Butternut Squash Pie {Or Hubbard, Acorn, etc}

Homemade Butternut Squash Pie is sweet and spicy with a delicate nutty flavor and silky texture that's the perfect Thanksgiving dessert. It's so versatile that you can make this recipe with acorn, Hubbard, pumpkin, or almost any other winter squash that you choose! Be sure to use my flaky butter pie crust recipe!

Recipe Ingredients

• Unbaked pie crust holds the filling. I always use my favorite butter crust recipe that's linked in the recipe.
• Fresh butternut, acorn, Hubbard, or other winter squash.
• Heavy cream is part of what makes the texture of this so amazing.
• Light brown sugar is used because the dark brown would overpower the flavors in this unique pie.
• Maple syrup adds sweetness and a light maple flavor. Make sure you get the real thing.
• Cinnamon of course. If you use different types of cinnamon for different recipes you'll want the Ceylon cinnamon.
• Salt always brings out the other flavors and balances sweetness. I use kosher salt.
• Ginger adds that holiday "pop" to the flavor. Make sure it's fresh - if you've had it in the cupboard a year go ahead and get new.
• Cloves are one of my favorite spices, dark and warm. Like ginger, you'll want to make sure this is fresh.
• Whole nutmeg keeps it's flavor for eons which is why I prefer it. It's so easy to grate.
• Chipotle powder is totally optional. I find that just a pinch adds a warm tingle that I like.
• Eggs used here are large, organic, and have rich, yellow yolks.
• Butter for the optional topping.
• Pecans for the optional topping.

Bye Bye Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie is one of my favorites.

Creamy, rich, and spicy, the flavor has always announced the holidays for me. I've always made a variation of the classic Libby's pumpkin pie from the back of the can of pumpkin.

My mom always made it -- you know -- tradition. Starting in September my mom would start stocking up on cans Libby's pumpkin.

We had pumpkin pie twice a year -- once on Thanksgiving and once on Christmas. In fact, I counted special days by the kinds of pies we had since we rarely had pie on a "non-special" day.

Besides pumpkin on Thanksgiving and Christmas she'd make blueberry on my dad's birthday, coconut cream on Easter, and apple on 4th of July. That was the sum total of her pie making. She admitted she was always the kid who preferred to work out in the barn with her dad rather than in the house. I have always been thankful that she learned to make those pies somehow.

What Does Butternut Squash Pie Taste Like?

The flavor of  this yummy Thanksgiving pie (or Christmas!) is reminiscent of pumpkin pie but lighter and more delicate. The texture is also not as dense.

It's spicy, buttery, and sweet but also just a little flowery. I really liked it. I'd go with some lightly sweetened whipped cream dusted with a little freshly grated nutmeg. I think ice cream would be too much here.

FAQS

Here are the most commonly asked questions about this recipe. If you don't find the answer to yours here leave a comment below or email me - I'll get back to you as soon as I can!

Can you substitute butternut squash for pumpkin in pie?

Absolutely! Just use and equal amount of pumpkin for the squash in this recipe.

Can you freeze butternut squash pie?

Yes you can. Let it cool to room temperature and then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I use frozen squash instead of fresh?

Yes - you'll just need 2 cups of puree. That's about 2 pound of frozen squash - and no need to bake it.

How can I tell when butternut squash is ripe?

Winter squash will feel heavy and firm. Look for squash where the stem is intact because it will keep it fresher longer. If you tap it it will sound hollow.

Butternut Squash Pie Step by Step

1. Mix the brown sugar in with the squash.
2. Add maple syrup.
3. Stir in the spices.
4. Add the beaten egg.
5. Pour in the cream.
6. Have your unbaked crust ready.
7. Pour the butternut squash pie filling into the pie crust.
8. Grate nutmeg over the top.
9. Bake according to recipe.

How to Prepare the Fresh Squash

I like to roast the squash in the oven because I think it gives it a better flavor.

1. Cut the squash in half.
2. Take out seeds.
3. Brush cut sides with butter and place cut side down on a buttered baking sheet.
4. Bake until very soft and tender - about 30 minutes.
5. Let cool and use as directed.

More Great Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

I do love a good pie! Here are more of my favorites for Thanksgiving.

• Classic Pecan Pie is rich and gooey with lots of pecans in the filling. This is a MUST at our house.
• Orange Bourbon Pecan Pie is another pecan pie but it makes the whole house smell like Christmas.
• Grandma’s Dutch Apple Pie recipe has the perfect crumbly streusel topping - thick and sweet. This pie is a classic and it is so easy to make! 
• Candy Apple Pie is a gorgeous crimson color with lots of sweet, cinnamon flavor. It is buttery and incredible served warm with vanilla ice cream.
• 25 Best Thanksgiving Pies - I really think Thanksgiving should be a three day event. Day one should be the turkey and maybe appetizers. Then day two could be the side dishes, followed by day three…desserts. Maybe there should be day four- Alka seltzer day.

You May Need...

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One thing that will make a huge difference in your baking, especially with something like this butternut squash pie, is using whole nutmeg rather than ground. I know it sounds silly but it's true.

Just give it a try! The flavor is intense and you don't need much. You'll need a grater  similar to this one to grate the nutmeg -- and no need to watch your fingers with this one! Cole and Mason Professional Nutmeg Spice Grinder

You need a good food processor or blender to get a smooth texture in the squash. I have the Bosch Kitchen Machine which handles my bread dough, my blending, and my food processing chores. I just love it! Bosch Universal Plus Kitchen Machine

Homemade Butternut Squash Pie Recipe

Smooth and creamy butternut squash pie is maybe even better than pumpin! Perfect combination of autumn spice for your Thanksgiving celebration.

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️