Spiced Butternut Squash Cornbread Delight
Embrace the warmth of winter with this delightful Spiced Butternut Squash Cornbread. This moist and fluffy bread features the sweet, earthy flavors of butternut squash, making it a perfect complement to your favorite soups and hearty stews. This recipe is versatile; you can substitute with other winter squashes like pumpkin or acorn, but butternut really steals the show with its natural sweetness. Traditionally enjoyed in South Africa, it pairs beautifully with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, ensuring every bite is a comforting hug. Whether baked in a cast iron skillet for a crispy crust or a loaf pan for a classic bread shape, this cornbread is a must-try for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornmeal
3/4 cup (none)
All-purpose flour
3/4 cup (none)
Baking powder
4 teaspoons (none)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Allspice
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Butter
1/2 cup (softened or melted)
Brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
Butternut squash
1 cup (cooked and pureed)
Milk
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a cast iron skillet, place it in the oven to heat.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended.
3
In a separate bowl, cream the softened or melted butter with the brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4
Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the lemon juice, butternut squash puree, and milk until well combined.
5
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser bread.
6
If using a loaf pan, butter the pan and pour the batter into it. For cast iron skillet users, carefully grease the hot skillet before pouring in the batter.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. If using a cast iron skillet, check for doneness slightly earlier, about 40-45 minutes.
8
Allow the cornbread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, either on its own or slathered with butter.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Butternut Squash Cornbread Delight?
It is a moist and fluffy quick bread that features the sweet, earthy flavors of butternut squash, often enjoyed in South African cuisine.
What are the main flavors in this cornbread?
This cornbread features sweet and earthy butternut squash paired with warming spices like cinnamon and allspice.
What is the texture of this butternut squash cornbread?
The recipe produces a cornbread that is both moist and fluffy.
Can I use other types of squash in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute butternut squash with other winter squashes like pumpkin or acorn squash.
What should I serve with this cornbread?
It is a perfect complement to favorite soups and hearty stews, or it can be enjoyed on its own with butter.
Where is this type of cornbread traditionally enjoyed?
This spiced style of cornbread is traditionally enjoyed in South Africa.
Can I bake this in a cast iron skillet?
Yes, baking in a cast iron skillet is recommended if you want a crispy crust.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the dry ingredients?
Whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and salt in a large mixing bowl until well blended.
How should the butter and sugar be mixed?
You should cream the softened or melted butter with the brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How should I add the eggs to the batter?
Add the eggs one at a time, beating the mixture well after each addition.
What liquid ingredients are included in the wet mix?
The wet mix includes butter, brown sugar, eggs, lemon juice, butternut squash puree, and milk.
Is there a trick to mixing the batter?
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ones and mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense bread.
How long does the cornbread take to bake in a loaf pan?
In a loaf pan, it typically takes about 50 minutes to bake.
Does the baking time change when using a cast iron skillet?
Yes, check for doneness slightly earlier, around 40-45 minutes, when using a cast iron skillet.
How do I know when the cornbread is finished baking?
The cornbread is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should I let the cornbread cool?
Allow the cornbread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving.
What amount of cornmeal is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of cornmeal.
How much butternut squash is needed?
You will need 1 cup of cooked and pureed butternut squash.
What spices are needed for the Spiced Butternut Squash Cornbread?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice.
Does this recipe use white or brown sugar?
This recipe uses 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
Is lemon juice required for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How much butter is used and what is the preparation?
Use 1/2 cup of butter that has been softened or melted.
How much baking powder is included?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of baking powder.
How much milk is used in the batter?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of milk.
What is the ratio of flour to cornmeal?
The recipe uses an equal ratio of 3/4 cup all-purpose flour and 3/4 cup cornmeal.
Should the skillet be hot before adding the batter?
Yes, if using a cast iron skillet, you should grease the hot skillet before pouring in the batter.
Is this considered a healthy baking recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy baking due to the inclusion of butternut squash.
What is the recommended salt amount?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How many eggs are used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 eggs, which should be beaten.