: Seasonal Recipes and Tips](link to fall baking guide)
Enjoy!