Delightful Butternut Squash Pie: The Perfect Autumn Dessert

Step into the cozy flavors of fall with our exquisite Butternut Squash Pie. This recipe features a velvety, perfectly spiced filling baked within a tender, flaky crust, creating an irresistible dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. It’s the ultimate autumn-inspired treat, ideal for holiday feasts, seasonal gatherings, or simply a cozy evening at home.

Our Butternut Squash Pie offers a uniquely smooth and creamy experience, crafted from freshly roasted butternut squash and a harmonious blend of warm, inviting spices. The delicate, buttery crust provides a delightful contrast to the rich, subtly sweet squash filling, making every bite a memorable one. While it shares the comforting spirit of its cousin, pumpkin pie, this butternut squash version brings its own distinct charm and flavor profile that will surely become a new fall favorite.

Prepare to impress your guests with this seasonal showstopper. Serve it warm with a generous dollop of Homemade Whipped Cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a simple dusting of cinnamon for an extra touch of warmth. Whether it’s the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table or a special treat for any crisp autumn day, this pie promises to bring smiles and satisfaction to everyone.

If you adore the classic taste of pumpkin pie, you simply must give this butternut squash pie recipe a try. Its rich texture and nuanced flavor are a welcome addition to any dessert repertoire. For more inspiring ideas for your festive table, explore these delicious Thanksgiving Pie Recipes.

Why We Love This Recipe: A Fall Favorite Reinvented

Our Butternut Squash Pie isn’t just another dessert; it’s a celebration of autumn’s bounty, crafted to bring warmth and joy to your table. Here’s why this recipe stands out as a true fall favorite:

• Creamy and Flavorful: The star of this pie is its incredibly smooth, luscious filling. Made from roasted butternut squash, it boasts a naturally sweet and earthy flavor that’s beautifully enhanced by a blend of classic fall spices. Every spoonful is a testament to rich, comforting taste.
• Flaky, Golden Crust: A great pie starts with a great crust. Our recipe ensures a tender, flaky pastry that perfectly complements the creamy filling. The buttery layers create a delightful textural contrast, elevating the overall experience of the pie.
• A Unique Seasonal Twist: While pumpkin pie holds a special place in our hearts, this butternut squash pie offers a fresh and exciting alternative. It provides all the familiar warmth and spice of a holiday dessert, but with a distinctive flavor that will pleasantly surprise and delight your family and friends.
• Effortlessly Elegant for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a grand holiday dinner, a casual fall gathering, or simply enjoying a quiet evening, this pie is remarkably easy to prepare and serve. Its impressive appearance and unforgettable taste make it perfect for any special occasion.
• Customizable to Your Taste: This recipe provides a fantastic foundation, allowing you to easily adjust the spice levels to your preference. Add a little extra cinnamon for a bolder flavor, experiment with a hint of ginger, or top it with your favorite garnishes for a truly personalized touch.

The Star Ingredient: Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a nutritional powerhouse and the heart of this delightful pie. Its naturally sweet, nutty flavor and vibrant orange flesh make it an ideal choice for baking. Opting for fresh butternut squash over canned puree offers a superior taste and texture, allowing the natural sweetness to truly shine. When selecting your squash, look for one that feels heavy for its size, with smooth, firm, unblemished skin. A rich, deep tan color indicates ripeness.

Preparing butternut squash might seem daunting, but it’s simpler than you think. After washing, carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise. A sturdy chef’s knife is recommended for this. Scoop out the seeds and fibrous strands with a spoon. For roasting, place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet, which helps to steam the squash and create a tender, easily scoopable flesh. Roasting deepens its flavor, adding a caramelized sweetness that cannot be achieved with boiling or steaming alone. Once roasted and cooled, the soft flesh purees beautifully, forming the silky base of our pie filling.

Ingredients for Butternut Squash Pie: What You’ll Need

Crafting this incredible pie requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at the key components:

• Pie Crust: An unbaked 9-inch pie crust forms the foundational layer of our pie. You can opt for a high-quality store-bought crust for convenience, or try a homemade version for an unparalleled buttery flavor and flaky texture.
• Butternut Squash: Approximately 3 pounds of fresh butternut squash, roasted or cooked until tender, will yield the perfect amount of smooth, naturally sweet puree for the filling. Fresh squash provides the best flavor depth.
• Butter: A couple of tablespoons of real butter are added to the squash puree. This enriches the filling, adding a luxurious mouthfeel and enhancing the overall flavor.
• Brown Sugar: About half a cup of homemade brown sugar or a good quality store-bought brand contributes a deep, molasses-rich sweetness and a subtle caramel note, perfectly complementing the squash.
• White Sugar: A quarter cup of white granulated sugar balances the brown sugar, providing a clean sweetness that allows the natural flavors of the squash and spices to shine without being overly heavy.
• Salt: Just a quarter teaspoon of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and intensifying all the other flavors in the pie, preventing it from tasting flat.
• Cornstarch: One tablespoon of cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring the pie filling sets beautifully and maintains its creamy, jiggly texture without being too watery.
• Ground Cinnamon: A full teaspoon of ground cinnamon infuses the pie with its quintessential warm, aromatic, and slightly sweet notes, making it instantly recognizable as a comforting fall dessert.
• Nutmeg: Half a teaspoon of ground nutmeg adds a subtly woody, sweet, and pungent spice that perfectly harmonizes with cinnamon and butternut squash.
• Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon of pure vanilla extract elevates all the other flavors, adding a fragrant, sweet complexity that rounds out the spice profile.
• Eggs: Two large, room-temperature eggs are essential binders for the filling. They help the pie set into a firm yet custardy texture when baked. Using room-temperature eggs ensures they incorporate smoothly into the mixture.
• Evaporated Milk: One cup of evaporated milk provides incredible richness and a supremely creamy texture to the pie filling. Unlike regular milk, it’s concentrated, meaning it adds body without introducing excess moisture.

For the complete list of quantities and detailed steps, please scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe card.

Irresistible Topping Ideas for Your Butternut Squash Pie

While this butternut squash pie is absolutely delicious on its own, adding a topping can elevate it to a new level of indulgence and visual appeal. Here are some of our favorite ideas to crown your perfect pie:

• Homemade Whipped Cream: A classic for a reason! A dollop of light, airy, and subtly sweet whipped cream on top of each slice is pure bliss. We highly recommend making this super easy homemade whipped cream for the freshest taste. Its delicate texture beautifully complements the rich, creamy pie filling.
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: For an extra decadent treat, serve your pie warm with a generous scoop of No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream. The melting coolness of the ice cream against the warm, spiced pie creates an exquisite contrast that’s truly irresistible.
• Caramel Drizzle: A luscious homemade or store-bought caramel sauce drizzled over each slice adds a sticky-sweet, buttery dimension that pairs wonderfully with butternut squash.
• Toasted Pecans or Walnuts: For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle some lightly toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the pie, or even directly onto the whipped cream.
• Cinnamon or Nutmeg Dusting: A simple yet effective touch, a light dusting of ground cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg over the top of the pie or whipped cream adds an aromatic finish and a hint of extra spice.
• Candied Ginger: For a sophisticated touch, finely chopped candied ginger sprinkled on top offers a lovely spicy-sweet zing.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Butternut Squash Pie

Creating this delicious butternut squash pie is a straightforward process, made easier with these detailed steps. Follow along to achieve a perfectly creamy and flavorful dessert:

1. Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your pie bakes evenly from the start.
2. Prepare the Butternut Squash: Carefully cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out all the seeds and fibrous strings from both halves.

3. 
   

   Roast the Squash: Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet. This method allows the squash to steam gently, ensuring it becomes perfectly tender. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the squash is very tender when pierced with a fork.

   
   

   Cool and Scoop the Squash: Once baked, remove the squash from the oven and allow it to cool for about 30-60 minutes. This makes it easier to handle. Then, scoop the soft, cooked flesh from the shell and transfer it to a food processor.

4. 
   

   Add Butter and Puree: Add the softened butter to the food processor with the butternut squash. Process until the squash is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.

   
   

   Transfer to a Mixing Bowl: Scoop 2 cups of the smooth butternut squash puree into a large mixing bowl, leaving any excess for other uses (like soup or baby food).

5. 
   

   Combine with Sugars: Add the brown sugar and white sugar to the mixing bowl with the squash puree. Stir well to ensure the sugars are fully incorporated.

   
   

   Add Wet Ingredients and Spices: Next, add the eggs, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract to the mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined and smooth. Then, stir in the salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until just blended with the squash puree.

6. 
   

   Prepare the Pie Crust: Gently place your unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie pan. Crimp the edges decoratively around the rim of the pan. This not only looks nice but also helps to hold the filling.

   
   

   Pour the Filling: Carefully pour the prepared butternut squash pie filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.

7. 
   

   Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 45-60 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are golden brown and the center of the pie is still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. It will set further as it cools.

   
   

   Cool Completely: This is a crucial step! Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing. This ensures the filling sets properly and prevents cracking.

8. 
   

   Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled and set, your delightful butternut squash pie is ready to be sliced, served, and savored!

   
   

   Your perfectly baked butternut squash pie, ready to be sliced and shared!

Expert Tips for Butternut Squash Pie Perfection

Achieving a flawless butternut squash pie is easy with these insider tips and tricks:

• Prevent Over-Browning Crust: Pie crusts can brown quickly. If you notice the edges of your crust browning too fast during baking, loosely cover them with strips of aluminum foil halfway through the cooking time. You can even cover the entire pie with foil if the top starts to brown excessively.
• Make Ahead for Enhanced Flavor: This pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert! Prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it. The flavors will have more time to meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious and well-set pie.
• Choose Your Pie Crust Wisely: While a store-bought crust offers convenience, a homemade pie crust provides an unbeatable flavor and flaky texture. Experiment to find your favorite, or try blind baking your crust for extra crispness if your recipe calls for it.
• Crucial Cooling Time: Do not rush the cooling process! Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or even longer. This allows the filling to fully set, preventing cracks and ensuring clean, beautiful slices.
• Cook Squash in Advance: To save time on baking day, roast or steam your butternut squash a day or two ahead. Once cooked, scoop out the flesh, puree it, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make the pie.
• Customize Your Spices: The spice blend in this recipe is a classic, but feel free to adjust it to your taste. For a stronger, warmer flavor, you might add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg, or even a dash of ground ginger or allspice.
• Achieve Clean Slices: For neat, even slices that look professional, use a sharp, thin-bladed knife. Wipe the knife clean with a damp cloth between each cut to prevent the filling from sticking and creating messy slices.
• Ensure an Even Filling: A smooth, evenly mixed butternut squash puree is key to a beautiful pie. Make sure there are no lumps in your puree before mixing it with the other ingredients, ensuring a consistent texture throughout the filling.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Always use room-temperature eggs for pie fillings. They incorporate more smoothly into the batter and create a more uniform, emulsified mixture, leading to a creamier texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Your Butternut Squash Pie

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious butternut squash pie for days to come. Here’s how to keep it fresh and how to reheat it:

Refrigerator Storage:

• Once the pie has cooled completely to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to an airtight container.
• Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Freezer Storage:

• For longer storage, you can freeze your butternut squash pie. Once cooled, wrap the entire pie (or individual slices) tightly first in plastic wrap, then again with aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• To thaw, transfer the frozen pie to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight before serving.

Reheating Tips:

• Microwave: For quick reheating of individual slices, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and warm for 15-20 seconds, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the crust soggy.
• Oven: To enjoy a freshly baked taste and crisp crust, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place individual slices on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. For a whole pie, you might need 20-30 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butternut Squash Pie

Got questions about baking the perfect butternut squash pie? We’ve got answers!

More Easy and Delicious Pie Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed this delightful butternut squash pie, you’re in for a treat! We have a treasure trove of other easy and irresistible pie recipes perfect for any occasion. Explore these fantastic options:

• Dulce De Leche Pumpkin Pie: A delightful twist on the classic, featuring rich caramel notes.
• Pecan Pie Recipe: The ultimate sweet and nutty indulgence, perfect for holiday tables.
• Toffee Almond Pie: A sophisticated blend of crunchy almonds and buttery toffee.
• Easy Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe: A decadent combination of two beloved pie flavors.

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