How to Turn Butternut Squash Into 6 Decadent Desserts for Fall

Transform the fall veggie into scrumptious desserts you'll want to make time and time again.
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Pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins: This go-to gourd gets all the love when it comes to fall-inspired baked goods. But pumpkin isn't the only seasonal squash that can spice up your sweets.

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While primarily known for savory fare like soups and side dishes, butternut squash — with its mild flavor and creamy texture — pairs just as well with desserts.

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Don't believe us? These six decadent butternut squash dessert recipes will forever change your fall baking game.

1. Quinoa Brownies

These fudgy brownies feature quinoa and butternut squash.

These moist, melt-in-your-mouth brownies seamlessly sneak in superfood seeds like quinoa and ground flax as well as veggies like butternut squash for a dessert that's delicious and nutritious. A drizzle of maple syrup and coconut sugar supply the natural sweetness while fiber-rich rolled oats balance out the brownie batter and help keep your blood sugar from spiking.

Serve these dark chocolate vegan brownie bites with a tall glass of almond milk.

Get the Quinoa Brownies recipe at Nosh and Nourish.

2. Spiced Butternut Squash Cupcakes With Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

These butternut squash cupcakes come with cream cheese frosting.

Got leftover butternut squash from last night's dinner? Make a puree and blend it into cupcake batter. With cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, this butternut squash puree delivers all your favorite fall flavors and a lovely light, moist texture. And the whipped cream cheese frosting — accented with maple syrup — is the absolute icing on the (cup)cake.

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Get the Spiced Butternut Squash Cupcakes With Maple Cream Cheese Frosting recipe at Gimme Some Oven.

3. Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Pudding

This butternut squash pudding will crush your pumpkin pie cravings.

Pining for pumpkin pie but not big on baking? This creamy butternut squash pudding will satisfy your sweet tooth and comes together in three simple steps: just roast, blend and chill your squash for a spoonful of heaven. Top with coconut cream and chocolate shavings or toasted pecans and granola.

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Get the Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Pudding recipe at Love & Lemons.

4. Oatmeal Butternut Squash Cookies

A butternut squash puree provides the base for these oatmeal cookies.

Ordinary oatmeal cookies get a tasty twist with the addition of butternut squash. Soft and chewy, these delicious cookies will fill your home with warmth and amazing aromas thanks to fragrant spices like cinnamon and ginger. A maple glaze drizzled on top takes these mouthwatering morsels to the next level of dessert decadence.

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Get the Oatmeal Butternut Squash Cookies recipe at Life Tastes Good.

5. Maple Butternut Squash Donuts

Butternut squash delivers a light, moist texture to these delicious donuts.

Butternut squash, maple syrup and allspice combine to create these slightly sweet, light and fluffy donuts that are baked, not fried. A confectionary crumble of oats and brown sugar supply an extra touch of tasty texture to these delectable doughnuts. Serve with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or just pop one in your mouth straight from the pan.

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Get the Maple Butternut Squash Donuts recipe at The Sweet Chick.

6. The Healthiest Ice Cream Ever

Butternut squash is the secret ingredient in this healthy ice cream.

Sugar-free ice cream with veggies? Don't knock it until you try this flavorful frozen custard made with roasted butternut squash, creamy coconut milk and warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom. And if you crave a little crunch, sprinkle with a sweet and salty mix of coconut flakes and almond slivers.

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If you don't own an ice cream maker, no worries: Just let your roasted squash cool to room temperature and then freeze it for 30 to 90 minutes. Before it's frozen solid, toss your squash into a food processor and pulse until smooth.

Get The Healthiest Ice Cream Ever recipe at Real Everything.