Easy Butternut Squash Pie Recipe to Try Today
If you are searching for a cozy and creamy dessert that brings warmth to your table, this Butternut Squash Pie is the perfect choice. Bursting with natural sweetness and a velvety plant-based texture, this pie combines wholesome ingredients and a natural gelling agent to create a luscious treat that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a comforting snack, this recipe offers an irresistibly smooth and satisfying experience that highlights the best of autumn flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The natural gelling agent works beautifully with butternut squash to deliver a silky filling without any heaviness.
- Naturally Sweetened: Using the inherent sweetness of butternut squash and a touch of maple syrup (natural) balances every bite perfectly.
- Plant-Based Ingredients: This recipe is fully plant-friendly while maintaining that comforting pie experience you crave.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find, wholesome ingredients make this pie a fuss-free kitchen win.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can adapt the pie easily to suit your flavor preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind a smooth and flavorful Butternut Squash Pie comes down to thoughtful, simple ingredients that bring out the best in every bite. Each element contributes to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color creating a deliciously inviting dessert.
- Butternut Squash: Roasted and pureed for a naturally sweet and creamy base.
- Coconut Milk (plant-based): Adds a rich, silky creaminess without overpowering the squash’s flavor.
- Maple Syrup (natural): Enhances sweetness in a gentle, natural way.
- Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg (natural): Warm spices that complement the pie with cozy, familiar flavors.
- Vanilla Extract (natural): Provides depth and a subtle sweet aroma.
- Natural Gelling Agent: Ensures the filling sets perfectly while remaining smooth and luscious.
- Smoked Turkey Bacon: Optional, adds a savory contrast to the sweet pie for adventurous palates.
Variations for Butternut Squash Pie
This Butternut Squash Pie is incredibly adaptable so that you can tailor it to your taste preferences or what’s available in your pantry. Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own cozy classic.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy, rich texture.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for an extra warm spice kick.
- Vegan Delight: Replace smoked turkey bacon with smoked turkey slices for a plant-based protein boost.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to brighten the flavors with a subtle zing.
- Sweet and Savory: Sprinkle a little smoked paprika on the crust edge to contrast the sweetness with a hint of smoky flavor.
How to Make Butternut Squash Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash
Peel, seed, and cut the butternut squash into cubes. Roast the cubes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until tender and caramelized on the edges. Let cool slightly, then puree until smooth.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the butternut squash puree with coconut milk (plant-based), maple syrup (natural), ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract (natural), and the natural gelling agent. Blend thoroughly until you achieve a uniform and creamy mixture.
Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crust
Use your favorite pie crust recipe or store-bought plant-based crust. Press it into a pie pan and gently prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Pour the butternut squash filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the middle. Allow to cool completely to finish setting.
Step 5: Optional Smoky Garnish
For those who desire a touch of savory to balance the sweetness, crisp some smoked turkey bacon and scatter on top or serve on the side.
Pro Tips for Making Butternut Squash Pie
- Use Fresh Squash: Fresh butternut squash delivers better flavor and creaminess than canned alternatives.
- Don’t Overbake: Slight jiggle in the center when you take the pie out ensures creamy texture after cooling.
- Let It Cool Fully: Cooling allows the natural gelling agent to completely set the pie perfectly.
- Test the Filling: Adjust sweetness before baking by tasting the filling mixture.
- Crust Care: Pre-baking the crust slightly prevents sogginess, keeping the pie’s base crisp.
How to Serve Butternut Squash Pie
Garnishes
Top your pie with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a few curls of smoked turkey slices to add a touch of texture and flavor contrast that livens up each slice.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced grape juice or a fresh fruit salad, balancing the rich creaminess with refreshing and light elements.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pie in individual ramekins or mason jars for a charming presentation that’s perfect for gatherings or gifting. A leaf sprinkle of cinnamon on top always adds a festive flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Butternut Squash Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring it retains its creamy texture and flavors.
Freezing
Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can keep well for up to 2 months and thaw gently overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Warm slices in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through without drying out the filling. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Butternut Squash Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors develop beautifully after resting overnight, making it a great make-ahead dessert for busy days or entertaining.
What can I use instead of smoked turkey bacon in this recipe?
You can omit the smoked turkey bacon altogether or replace it with smoked turkey slices for a similar smoky note without changing the pie’s character.
Is the natural gelling agent necessary?
The natural gelling agent helps the pie filling set flawlessly, giving it that classic sliceable texture while keeping it creamy and smooth.
How do I keep the pie crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the crust slightly and ensuring the filling is thickened before baking minimizes sogginess and maintains a crisp bottom.
Can I substitute coconut milk (plant-based) with other plant milks?
Yes, but choose a creamier option like oat or cashew milk (plant-based) to keep the filling rich and silky without thinning it out.
Final Thoughts
This Butternut Squash Pie combines the best of sweet, creamy, and cozy flavors in one simple, plant-based dessert that you can enjoy anytime. It’s an invitation to savor the harvest season or brighten a chilly evening with a homemade treat that feels like a warm hug. Dive into making this pie today and share a slice with those you care about!
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Butternut Squash Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Plant-Based
Description
This Butternut Squash Pie is a cozy, creamy, and naturally sweet plant-based dessert perfect for autumn. Made with roasted butternut squash, coconut milk, and warm spices, it offers a velvety texture balanced by a natural gelling agent. Easy to prepare and versatile, this pie is a comforting treat that can be customized with optional toppings and garnishes for an inviting finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, roasted, and pureed
- 1 cup coconut milk (plant-based)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (natural)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 2 teaspoons natural gelling agent
Optional Garnish
- 2–3 slices smoked turkey bacon, crisped
- Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts (for nutty twist)
- Pinch of ground ginger or cloves (for spiced up variation)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (for citrus zest)
- Smoked paprika (for sweet and savory crust edge)
Pie Crust
- 1 plant-based pie crust, store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Prepare the Butternut Squash: Peel, seed, and cut the butternut squash into cubes. Roast the cubes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized at the edges. Let cool slightly, then puree until smooth.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the pureed butternut squash with coconut milk (plant-based), maple syrup (natural), ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract (natural), and natural gelling agent. Blend thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and creamy.
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Press your plant-based pie crust into a pie pan and gently prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Optionally pre-bake slightly to prevent sogginess.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the butternut squash filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Allow to cool completely to finish setting.
- Optional Smoky Garnish: Crisp the smoked turkey bacon and scatter on top of the cooled pie or serve on the side as a savory contrast.
Notes
- Use fresh butternut squash for better flavor and creaminess compared to canned.
- Do not overbake; a slight jiggle in the center ensures a creamy texture after cooling.
- Cooling completely allows the natural gelling agent to set the pie perfectly.
- Taste the filling mixture before baking and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Pre-baking the crust slightly prevents sogginess and keeps the base crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: butternut squash pie, plant-based dessert, creamy pie, autumn dessert, vegan pie, dairy-free pie
