Name: Butternut Squash Muffins Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butternut squash puree (canned or cooked and mashed); 2 eggs; ¼ cup maple syrup; ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla paste; 1 cup all purpose flour (can sub gluten free all purpose); 1 cup old fashioned oats (get gluten free if needed); 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (can sub cinnamon)

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There is something incredibly cozy and welcoming about a warm, soft muffin bursting with seasonal flavor, and this Butternut Squash Muffins Recipe hits that mark perfectly. These muffins bring together the natural sweetness of butternut squash with wholesome oats and warm pumpkin pie spice, creating a treat that’s just as suitable for breakfast or an afternoon snack. They are moist, lightly spiced, and offer a nutrient-packed twist on your usual muffin, making them an instant favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round silver mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with thick, light brown batter that has small lumps and a smooth texture. A wooden spatula with a light cream silicone tip rests inside the batter, slightly coated with it. The bowl shows smudges of batter on the edge, and the batter surface is uneven with some swirls. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Butternut Squash Muffins Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that work in harmony to deliver texture, flavor, and subtle sweetness. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s providing moisture, binding the batter, or adding that perfectly spiced note.

1 cup butternut squash puree: This adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a lovely orange hue to the muffins.
2 eggs: Eggs bind everything together and give the muffins structure.
¼ cup maple syrup: Adds a touch of rich, natural sweetness that complements the squash beautifully.
¼ cup unsweetened applesauce: Keeps the muffins moist while providing a subtle fruity flavor.
½ cup plain Greek yogurt: Contributes a creamy texture and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil: Ensures the muffins stay tender and soft without heaviness.
1 teaspoon vanilla paste: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic vanilla notes.
1 cup all purpose flour: The base of the batter, or swap for gluten-free flour if needed for a gluten-free version.
1 cup old fashioned oats: Adds hearty texture and nuttiness.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the muffins rise beautifully and develop a light crumb.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweet and savory flavors.
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice: Brings warmth and depth with cinnamon, nutmeg, and more, but cinnamon alone works too.

How to Make Butternut Squash Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tray

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). If you have silicone muffin trays or liners, those are ideal as they prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. If not, simply grease your muffin tin or use paper liners, making sure to spray them lightly to avoid sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the butternut squash puree, eggs, maple syrup, unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and vanilla paste. This mixture combines moisture, sweetness, and flavor, laying the perfect foundation for your muffins.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the all purpose flour, old fashioned oats, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This blend of dry ingredients ensures your muffins have structure, a tender crumb, and that warm, comforting spice that ties everything together.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently stir until just combined. The batter will be a little lumpy due to the oats, and that’s exactly how it should be! Avoid overmixing to keep your muffins tender.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Using an ice cream scoop or spoon, fill each muffin cup about three-quarters full. Pop the tray into your preheated oven on the center rack. Bake for 19 to 23 minutes until the tops are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let your Butternut Squash Muffins cool for a few minutes in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set beautifully and keeps their soft texture intact. Then, dig in and savor every bite!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Muffins Recipe

The image shows seven round oatmeal muffins with a light golden brown color and a slightly cracked top texture. One muffin is in the center with a bite taken out, showing a soft, moist inside with visible oats mixed in. The muffins are placed on a white marbled surface scattered lightly with oat flakes around them. A cream-colored cloth is partially visible on the left side. The overall arrangement looks casual and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

One of the joys of these muffins is how versatile they are to dress up. Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness and visual appeal. For a more indulgent touch, spread some cream cheese or nut butter when serving—it’s heavenly!

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a rich hot chocolate. For a balanced breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt topped with honey and nuts. They hold their own wonderfully with light, fresh options that complement but do not overpower their flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the muffins in half horizontally and making mini breakfast sandwiches with cream cheese and thin slices of apple or pear. You can also drizzle a warm maple glaze over the tops to impress guests or box them up as a thoughtful homemade gift that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay moist and flavorful, perfect for a grab-and-go snack or breakfast on busy mornings.

Freezing

If you want to keep these muffins longer, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months, maintaining their taste and texture well.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen or refrigerated muffins, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a crispy edge, warming them in a toaster oven for a few minutes works wonderfully, bringing back that freshly baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use fresh butternut squash instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! Just roast or steam the squash until tender and mash it until smooth. Using fresh squash can enhance the flavor and texture, making your muffins even more delightful.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The original recipe uses all purpose flour, but you can easily substitute it with a gluten-free all purpose blend. Just make sure the oats are certified gluten-free as well to keep things safe.

Can I substitute the maple syrup with something else?

Yes, honey or agave nectar work well as alternatives. Each will slightly alter the flavor, but they all provide natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the squash.

Why do the muffins have oats in them?

The oats add a wonderful texture and nutty flavor, plus they contribute fiber and make the muffins more satisfying. They also help give these muffins a little chewiness alongside the soft crumb.

Can I add nuts or dried fruits to this recipe?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries would be a fantastic addition to the batter, giving the muffins extra texture and bursts of flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall or warmly welcome a cozy morning, this Butternut Squash Muffins Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Its combination of rich, wholesome ingredients and subtle spice makes each bite a comforting hug from the inside out. Trust me, once you try these, they will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!