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
Scale
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