• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

    Left menu area

    Gourmande in the Kitchen

    A collection of whole food, seasonal recipes

    Right menu area

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
  • Favorite Finds
  • Contact
  • Work with Me

October 30, 2013

Maple Spice Squash Butter Recipe (Refined Sugar-Free, Vegan, Paleo)

A maple sweetened butternut squash spread with warm seasonal spices like cinnamon, cloves and star anise.

pumpkin butter with scones

Fall is clearly in full swing in my kitchen.

Apples are in abundance, an entire shelf in my kitchen has been dedicated to an ever growing collection of various pumpkins and winter squash, and that’s not to mention the copious amounts of cinnamon and ginger that have been finding their way into almost everything I make these days.  The sweet and spicy smell of the season lingers sweetly in the air already.

Thick and spreadable pumpkin butter embodies the tastes of the season and is a recipe everyone should have in their collection.  Silky and velvety and rich with sweet warming spices, it’s like the best of pumpkin pie in a spreadable form. It’s also good on virtually everything.

butternut squash

This is my take on the iconic spread, a naturally sweetened version made from butternut squash instead.  The smooth and fairly fiber-less flesh makes it a wonderful substitute for traditional pumpkin with a clean delicate flavor and easy prep.  Split, scoop, roast and it’s ready to use.

While the butternut squash is doing its thing in the oven, maple syrup infuses with spices like vanilla, cinnamon and anise. The two join forces along with a squeeze of lemon for some zing and simmer slowly on the stove until lusciously thick.

Smooth and creamy without a hint of cream or butter it’s rich with the concentrated flavor of squash and spice.  However you choose to use it, this maple squash butter may fast become your new fall favorite, and since it’s the season of giving and receiving may I suggest you double the recipe and make an extra jar for a friend?

maple pumpkin butter

In case you need a few ideas for how to use your squash butter:

  • Stir it into a latte or hot chocolate.
  • Swirl it into homemade ice cream.
  • Mix it into smoothies.
  • Dollop it over yogurt or in parfaits.
  • Blend it into cake or muffin batter.
  • Use it as a dip for fresh fruit.
  • Eat it straight from the spoon!

What do you like to put pumpkin butter on?

Maple Spice Squash Butter (Refined Sugar Free, Vegan, Paleo)

Yields makes about 1 10oz jar or 2 5oz jars

A riff on traditional pumpkin butter, this maple spiced butternut squash butter is easy to make and naturally sweetened.

1 hr, 30 Total Time

Save RecipeSave Recipe
Print Recipe
My Recipes My Lists My Calendar

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ to 2lb butternut cut in half (or use 1/2 a large one), seeds removed
  • Filtered water for roasting
  • ½ cup/120ml maple syrup (if using a smaller squash reduce to 1/3 cup)
  • ½ vanilla bean , halved
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 whole star anise
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • The juice of 1 small lemon or ½ a large one

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400F.
  2. Place butternut squash halves on a large baking sheet with the cut side down. Add a few Tablespoons of filtered water to the bottom (this creates steam as it roasts).
  3. Place a piece of parchment over the squash, then cover with a aluminum foil and seal around the edges of the baking pan.
  4. Roast the squash for 60 minutes or, until the flesh is tender when pierced with a fork. Set aside until cool enough to handle.
  5. In the meantime heat the maple syrup with the cinnamon stick, halved and scrapped vanilla bean and anise star in the bottom of a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer.
  6. Cover, turn off heat and let infuse while the squash cooks.
  7. Once the squash is cooled strain the infused maple syrup into the bowl of a food processor reserving the whole spices.
  8. Scoop out the squash flesh and add it to the infused maple syrup in the bowl of the food processor . Add the ground cinnamon, cloves and lemon juice and puree until smooth.
  9. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan along with the reserved whole spices.
  10. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat; cook, uncovered, over low heat, stirring frequently, 20 to 25 minutes or until thick (it may spatter so keep an eye on it).
  11. Remove from heat; ladle into jar (I leave the whole spices in there so they can continue to impart flavor after jarred but you can fish them out now if you prefer). Cover; let cool to room temperature and store in refrigerator for a few weeks or the freezer for up to 6 months.

Notes

Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Vegan, Paleo

*recipe can be doubled

7.8.1.2
103
https://gourmandeinthekitchen.com/maple-spice-squash-butter-recipe/
gourmandeinthekitchen.com

 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Find out what that means for you here.

You might also like...

  • Maple Roasted Plums with Coconut Tapioca Pudding Recipe (Vegan, Paleo-Friendly)Maple Roasted Plums with Coconut Tapioca Pudding Recipe (Vegan, Paleo-Friendly)
  • No-Bake Chocolate Fudge Fridge Cake (Raw, Vegan, Paleo)No-Bake Chocolate Fudge Fridge Cake (Raw, Vegan, Paleo)
  • Steamed Pumpkin and Baby Bok Choy with Ginger Sesame Sauce (Vegan, Paleo)Steamed Pumpkin and Baby Bok Choy with Ginger Sesame Sauce (Vegan, Paleo)
  • Vanilla Roasted Pears with Bourbon Cream and Glazed Pecans (Refined Sugar-Free, Paleo and Vegan Options)Vanilla Roasted Pears with Bourbon Cream and Glazed Pecans (Refined Sugar-Free, Paleo and Vegan Options)
  • Celery Root and Cauliflower Purée with Garlicky Greens (Vegetarian, Vegan Option, Paleo)Celery Root and Cauliflower Purée with Garlicky Greens (Vegetarian, Vegan Option, Paleo)
  • Twice Baked Roasted Butternut Squash Gratin with Parmesan and SageTwice Baked Roasted Butternut Squash Gratin with Parmesan and Sage
  • Amaretti Thins | Crunchy Almond Cookies (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo Friendly)Amaretti Thins | Crunchy Almond Cookies (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo Friendly)
  • Restorative Detox Vegetable Broth | A Nourishing and Cleansing SoupRestorative Detox Vegetable Broth | A Nourishing and Cleansing Soup

Filed Under: Courses/Meal, Diets, Fall, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo, Recipes, Season, Snacks, Sweets, Vegan Tagged With: butter, cinnamon, dessert, fall, gluten-free, grain-free, jam, maple, paleo, pumpkin, spice, squash, sweet, vegan, vegetarian, winter

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

Never miss a recipe again, get the latest recipes sent directly to your inbox!

Reader Interactions


Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Rate this recipe: ☆☆☆☆☆

  1. Rosa says

    October 30, 2013 at 2:08 am

    Delicious and perfect on freshly baked bread! Cheers, Rosa
    Reply
  2. Caroline @ chocolate & carrots says

    October 30, 2013 at 4:47 am

    Oh wow, what a great idea! I bet this butter would make a perfect Christmas gift, too. :D
    Reply
    • Catherine @ Chocolate & Vegetables says

      October 31, 2013 at 7:44 am

      I was thinking that too--package it up in some cute little jars and it would be a great (and healthy!) gift!
      Reply
  3. Shelly says

    October 30, 2013 at 5:25 am

    Love that you used maple syrup to sweeten it! And all those flavors infused into the puree makes it sound pretty irresistible. I also love your idea of lathering it over some morning yogurt! Mmmmm...
    Reply
  4. Tracy says

    October 30, 2013 at 6:09 am

    Oh, my! I have a jar of store-bought pumpkin butter that I spread on toasted bagels and stir into my slow-cooker oatmeal. Will be making your version soon!
    Reply
  5. Carolyn says

    October 30, 2013 at 6:55 am

    How beautiful is that squash butter! I might have to make some low carb bread just to put it on.
    Reply
  6. Jeanne @ Cooksister says

    October 30, 2013 at 8:52 am

    OMG Sylvie that looks fantastic! I am a sucker for pumpkin pie spice flavours, and we harvested over 40kg of butternut alone from our allotment last month (not even counting the pumpkins...!) so I am definitely in the market for recipes to use them up!
    Reply
  7. Alyssa (Everyday Maven) says

    October 30, 2013 at 9:38 am

    Such a great use for butternut squash! I too, have been collecting squash. I now have 2 entire shelves in my garage holding all types of winter squash!
    Reply
  8. Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says

    October 30, 2013 at 11:23 am

    I can just imagine the amazing aroma of this squash butter as it bubbles on the stovetop! I would slather it on everything.
    Reply
  9. Nami | Just One Cookbook says

    October 30, 2013 at 1:37 pm

    You shared very creative ways to use this maple spice squash butter! Otherwise I'd never thought of putting in hot chocolate or ice cream! How fun! I'd definitely scoop and eat it from the spoon too. :)
    Reply
  10. Laura (Tutti Dolci) says

    October 30, 2013 at 2:04 pm

    Wonderful butter, I'd love to spread it on homemade bread!
    Reply
  11. Alison @ Ingredientsinc.net says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    lovely! Great idea!
    Reply
  12. Russell at Chasing Delicious says

    October 30, 2013 at 3:52 pm

    What a great butter recipe! I want jars and jars!
    Reply
  13. Jeanette says

    October 30, 2013 at 4:33 pm

    Sylvie, I love the idea of pumpkin pie filling in spreadable form. Butternut squash is one of my favorites and I find it substitutes perfectly for pumpkin in so many recipes. Stirring it into hot chocolate sounds like a fun idea too!
    Reply
  14. Deb says

    October 30, 2013 at 5:02 pm

    A autumn spiced butter with butternut is a fabulous idea! It may be a secret, but butternut squash has a much better flavor and texture than most pumpkins I've tasted!
    Reply
  15. Angie says

    October 30, 2013 at 5:07 pm

    Beautiful pictures and the recipe sounds delicious. I just signed up for the Online Food Blogging Conference. I look forward to your segment.
    Reply
    • Sylvie says

      October 30, 2013 at 11:33 pm

      Wonderful, I hope you enjoy all the presentations!
      Reply
  16. Monet says

    October 30, 2013 at 8:26 pm

    This squash butter looks heavenly. I love that it's free of refined sugar too! The pumpkin butter I saw at the store had high fructose as the second ingredient. Yuck! Thanks for sharing!
    Reply
  17. angela@spinachtiger says

    October 31, 2013 at 5:31 am

    I love your recipe and that's it's made with maple syrup. When I roast a butternut squash, I put the whole thing in oven. The skin just nearly pulls off and it's easier. I find the butternut squash so hard to cut.
    Reply
  18. Maria | Pink Patisserie says

    October 31, 2013 at 7:07 am

    I love, love pumpkin butter and have often wondered about making it with other squashes! I love it on toast, but really I love it in a French 75 cocktail. My favorite for Halloween and Thanksgiving!
    Reply
  19. Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says

    October 31, 2013 at 1:54 pm

    I'll slather this on everything!! Especially love the use of star anise, Sylvie :)
    Reply
  20. Fresh and Foodie says

    November 1, 2013 at 7:59 am

    This is beautiful. My husband loves pumpkin butter, so this would be a fun way to change it up.
    Reply
  21. Ash-foodfashionparty says

    November 1, 2013 at 2:20 pm

    A great way to use maple syrup. It's a unique spread and yummy spread for some good bread.
    Reply
  22. Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says

    November 1, 2013 at 5:55 pm

    Love this twist on pumpkin butter, Sylvie! Gorgeous photography. I'm an addict...homemade, Trader Joe's, Stonewall Kitchen or Muirhead's Pecan Pumpkin Butter (which I stockpile). I love them all and cannot wait to try your butternut squash version with pure maple syrup...sure to become a favorite. So many applications...even cocktails! Headed on over to sign up for the online blogging summit. Looking forward to your presentation! xo
    Reply
  23. Brian @ A Thought For Food says

    November 2, 2013 at 8:01 pm

    We have just gone through a massive purge of all our apple/sweet potato/etc butter in our cabinets. I think we need to fill it up with some squash butter now!
    Reply
  24. sippitysup says

    November 3, 2013 at 10:24 am

    Maple syrup is a wonderful sweetener this time of year. I like this recipe. GREG
    Reply
  25. Sommer @ ASpicyPerspective says

    November 5, 2013 at 11:07 am

    Mmmm...this looks heavenly! Fall flavor perfection! :)
    Reply
  26. Kitchen Belleicious says

    November 5, 2013 at 7:21 pm

    oh i would love a dab or rather slab of this on my bread or anything for that matter! LOVE IT!
    Reply
  27. Nutmeg Nanny says

    November 7, 2013 at 8:16 pm

    Oh goodness, this spread sounds wonderful :) my husband will love it!
    Reply
  28. Jen says

    November 12, 2013 at 6:25 pm

    Beautiful.
    Reply
  29. Eileen @ Phoenix Helix says

    November 13, 2013 at 6:16 pm

    This recipe looks delicious AND it fits the paleo autoimmune protocol. So, thank you! I just started a weekly Paleo AIP Recipe Roundtable through my blog, and I would love it if you linked up this recipe. I’m trying to expand resources for the AIP community. Here’s the link: http://www.phoenixhelix.com/2013/11/13/paleo-aip-recipe-roundtable-3/
    Reply
  30. Sherrie | With Food + Love says

    November 19, 2013 at 6:55 am

    The most delicious way to use up the winter squash abundance in my home. Just lovely, Sylvie. love + l i g h t, SHERRIE
    Reply
  31. Lexie says

    November 21, 2013 at 5:15 am

    Would acorn or carnival squash work in this recipe?
    Reply
    • Sylvie says

      November 22, 2013 at 2:27 am

      Any squash would work but that being said I think that the richer flavor and smooth texture of butternut squash would be best here best if possible.
      Reply
  32. Kathy says

    June 6, 2015 at 9:29 am

    Can this recipe be canned for shelf life via water bath or pressure canning? Thank you.
    Reply
    • Sylvie says

      June 9, 2015 at 8:03 pm

      Hi Kathy, I haven't tried it but my concern would be that the sugar level wouldn't be high enough here to prevent bacterial growth for canning purposes. This is best kept in the fridge.
      Reply
  33. Sherwood says

    December 29, 2017 at 5:54 pm

    Made a double batch of this last Sunday. This is only the second time I've worked with butternut squash, and the first time was years ago when I first started learning to cook. This time was far easier. lol Though to be fair, I didn't have to peel the squash this time... Anyway, I replaced the vanilla bean with 2 tsp of homemade vanilla extract (added it to the food processor) due to not wanting to spend $15 on a single bean. I highly recommend reducing the butter in a large pot, since mine (in a smaller pot) burped and spat everywhere if I wasn't constantly stirring. It turned out amazing, though. I don't really like licorice, so the smell is off-putting, but it tastes INCREDIBLE on a peanut butter sandwich. It's so light, yet richly spiced and balanced in flavor. I just finished off a big batch of crock pot pumpkin butter, and it's interesting how the two compare. Thanks so much for the recipe!
    Reply
    • Sylvie says

      January 16, 2018 at 11:20 pm

      Glad to hear that you enjoyed it!
      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Fast, Fresh, Feel Good Food

Here you'll find fresh, feel good food made fast with recipes that don’t skimp on satisfaction. Everything you see is free from gluten and processed ingredients with many paleo, vegan, raw and allergy-friendly options as well.

Get Started Here...

Search for Recipes...

As Seen On…

POPULAR NOW

Spicy Rosemary Roasted Nuts
Maple Pecan Sandies (Paleo, Vegan)
How to Make Fresh Mint Tea
Homemade Skin Cream | Healthy Homemade Series Part 1
10 Ways to Use a Tea Towel
Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies (Gluten-Free, Paleo Friendly)

FIND RECIPES

SEARCH BY TYPE

SEARCH BY MONTH

COPYRIGHT – PRIVACY POLICY – DISCLOSURES

Copyright/Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Disclosures

Copyright © 2019 Gourmande In The Kitchen · Implemented by WPopt

logo
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
  • Favorite Finds
  • Contact
  • Work with Me