• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Recipes Worth Repeating
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Privacy Policy
  • Work With Me
    • Media Kit
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Cookbooks
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Cookbooks
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Roasted Acorn Squash Muffins

    Published: Aug 9, 2022 · Modified: Mar 23, 2023 by Amanda Mason · 72 Comments

    Yield 18 people
    Cook 20 minutes minutes
    Prep 50 minutes minutes
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    Six muffins cooling on a wire rack.
    Glass bowl containing pureed acorn squash sitting on marble counter.
    Six muffins cooling on a wire rack.
    5 acorn squash muffins sitting on a black granite counter, bread crumbles on counter.
    9 muffins sitting on a wire cooling rack on a granite counter.
    Person pouring acorn squash batter into muffin cups.
    Six muffins cooling on a wire rack.

    These roasted acorn squash muffins are the perfect breakfast muffin and are easy to make! These squash muffins are both delicious and healthy, perfect for the fall and winter months. Enjoy these for a quick breakfast or a light snack!

    Six muffins cooling on a wire rack.
    Jump to:
    • Quick Recipe Overview
    • ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works
    • 🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
    • 📋 Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
    • Storage
    • 🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 💭 Expert Tips
    • 👩‍🍳 More Squash Recipes You'll Love!
    • Roasted Acorn Squash Muffins

    Quick Recipe Overview

    Why These Squash Muffins Are The Best: Made with roasted acorn squash, these muffins are super soft and fluffy. Not overly sweet and made with just enough spice, these are a huge crowd pleaser!

    How Long It Takes: 1 hour and 10 minutes

    Equipment You'll Need: muffin tins, mixer


    These roasted acorn squash muffins are so delicious, no one would ever know they were made with squash. We are always making some type of easy, healthy muffin recipe like these egg muffins, banana oatmeal muffins, and my famous pumpkin chocolate chip muffins because they are perfect for breakfast or even for a quick snack. And since muffin recipes typically yield at least 12 muffins, they are perfect to grab and go on busy days.

    Acorn squash has a mild and buttery taste. It pairs really well with a wide variety of sweet and savory seasonings and flavors. It's considered a winter squash and can be roasted, stuffed, sautéed, and pureed. Roasted acorn squash makes the most amazing homemade acorn squash puree which is what makes these acorn squash muffins so light and fluffy. With its mild sweetness and nutty flavor, the texture of the puree comes out super soft and creamy.

    Acorn squash also has a watery flesh which contributes to the moisture in this muffin recipe. The squash is the star of the show and hands down, these are the most delectable squash muffins you will ever eat! By far, this is one of my most favorite muffin recipes ever.


    ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works

    1. Subtly sweet with just enough spice, the roasted acorn squash pairs so well with the warm cinnamon flavor you can taste in every bite.

    2. What makes these acorn squash muffins so soft and super moist is the puree. My homemade acorn squash puree is key and really keeps these muffins light and fluffy.

    3. You can even freeze these muffins to enjoy at a later time! They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.


    Glass bowl containing pureed acorn squash sitting on marble counter.

    🛒 Ingredients You'll Need

    These squash muffins are very light and fluffy. So soft and tender, yet not heavy and not too sweet. The secret ingredient is my homemade acorn squash puree. While you can buy other squash purees at your local grocery store, you won't find acorn squash puree. That's why I make my own. And it's so easy! Simply roast the acorn squash in the oven and then puree it in a blender or food processor.

    I use a combination of light brown and white sugar to give these roasted acorn squash muffins a hint of sweetness. I also use eggs as a binding agent and to add a bit of protein. Canola or extra-virgin olive oil both work well and adds to the moisture level. Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove contribute to that fabulous fall flavor you will taste in every bite.

    A good quality all purpose flour is a key ingredient and helps contribute to the fluffiness of the muffins. You can either use a regular all-purpose flour or gluten free all-purpose flour. Both work exceptionally well and the ratios will be the same in this recipe. To make these healthier, I use low-fat buttermilk which helps make these even more moist and fluffy.

    acorn squash, eggs, sugars, flours, and spices on a counter.

    📋 Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

    Start by roasting the acorn squash in the oven. My squash puree recipe takes a bit of time to make, but it's low maintenance and easy to make. Once you have a cup of acorn squash puree, put it in a large bowl along with the eggs, oil, buttermilk, and white and brown sugars.

    Silver bowl containing sugar, eggs, acorn squash puree, and oil.

    Using either an electric or standing mixer, mix all the wet ingredients on low speed for 45 seconds. Set aside.

    KitchenAid mixing acorn squash muffin batter.

    In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.

    White bowl containing flour, baking soda, and spices.

    Next, pour the dry ingredients on top of the wet mixture. Using the paddle attachment on the standing mixer, combine just until the ingredients are mixed.


    Expert Tip: It's important to not overmix the batter. Overmixing can dry out these roasted acorn squash muffins.


    Bowl containing wet ingredients and dry ingredients to make muffins.

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

    Enter your email to receive this recipe, along with weekly food inspiration!

    The consistency of the batter should not be too thin or overly thick.

    Silver bowl containing acorn squash batter.

    Line the muffin tin with liners and pour the batter into the lined muffin cups. Using a spoon, slowly guide the batter as it falls into each liner. Fill the muffin cups a little over half full.


    Expert Tip! For less mess, use a large cookie scoop to place the batter into the muffin cups.


    Only fill the muffin cups a little over half-way full because they are going to rise while baking in the oven. The goal is to prevent spillage while the muffins are baking.

    Acorn squash muffin batter being poured into a cupcake holder.

    In an oven that has been preheated to 350°F, bake the muffins for 18-20 minutes. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for 5 minutes. From there, place the muffins on a wire rack to finish cooling.

    9 muffins sitting on a wire cooling rack on a granite counter.

    Once cooled, pull back the muffin wrapper and indulge! Oh, and if you add a little butter on top, these roasted acorn squash muffins will literally melt in your mouth. These are absolutely the the most delicious squash muffins!

    6 muffins on a wire rac, one wrapper pulled from muffin.

    Storage

    These muffins are great stored at room temperature. Once they have completely cooled, place each muffin in a gallon sized plastic bag and seal. Or, store them in a cupcake carrier. To warm, put them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and enjoy!

    These also freeze really well. Once they have completely cooled, place each muffin evenly in a gallon sized plastic baggie and seal. Place the baggie upright in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, remove the baggie from the freezer and place on a counter or in the refrigerator. After 10-12 hours, the muffins should be completely thawed and ready to enjoy.

    🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

    What other types of squash can I use?

    Butternut squash and Hubbard squash both work extremely well as substitutes in this recipe. Both are smooth and velvety in texture and slightly sweet.

    Can you freeze acorn squash puree?

    Yes! You will have left over puree from cooking the acorn squash in the oven. Keep the extra puree in the freezer for up to 3 months so you have it readily available for when you want to make more muffins!

    💭 Expert Tips

    • Make sure the baking soda and baking powder are still active. If they are over a year old, it's time to buy more. Using old baking powder and soda will prevent the muffins from rising like they should.
    • This also makes a really great bread recipe. Instead of cooking in muffin tins, pour the batter into a bread loaf or mold and cook at 350°F until done, about 45-50 minutes. To add a bit of crunch, add some chopped pecans or walnuts.
    • There's nothing worse than biting into an undercooked muffin. When removing these squash muffins from the oven, wait at least 5 minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. From there, place the muffins on a wire rack to cool another 10 minutes before removing the paper liners. No one likes a muffin that falls apart, so let these completely cool.
    • No one likes dry muffins. When muffins are too dry, it's typically because the batter has been overmixed. Don't overmix the batter and the muffins will stay nice and moist. If you choose to mix the wet and dry ingredients by hand, only turn the batter 10-12 times. If using a standing mixer, use a paddle attachment.
    • These muffins will be done after 18-20 minutes of baking. They will start to turn a nice golden brown on top and on the edges. When removing the muffin pan from the oven, you may question if they are cooked all the way though. Don't let the appearance fool you into thinking they not cooked all the way through. These muffins are super moist and will finish firming up as they cool in the muffin tin.
    5 acorn squash muffins sitting on a black granite counter, bread crumbles on counter.

    👩‍🍳 More Squash Recipes You'll Love!

    Squash is one of the most versatile foods and I love creating new dishes with different types of squash. This Baked Chorizo with Butternut Squash is cooked in a flavorful ranchero sauce and is one of my favorite Tex-Mex dishes. And this Hubbard Squash Soup is fresh, healthy, and easy to make It's autumn bliss in a bowl! And this Goat Cheese Spaghetti Squash is creamy and slightly peppery healthier option for pasta night. A little lemon juice adds tart flavour to the light, tangy sauce.


    If you want more tastes of fall, check out some of my best fall recipes here! I've got 42 of the best recipes to help inspire you to cook and bake all season long!


    Six muffins cooling on a wire rack.

    Roasted Acorn Squash Muffins

    hese acorn squash muffins are the perfect breakfast muffin and are easy to make! These squash muffins are both delicious and healthy, perfect for the fall and winter months. Enjoy these as a quick breakfast or a light snack!
    5 from 32 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Bread, Breakfast, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 18 people
    Calories: 177kcal
    Author: Amanda Mason

    Equipment

    • muffin tins

    Ingredients

    Traditional Recipe

    • 1 cup acorn squash puree
    • 2 eggs
    • ½ cup canola oil
    • ¼ cup low-fat buttermilk
    • 1 cup white sugar
    • ½ cup light brown sugar
    • 1 ¾ cup cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with 18 paper liners.
    • Roast the acorn squash. Use these instructions.
    • Once you have 1 cup of pureed acorn squash, in a large bowl mix together with a standing or hand held mixer the puree, eggs, oil, buttermilk, white, and brown sugars until thoroughly combined.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.
    • Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Combine just until combined; do not over mix. Pour into the prepared muffin pan.
    • Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes.
    • Remove the muffin pan from the oven and let cool for 5-7 minutes.
    • From there, place the muffins on a wire rack to cool another 10 minutes before removing the paper liners and serving.

    Video

    Notes

    • If you are using a standing mixer, the paddle attachment works well. If hand mixing, do 10-12 large folds until just combined.
    • Make sure the baking soda and baking powder are still active. If they are over a year old, it's time to buy more. Using old baking powder and soda will prevent the muffins from rising like they should.
    • You can either use a regular all-purpose flour or gluten free all-purpose flour. Both work exceptionally well and the ratios will be the same in this recipe.
    • These muffins will be done after 18-20 minutes of baking. They will start to turn a nice golden brown on top and on the edges. When removing the muffin pan from the oven, you may question if they are cooked all the way though. Don't let the appearance fool you into thinking they not cooked all the way through. These muffins are super moist and will finish firming up as they cool in the muffin tin.
    • There's nothing worse than biting into an undercooked muffin. When removing these squash muffins from the oven, wait at least 5 minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. From there, place the muffins on a wire rack to cool another 10 minutes before removing the paper liners. No one likes a muffin that falls apart, so let these completely cool.
    • No one likes dry muffins. When muffins are too dry, it's typically because the batter has been overmixed. Don't overmix the batter and the muffins will stay nice and moist. If you choose to mix the wet and dry ingredients by hand, only turn the batter 10-12 times. If using a standing mixer, use a paddle attachment.
    • This also makes a really great bread recipe. Instead of cooking in muffin tins, pour the batter into a bread loaf or mold and cook at 350°F until done, about 45-50 minutes. To add a bit of crunch, add some chopped pecans or walnuts.

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

    Enter your email to receive this recipe, along with weekly food inspiration!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1muffin | Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 106mg | Potassium: 60mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @RecipesWorthRep or tag #RecipesWorthRepeating!
    « Balsamic Glazed Peach Chicken
    Acorn Squash Puree »
    3.2K shares

    About Amanda Mason

    Hi! I'm Amanda, the founder and creator behind Recipes Worth Repeating! Simply put, I focus on creating delicious recipes for everyone. I offer variety. I offer convenience. I offer yumminess! And that's why people keep coming back. The recipes I create are absolutely worth repeating.

    Founded in 2012, Recipes Worth Repeating grew from people routinely asking me to email them the recipe for my latest dish. Recipe development comes naturally to me and I find cooking relaxing. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, I developed a passion for cooking at an early age and I love to showcase a variety of recipes on my blog.Creating delicious new recipes, still photography, and video for Recipes Worth Repeating is the driving force behind what engages my readers to keep coming back for more recipes they will love.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 32 votes (9 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




       

    1. Savita

      August 05, 2022 at 6:10 am

      5 stars
      Such a go-to breakfast recipe loved the flavors of it. So simple and delicious.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        August 05, 2022 at 7:25 am

        So glad you loved the muffins! They are great for breakfast or a snack!!

        Reply
    2. Luke

      August 02, 2022 at 1:03 pm

      5 stars
      A great breakfast recipe for when you are on the move; we made double batches, great flavour and the kids had it with their school lunch 🙂

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        August 05, 2022 at 7:26 am

        What a perfect way to get the most out of this recipe! I do the same with my kids!!!

        Reply
    3. Sunkyung

      October 23, 2021 at 5:47 pm

      Hi Amanda! This sounds great and I want to try. Is it ok to steam the acorn squash instead of roasting? I thought they were sweet pumpkins so I already steamed them, just to find out they were not when it was finished, and then found your recipe. What do you think? Also would it be ok to use regular milk rather than buttermilk — trying to use what I have instead of buying them 😂

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        October 25, 2021 at 9:04 am

        Hi Sunkyung! I've never tried it via steaming. But as long as it is soft and can be well blended, it should work. Also - milk should be sufficient. It will actually make it sweeter.

        Reply
    4. Tiffany

      February 02, 2021 at 4:43 am

      These are fantastic! I used 1/3 c oil, only 1/2 c sugar, and whole-wheat flour for a healthier option. (I also added a spoonful or two more of squash to make up for the reduction in oil.) My kids and I loved them. So tasty!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        February 02, 2021 at 8:15 am

        Hi Tiffany! I'm so glad you guys loved these so much! It's so funny...kids think these are dessert muffins yet they are so good for you! I can't wait to hear what other recipes of mine you try so please let me know!!

        Reply
    5. Ginny

      December 01, 2020 at 10:44 am

      5 stars
      Everyone wants me to just keep making these!!!!!They are delicious....absolutely moist. Actually making a double batch today...half to give away...half to freeze.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        December 01, 2020 at 11:56 am

        Oh amazing!! I absolutely LOVE hearing this feedback! I am so glad everyone is enjoying them so much! Great idea on the gift giveaway!!!!

        Reply
      • Nancy El Aarag

        August 29, 2021 at 6:36 am

        What can i use instead of buttermilk?

        Reply
        • Amanda Mason

          August 29, 2021 at 7:22 am

          Try using milk. Whole or 2% should work well.

        • Nancy

          August 29, 2021 at 10:09 pm

          5 stars
          It was perfect. Thank you!!!

        • Amanda Mason

          August 30, 2021 at 8:12 am

          Awesome!! So glad they came out amazingly well!!

    6. Analida Braeger

      August 25, 2019 at 7:31 pm

      5 stars
      This look like a perfect pair with some honey and tea, haven't had these but I am so interested to try them!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        August 25, 2019 at 9:43 pm

        You will love them!! And these are fabulous with tea, milk or coffee! The honey might also be a great add!! Let me know how it pairs if you try it before I do!!

        Reply
    7. Marisa F. Stewart

      August 25, 2019 at 7:49 am

      5 stars
      What a wonderful variation on muffins. This is a perfect fall treat and a great addition to breakfast. The tips you give for the muffins are really helpful. I think I'll make a double batch so I can freeze them.

      Reply
    8. Claire

      August 25, 2019 at 6:01 am

      5 stars
      I made these over the weekend. My plan was to freeze them ready for school lunchboxes....well that didn't go well as everybody kept eating them! They were so moist and delicious!
      And the kids didn't know there was something healthy in them! WINNER!
      Definitely making another batch. This time though I'll do it when I am home alone so I can get them cooled and in the deep freeze without anyone knowing!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        August 25, 2019 at 7:45 am

        Hi Claire! I'm SOOO glad these acorn muffins were such a huge hit! I know - the moisture in these muffins is insane!! They are super delish though! Good idea on making another batch and freezing them when the kids are not home!!!

        Reply
    9. Aline

      August 23, 2019 at 2:20 pm

      5 stars
      Hi Amanda, thank you for all the great tips!! What an excellent idea on using the acorn squash - I would have never thought to make this swap on my own! They came out amazing and so delicious!!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        August 23, 2019 at 2:25 pm

        Hi Aline!! I'm SOO glad you loved these acorn muffins! They have the best taste, don't they! So glad you love the recipe!

        Reply
    10. Julie

      August 23, 2019 at 12:31 pm

      We always get at least one (usually several) acorn squash from our CSA and no one else in my family likes them so I never really know what to do with them. Making muffins is brilliant! Everyone likes muffins! Thank you for giving me the perfect plan when the "dreaded" squash shows up in our box this fall!

      Reply
    « Older Comments
    Newer Comments »

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Amanda! Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I'm a wife, mother of two, lover of all things food and wine, and photographer. Here at Recipes Worth Repeating, you're going to find the most delicious and easy to make recipes everyone will love.

    More about me →

    🥦 Healthy Recipes

    • Person using a fork to take a bite of spaghetti squash.
      Baked Spaghetti Squash with Goat Cheese and Arugula
    • Pan Seared Salmon topped with a cucumber lime salsa, fork in salmon.
      Pan Seared Salmon With Cucumber Salad
    • White plate containing Feta and Sun-Dried Tomato Meatloaf with mashed potatoes.
      Feta and Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Meatloaf
    • Overhead shot of Hearty Spinach Frittata in a cast iron skillet with a slice being lifted out and a white plate and two forks in the upper right.
      Healthy Spinach Frittata

    ⏲️ 30-Minute Recipes

    • Glass containing a berry smoothie topped with 2 raspberries and a mint spring, berries and banana on table.
      Quick and Easy Raspberry Smoothie
    • Spatula filled with chicken breasts topped with melted provolone cheese topped with fresh basil.
      Baked Chicken Caprese Recipe
    • Garlic brown sugar sauce being dripped onto baked chicken breasts.
      Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
    • Skillet containing sauteed chicken with a creamy mustard sauce.
      Sautéed Chicken in Mustard Sauce

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

     As Seen In

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Media Kit
    • Work with Me

    COPYRIGHT © 2012-2026 AMANDA MASON/RECIPES WORTH REPEATING

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.