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Fudgy Butternut Squash Brownies Recipe

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  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time for squash puree overnight)
  • Cook Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes active (plus overnight chilling)
  • Yield: 9 brownies (3x3 squares)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These fudgy butternut squash brownies offer a unique twist on traditional brownies by incorporating pureed butternut squash for moisture and subtle sweetness. Sweetened with coconut sugar and rich in chocolate flavor, these brownies are a wholesome, delicious treat that combines dessert indulgence with the natural goodness of squash.


Ingredients

Butternut Squash Puree

  • 1 cup pureed butternut squash*

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
  • 3/4 cup coconut sugar**

Dry Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Add-ins

  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk), plus extra for topping


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Butternut Squash Puree: Peel and cut the butternut squash into small cubes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the squash cubes and cook for 10 minutes or until they are tender when pierced by a knife. Drain and transfer the squash to a food processor, then puree until smooth. Chill the puree completely in the refrigerator, preferably overnight, for the best results.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
  4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, stir the cooled butternut squash puree with the eggs, vanilla bean paste, and coconut sugar using a large spoon until well combined.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Pour Batter and Add Topping: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle a few additional chocolate chips on top for extra chocolatey goodness.
  7. Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 27 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. Then lift them out using the parchment paper, cut into squares, and serve.

Notes

  • For best results, prepare the butternut squash puree a day in advance and chill overnight.
  • Using cold puree is important to properly incorporate into the batter and achieve fudgy texture.
  • Coconut sugar gives a caramel-like sweetness and can be substituted with brown sugar if unavailable.
  • Choose semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips based on your preference for sweetness.
  • Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • You can lightly warm the brownies before serving to enhance the fudgy texture.