There’s something about the smell of freshly baked bread that just screams “home.” For me, that feeling is amplified tenfold when the aroma fills the kitchen with the sweet, earthy scent of butternut squash. I have vivid memories of my grandmother, elbows deep in flour, baking loaves of comforting goodness. This Spiced Butternut Squash Bread Recipe is my spin on that tradition, a little more adventurous, a whole lot delicious, and perfect for crisp autumn days or whenever you need a hug from the inside. It’s a delightful twist on traditional sweet bread, offering warmth, spice, and a beautiful golden hue.
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Butternut Squash Bread Recipe
This isn’t your average bread, folks. It’s a treat! Here’s why you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again:
- Moist and Tender: The pureed butternut squash adds incredible moisture, resulting in a bread that stays soft for days. No dry, crumbly loaves here!
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger mingle beautifully with the butternut squash, creating a comforting and cozy flavor profile.
- Surprisingly Easy: Don’t let the idea of baking bread intimidate you. This recipe is very straightforward, even for beginner bakers.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy it toasted with butter, as French toast, or alongside a bowl of soup – the possibilities are endless!
- Naturally Sweet: The butternut squash contributes natural sweetness, meaning you don’t need a ton of added sugar.
The Ingredient Lineup
Let’s gather our ingredients! Accuracy matters when baking, so let’s stick to these measurements.
- Butternut Squash: 1 ½ cups pureed butternut squash (about 1 small squash, roasted and scooped) – See roasting notes below!
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 ½ cups
- Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup
- Brown Sugar: ¼ cup (packed) – Adds lovely molasses notes!
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon
- Ground Ginger: ¼ teaspoon
- Eggs: 2 large, at room temperature
- Vegetable Oil: ½ cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Optional: Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: ½ cup (for added texture and crunch) – Highly recommend!
Roasting the Butternut Squash: The best flavor comes from roasted squash. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds. Place the squash cut-side down on a baking sheet. Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until fork-tender. Let it cool slightly, then scoop out the flesh and puree until completely smooth. You can do this in a food processor or with a hand mixer.
Baking Your Spiced Butternut Squash Bread: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s bake! This recipe is broken down into manageable steps for a stress-free baking experience.
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Really grease it well!
- Dry Ingredients Unite: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. No spice clumps allowed!
- Wet Ingredients Join the Party: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing develops gluten and results in a tougher bread.
- Squash It In: Gently fold in the pureed butternut squash until it’s evenly incorporated.
- Nuts? Yes, Please! If you’re using nuts, fold them in now.
- Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread evenly with a spatula.
- Bake Time!: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs).
- Cooling is Key: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Resist the urge to cut into it while it’s still warm – it needs time to set!
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Let’s get creative and ensure baking success!
- Spice It Up: Love a bit more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the wet ingredients for extra brightness.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips (dark or milk, your choice!) for a decadent treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of extra liquid.
- Freezing for Later: This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before enjoying.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Simple & Classic: Toasted with butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- French Toast Delight: Make French toast with this bread – it’s ridiculously good!
- Soup Companion: Serve alongside a warm bowl of butternut squash soup or chili.
- Sweet and Savory: Pair with a sharp cheddar cheese and a drizzle of maple syrup for a delightful contrast.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per slice – 1/12th of loaf)
(Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.)
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: 2-3g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Sugar: 20-25g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Fiber: 2-3g
Embrace the Warmth of Homemade Bread
There you have it! A wonderfully fragrant and delicious Spiced Butternut Squash Bread Recipe to brighten your day. Don’t be intimidated – baking is all about practice and enjoying the process. Give this recipe a try and share your baking successes (or challenges!) in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Happy baking!
