The Creamy Butternut Squash Pie is a luscious dessert that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its smooth texture, golden hue, and blend of aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, it’s a flavorful alternative to the traditional pumpkin pie. This pie is perfect for holidays, fall gatherings, or anytime you crave something sweet yet grounding. Made with a base of mashed butternut squash and sweetened condensed milk, this recipe offers a rich and silky filling nestled in a crisp, buttery crust. It’s easy to prepare and a definite crowd-pleaser, especially for those looking for a unique twist during the holiday dessert spread. Serve it chilled or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra festive flair.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup mashed butternut squash (cooked and pureed)
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1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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In a large bowl, whisk together mashed butternut squash, sweetened condensed milk, and eggs until smooth.
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Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix well until evenly combined.
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Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
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Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35–40 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
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Allow the pie to cool before serving. Serve with whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 270 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Butternut Squash Pie
As the leaves turn golden and the air carries that unmistakable chill, kitchens across the world come alive with the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked delights. Among the pantheon of autumn desserts, Butternut Squash Pie stands as an underrated gem smooth, spiced, and soul-warming. While pumpkin pie has traditionally held the spotlight, butternut squash offers a velvety texture and subtly sweet flavor that makes it a worthy and unique alternative. It’s not just a seasonal treat; it’s a celebration of harvest, warmth, and culinary creativity.
What sets this dessert apart is its perfect balance of simplicity and elegance. Whether you’re a novice home cook or a seasoned baker, this pie is delightfully easy to prepare and delivers exceptional results every time. It’s the kind of dessert that brings family and friends together, inspires nostalgic memories, and keeps people coming back for just one more slice.
Why Butternut Squash Works So Well in Pie
Many people are familiar with butternut squash in savory dishes roasted, in soups, or as a side dish. However, its naturally sweet and creamy nature makes it ideal for desserts as well. When pureed, it has a smoother consistency than pumpkin and absorbs spices beautifully, resulting in a pie that’s not only rich and satisfying but also has a depth of flavor that surprises and delights.
Butternut squash is also slightly less fibrous than pumpkin, leading to a creamier filling. The natural sugars in the squash caramelize during baking, adding a gentle sweetness that pairs well with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Combined with sweetened condensed milk and eggs, the texture becomes custardy and luscious making every bite melt in your mouth.
A Healthier, Nutrient-Dense Dessert Option
Butternut squash isn’t just delicious it’s nutritious. Packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, it adds a healthful touch to your dessert table. Using squash in pie not only offers a rich and complex flavor but also provides a vitamin boost that’s especially welcome during the colder months when our bodies crave nourishment and comfort.
Compared to more indulgent desserts laden with sugar and heavy cream, Butternut Squash Pie offers a lighter alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. You can even explore tweaks to make the recipe dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan, depending on your dietary preferences.
Flavor Profile and Texture
One of the key attractions of Butternut Squash Pie is its luxurious texture. The squash purée forms a silky-smooth base, which is enhanced with condensed milk to achieve a creamy consistency that’s firm yet tender when baked. The spice blend brings warmth without overpowering the star ingredient.
Unlike traditional pumpkin pie, which can sometimes be dense, butternut squash pie has a lighter feel and a richer, nuttier flavor. The use of ground ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon adds a complexity that balances the natural sweetness of the squash and results in a warm, aromatic finish with every bite.
Versatility in Preparation and Presentation
While the classic recipe calls for a standard pie crust and simple garnishes like whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon, Butternut Squash Pie lends itself well to creativity. You can dress it up with a graham cracker crust for added texture, incorporate maple syrup or brown sugar for deeper sweetness, or garnish it with candied pecans or a drizzle of caramel for a show-stopping presentation.
This pie can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature making it ideal for gatherings where dishes need to be made ahead. It travels well, slices cleanly, and stores beautifully for days, retaining its flavor and texture.
Cultural and Seasonal Relevance
Butternut Squash Pie is especially popular around the fall and winter holidays. Its ingredients echo the spirit of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and cozy winter nights. It evokes a sense of tradition while still offering something a little different from the typical pumpkin or apple pie.
In recent years, there’s been a growing trend toward using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, and butternut squash fits perfectly into this movement. It’s readily available at farmers’ markets and grocery stores in the fall and early winter, making it a sustainable and affordable choice for holiday baking.
Pairing Suggestions
When it comes to pairing Butternut Squash Pie, the options are endless. For beverages, consider warm drinks like chai tea, spiced cider, or even a glass of mulled wine. If you’re serving it as part of a larger meal, it follows well after roasted meats, hearty vegetables, or a savory stuffing.
Toppings can also enhance the pie experience. A dollop of cinnamon whipped cream, a drizzle of maple glaze, or a spoonful of crème fraîche can take each slice to the next level. Some even like to add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a hot-and-cold contrast that elevates the entire dish.
Tips for Success
If you’re new to making pies from scratch, this recipe is a great place to start. Here are a few quick tips to ensure your pie comes out perfectly every time:
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Roast the squash: Roasting brings out the squash’s natural sweetness and reduces moisture, resulting in a more concentrated flavor and better texture.
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Use a food processor or blender: For an ultra-smooth filling, blend your squash puree with the other ingredients before pouring into the crust.
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Watch your baking time: Overbaking can lead to cracking, so remove the pie from the oven when the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
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Cool completely: Letting the pie rest and cool properly allows the filling to set and flavors to meld together beautifully.
Conclusion:
Butternut Squash Pie is more than just a delicious seasonal dessert it’s a celebration of comfort, creativity, and connection. With its creamy texture, aromatic spices, and inviting flavor, it’s a recipe that deserves a permanent place in your fall and winter baking repertoire.
Whether you’re serving it at a Thanksgiving feast, bringing it to a holiday potluck, or simply baking it for a quiet night in, this pie promises to deliver warmth and satisfaction with every bite. It offers the perfect blend of tradition and innovation an old-fashioned concept with a modern twist.o