Warming and Nutrient-Dense Butternut Squash Granola Bake

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warming and nutrient-dense butternut squash granola bake

if you’re looking for a cozy, nutritious treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this butternut squash granola bake is the answer :)!

it’s packed with comforting flavors and nutrient-dense ingredients that make it perfect as a healthy dessert, snack, or even a special addition to your holiday spread.

let’s dive into what makes this dish so special, how to make it, and some options to customize it for your taste.

taste and texture

this butternut squash granola bake brings together the natural sweetness of roasted squash with the crunch of a golden granola topping.

the butternut squash is tender and caramelized, absorbing the rich notes of maple syrup and cinnamon.

the granola, with its mix of rolled oats, crushed pecans, and hemp hearts, adds a perfect crispiness to every bite.

each spoonful combines the buttery softness of the squash with the crunchy, nutty layers of the granola, making for a balanced, satisfying texture.

nutritional benefits

this bake isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients too. butternut squash is a great source of vitamins a and c, which are essential for immune support and healthy skin.

it’s also high in fiber, promoting good digestion and helping you feel fuller for longer.

the granola topping adds even more nutritional value with heart-healthy fats from pecans and hemp hearts, and the oats provide a slow-releasing source of energy.

plus, the use of maple syrup as a natural sweetener keeps things wholesome and refined sugar-free if that’s what you prefer!

why it’s perfect for healthy desserts or the holidays

this butternut squash granola bake makes an ideal healthy dessert because it’s sweetened naturally and has a great balance of carbs, healthy fats, and fiber.

it satisfies your sweet tooth without the belly ache.

and for the holidays, it’s a unique twist on traditional roasted squash dishes.

the warm spices like cinnamon and the hint of vanilla make it feel festive, while the golden granola topping brings a touch of crunch that guests will love.

it’s a great option to bring to holiday gatherings, whether as a dessert or even a side dish.

how to make it

making this dish is super simple:

1. prepare the butternut squash: preheat the oven to 400°f (200°c). toss 5 cups of butternut squash cubes with 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract until well coated. spread the squash on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, or until tender.
2. make the granola topping: in a bowl, combine 1 cup organic rolled oats, 3/4 cup crushed pecans, 1/3 cup hemp hearts, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract or paste, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil. mix until everything is well incorporated.
3. assemble and bake: remove the squash from the oven and sprinkle the granola mixture evenly over the top. bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the granola is golden and crisp.
4. serve and enjoy: let it cool slightly before serving. enjoy it warm for the best flavor and texture.

topping options

if you want to change things up a bit, there are plenty of ways to customize this bake:

• add dried fruit: sprinkle in dried cranberries or chopped dates into the granola mix for an extra pop of sweetness.
• swap the nuts: if you don’t have pecans, you can use almonds, walnuts, or even a mix of your favorite nuts.
• add a drizzle: serve the finished bake with a light drizzle of extra maple syrup or a spoonful of almond butter for a richer flavor.

storage

if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm them up in the oven at a low temperature to keep the granola crunchy.

this bake is also delicious served cold, so feel free to enjoy it straight from the fridge.

if you love Warming and Nutrient-Dense Butternut Squash Granola Bake, try these other recipes from my blog!

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No Bake Yogurt Protein Cookies

Healthy Banana Date Chocolate Bites

Cookie Dough Protein Peanut Butter Cups

Healthy Vegan Lemon Raspberry Muffin CookiesVegan Chocolate Chip Cookies Stuffed with Caramel

No Bake Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies

Vegan Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

No Bake Vegan Protein Glazed Donuts

Vegan Chocolate Chip Protein Banana Cake

Super Fudgy Vegan and Gluten Free Sweet Potato Brownies

Vegan No Bake Protein Carrot Cake Bites

Vegan and Gluten Free Blueberry Bakery DonutsHealthier Vegan Protein Butterfinger Bars

Vegan and Gluten Free Samoa Inspired Brownie Bread

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