Acorn Squash Bread – A Perfectly Moist and Spiced Fall Delight

If you're looking for a way to bake up some autumnal magic, this Acorn Squash Bread is the perfect treat. Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, this bread brings the comforting flavors of fall right to your kitchen. The acorn squash adds a unique sweetness and moist texture, making this bread a cozy, delicious snack for breakfast or dessert. Whether you're using fresh squash or puree from the store, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite!

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Why You’ll Love Acorn Squash Bread

Acorn Squash Bread is a wonderful twist on classic fall bread recipes, like pumpkin or banana bread. The acorn squash gives the bread a tender crumb while also keeping it moist and flavorful. The combination of two kinds of sugar, vegetable oil, and butter ensures that each slice is rich and slightly sweet, while the warm spices evoke the flavors of the season. It's the perfect loaf to pair with a cup of tea or coffee, and it makes an excellent gift during the holidays!

The Inspiration Behind Acorn Squash Bread

This bread recipe is inspired by classic squash-based recipes but uses acorn squash for a unique twist. Acorn squash is often used in savory dishes, but its mild sweetness works beautifully in baked goods too. The blend of spices brings out the natural sweetness of the squash, making this bread an irresistible treat. If you’re looking to try something new with your fall produce, this bread is the way to go!

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Baking Tips for Perfect Acorn Squash Bread

1. Use Fresh or Canned Squash: If you have fresh acorn squash, simply roast it until tender, then mash or puree it. If you're short on time, canned squash works just as well!
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf instead of a light, tender one.
3. Add a Sweet Top: For an extra crunchy and sweet finish, sprinkle a generous layer of sugar over the top of the batter before baking.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Based on 10 Slices):

• Calories: 260 kcal
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fiber: 1g

Serving Suggestions

Acorn Squash Bread is delicious on its own but can be elevated even further with a few simple additions. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. For a more indulgent treat, top a slice with cream cheese or whipped honey butter. You can also serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall experience.

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Storage and Freezing Tips

• Storage: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Freezing: Acorn Squash Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave for a quick treat.

Fun Fact: The History of Squash in Baking

While squash is often used in savory dishes, it has a long history of being incorporated into baked goods as well. Native Americans used squash in their bread-making, and today we continue to enjoy the naturally sweet, moist properties of squash in cakes, muffins, and breads. Acorn squash, with its subtle flavor, makes it an excellent candidate for baking.

Acorn Squash Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup acorn squash, mashed or pureed
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the bread pan: Grease and flour a standard loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, blend together the mashed acorn squash, sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.
3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the squash mixture, stirring until just combined and no lumps remain.
5. Fill the pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Generously sprinkle the top of the bread with additional sugar for a crunchy topping.
6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve and enjoy: Once cooled, slice and serve with your favorite toppings or enjoy as is!

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This Acorn Squash Bread is a warm and comforting loaf that's perfect for fall. The spices and tender crumb make it an ideal treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether you're making it for yourself or gifting it to a friend, this bread is sure to become a seasonal staple!

Happy baking!