Get ready to fall in love with the cozy flavors of this Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Bake. Imagine caramelized cubes of golden squash mingling with juicy apples, toasted pecans, and jewel-toned cranberries, all kissed with maple syrup and cinnamon. It’s a celebration of everything we crave in autumn: warmth, sweetness, texture, and color. Whether you’re dressing up your holiday table or just craving something comforting for a weeknight dinner, this dish brings the joy of the season to every bite.

Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is full of flavor and purpose, creating a harmonious balance between sweet, nutty, and fruity. Gather these essentials and let their vibrant hues and aromas work their magic!

Butternut squash: Sweet and creamy cubes that roast to a buttery, caramelized tenderness.
Apples: Choose a crisp variety; they soften slightly but hold their shape, offering a juicy, tangy contrast.
Pecans: Roughly chopped for texture and a toasty, nutty crunch in every bite.
Dried cranberries or raisins: Add pops of color and a tart, chewy finish to complement the sweet veggies.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that brings the warm, rich taste of autumn to the entire dish.
Cinnamon: The star spice, lending its signature cozy aroma and warming depth.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings a subtle, earthy spice that ties everything together.
Melted coconut oil or butter: Both add a luscious mouthfeel—choose your favorite for a hint of richness.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance every other flavor and keep the sweetness in perfect balance.

How to Make Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures those gorgeous chunks of squash and apple will roast evenly, turning irresistibly golden and tender. Meanwhile, take a minute to peel, chop, and measure all your ingredients, so everything is ready to toss together in a flash.

Step 2: Toss the Main Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash, diced apples, roughly chopped pecans, and your choice of dried cranberries or raisins. This jumble of colors and textures already promises a beautiful, rustic dish.

Step 3: Whisk the Sweet-Spiced Sauce

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, melted coconut oil or butter, and that pinched bit of salt. The aromatic blend smells almost like autumn itself and will coat all your ingredients in deliciousness.

Step 4: Coat Everything Evenly

Pour your maple-cinnamon mixture over the squash, apples, and nuts. Toss thoroughly to make sure every piece is coated—this step is the secret to getting those caramelized edges and glowing color that make the Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Bake so appealing.

Step 5: Arrange and Bake

Spread the mixture in a white ceramic baking dish in a single, even layer. This helps everything roast, not steam, so you get golden brown edges and perfect tenderness. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring gently halfway through, until the squash and apples are easily pierced with a fork and the kitchen smells heavenly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the bake cool for just a few minutes before serving. Scoop warm helpings onto plates as a rustic side, or enjoy as a gently sweet dessert-style treat—maybe with a swirl of yogurt or a dollop of whipped cream on top.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Bake

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle fresh minced herbs like parsley or mint, or scatter a bit more chopped pecan on top just before serving. A drizzle of extra maple syrup or a spoonful of Greek yogurt can take the Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Bake over the top, both visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This dish fits beautifully alongside classic holiday mains like roast turkey, glazed ham, or a vegetarian loaf. It’s also perfect with simple roasted chicken, or as a centerpiece alongside grain bowls, quinoa salads, or a big tangle of garlicky greens for a nourishing fall supper.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it family-style in a white ceramic dish for rustic charm, or portion it into individual ramekins for a touch of elegance at special gatherings. For brunch, try piling it on toast with ricotta, or toss leftovers with arugula and feta for an autumnal salad twist. Kids love it as a colorful, naturally sweet side!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Bake cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it easy to enjoy the flavors of fall all week.

Freezing

This bake freezes surprisingly well! Cool it thoroughly and portion into smaller, freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months. On defrosting, some of the apple texture can soften a bit, but the overall flavor remains comforting and delicious.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop leftover portions in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or microwave gently until warm. If it looks a little dry from the fridge, add a splash of apple juice or a touch of water before reheating to help restore that just-baked moistness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of squash?

Absolutely! Acorn squash or delicata squash make wonderful substitutes if you’re in the mood to switch things up, though butternut remains the classic for its smooth, sweet profile.

What are the best apples for this bake?

Go for firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. They hold their shape while roasting and balance the sweetness beautifully.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! When made with coconut oil, the Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Bake is completely vegan and gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleaser for all dietary needs.

Can I prep any part of this bake ahead of time?

Definitely. You can peel and cube both the squash and apples a day in advance; just store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to combine and bake.

How do I keep the nuts crunchy?

For extra crunch, you can even sprinkle the pecans on top during the last 10 minutes of baking, or toast them separately and add just before serving—it’s a little chef’s trick for texture!

Final Thoughts

Give yourself and your loved ones the gift of a true fall classic! The Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Bake is the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and makes any meal (or holiday table) feel just a bit more special. I hope it brings delicious comfort and a touch of joy to your autumn kitchen!

Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Bake Recipe