Irresistible 7-Step Butternut Squash Bread: Power-Packed Fall Comfort

Butternut Squash Bread with Brown Sugar Pecan
Butternut Squash Bread with Brown Sugar Pecan

Welcome, dear friends! I’m so grateful you’re here to bake along with me 🍠🍞 There’s nothing quite like the cozy comfort of Butternut Squash Bread with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping, our star recipe today. This moist, warmly spiced loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Stick around, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

Overview of Recipe Content

  • What it is: A tender quick bread bursting with autumnal spices and topped with a sweet, nutty pecan crumble.
  • Why you’ll love it: Imagine a mash‑up of pumpkin bread and coffee cake—sweet, nutty, and deeply satisfying.
  • Tastes like: Cinnamon‑ginger‑clove warmth with buttery pecan crunch.
  • Health/seasonal: Packed with vitamin A from squash, plus made with whole‑ingredient spices.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all‑purpose flour 🌾
  • 1 ¼ tsp baking powder 🧁
  • ½ tsp baking soda 🥄
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon 🌰
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice 🎃
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg 🌿
  • ½ tsp ground cloves 🌸
  • ½ tsp salt 🧂
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger 🌱
  • 4 large eggs 🥚
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup butternut squash puree
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Brown Sugar Pecan Topping

  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp melted butter

Tools Needed

  • 9×5″ loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls, whisk, spatula
  • Electric mixer (optional)

Substitutions & Add‑Ins

  • Use whole‑wheat pastry flour for nuttier texture
  • Swap pecans with walnuts or sunflower seeds
  • Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips or dried cranberries

How to Make Butternut Squash Bread with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping

  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour your loaf pan.
  2. Spice mix: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
  3. Wet mix: In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light. Fold in squash puree, melted butter, milk, and vanilla.
  4. Combine: Gently stir the wet and dry ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix!
  5. Topping: Mix pecans, brown sugar, and butter. Sprinkle evenly over the batter in the pan.
  6. Bake: Pour batter into pan, smooth the top, and bake 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool & enjoy: Let cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a rack. Slice and savor!

What to Serve with Butternut Squash Bread

  • A mug of creamy latte, chai tea, or fresh apple cider
  • Savory accent: smear with herbed goat cheese or honey‑butter
  • Serve warm alongside yogurt parfait or fresh fruit for brunch

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Don’t overmix—just a few folds keeps it tender.
  • Check early at 50 min; every oven bakes differently.
  • Prep topping ahead and keep chilled to preserve crunch.
  • Make ahead: Freeze slices wrapped in parchment; toast before serving.

Storage Instructions

  • At room temp: Keep in an airtight container for 3 days.
  • Refrigerate: Lasts up to 7 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap loaf or slices in foil + freezer bag—freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight.

General Information

This bread draws from American homestead traditions—think cozy fall kitchens and family gatherings. Using squash instead of pumpkin is versatile and economical, especially if you roast fresh squash in fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned squash/pumpkin?
Yes! Just substitute 1 cup canned pumpkin or squash puree.

2. Can I make muffins instead?
Absolutely—bake in muffin tins for 20–25 minutes.

3. Is this dairy‑free adaptable?
Yes; use plant‑based milk and coconut oil instead of butter.

4. My topping sank—what happened?
Ensure batter isn’t too liquidy, and sprinkle topping gently to prevent sinking.

5. Can I use white sugar?
You can, but brown sugar adds moisture and caramel flavor.

6. Why is my bread gummy?
Likely underbaked—add 5‑10 more minutes and test again.

Conclusion

This Butternut Squash Bread with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping is irresistibly warm, comforting, and perfect for sharing. If you love it, next try my cozy Pumpkin Bread or scrumptious Apple Cinnamon Muffins—both easy to whip up and perfect for fall baking.

Interactive Elements

I’d love your feedback—please leave a comment or review below. Snap a pic of your loaf and tag me on Pinterest @poulefrecipe or share your creation on social media with #PoulefKitchen—I’m always excited to see your kitchen magic!

Nutritional Information (per slice)

CaloriesFatSat FatCarbsFiberSugarProtein
28012 g6 g38 g2 g16 g5 g

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Irresistible Butternut Squash Bread with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping


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  • Author: Poulef
  • Total Time: 70 mins
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x

Description

A moist quick bread loaded with butternut squash and topped with a sweet brown sugar pecan crumble — perfect for cozy mornings or fall brunches.


Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground ginger

4 large eggs

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup butternut squash puree

1/2 cup melted butter

1/2 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 Tbsp melted butter


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5 loaf pan.

2. Whisk dry ingredients together.

3. Beat eggs and sugar, then add squash, butter, milk, vanilla.

4. Fold wet into dry until just combined.

5. Mix pecan topping and sprinkle over batter.

6. Bake 50–60 mins until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool 10 mins in pan, then transfer to wire rack.

Notes

Don’t overmix to keep crumb tender.

Topping can be prepped ahead and chilled.

Freeze slices wrapped for lasting enjoyment.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 55 mins
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
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26-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set

A versatile set of mixing bowls with airtight lids and non-slip bottoms. Includes 3 grater attachments for added convenience in the kitchen!

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I’m Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!. Let’s be friends!