Late one evening, my kitchen was buzzing with excitement and the smell of something new in the air. I was on a little flavor adventure, mixing roasted butternut squash with crisp, tart apples in a coffee cake batter. The result? This enchanting Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake that instantly became a happy accident and now one of my all-time favorites. It’s not just comfort food; it’s a bold seasonal twist that turns any meal into a cozy celebration. I was thrilled with how the naturally sweet squash and apples brought moisture and warmth to every bite—it’s like fall baked into a cake!
What’s amazing about this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake is how it balances autumn’s heartiness with bright fruit flavors. It’s perfect for those who crave moist coffee cake that feels indulgent but still wholesome. This recipe came out of my late-night kitchen experiments where I was aiming for fall baking recipes that could stand out on any dessert table or breakfast spread. The textures and spices working together created this magical fusion of an autumn fruit dessert that’s become my go-to treat.
If you’re a fellow food lover who enjoys cozy comfort food with a twist, you’re in the right place. I’m so excited to share this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake with you—it’s a flavor adventure waiting to happen in your kitchen. Plus, it’s wonderful for the upcoming fall season or whenever you want to add some delicious magic to your table. Ready to dive into this moist coffee cake love fest? Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You Need
Here’s everything you’ll want on hand for your next batch of Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake. This ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together to make the cake irresistibly moist and tasty!
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, cooked butternut squash (I roast mine until tender; fresh or frozen works great!)
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp add that perfect balance)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (grab this at your local grocery store, no fuss)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (adds that deep caramel touch)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (this is the star spice in my Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake—don’t skip it)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but this adds warmth that pairs beautifully)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream (keeps the cake moist and tender—my little secret)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional but adds a fantastic crunch)
- For the crumb topping:
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

No worries if you don’t have sour cream—I use plain Greek yogurt all the time in my Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake for a tangy twist. Also, if pecans aren’t your thing, walnuts or even almonds work perfectly. For busy weeknights, using pre-roasted butternut squash or even frozen cubes is a great shortcut without losing flavor. To keep your Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temp up to two days or in the fridge if you want it longer.
This Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake gets its amazing taste from the combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, and that hidden sweetness from the squash and apples baked in. I love adding extra cinnamon on top before baking to get that cozy aroma and flavor boost. Every star ingredient here is easy to find and ready to turn your kitchen into a magic zone.
If you’re curious about other recipes mixing squash and fall vibes, check out my Butternut Squash Pancakes that bring breakfast to life in a whole new way!
Let’s Make Some!
Alright, fellow food lovers, it’s time to get your hands in the batter and turn this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake dream into reality. This is my favorite part—watching those ingredients come together into something that smells like autumn happiness in every bite!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan (or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup). This is where the magic starts happening!
- Prepare the crumb topping first: Combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup cold, cubed butter in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. Set aside to sprinkle on later.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend is the secret behind the spice-packed Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake flavor.
- In a large bowl, beat butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy. I love doing this part because your kitchen will start filling with that warm, buttery scent—the prelude to something amazing.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in vanilla extract. This is when the batter really starts looking dreamy!
- Mix in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt if that’s your swap) and cooked butternut squash. The squash keeps the cake super moist and adds that subtle sweetness you won’t be able to resist.
- Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Now, fold in apples and nuts if using. Don’t overmix; your cake should stay tender and soft.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the surface. This crunchy, cinnamon-sugar layer is the cherry on top of this fall fruit dessert.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Your Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake should smell absolutely incredible right now!
- Cool for 15 minutes in the pan before slicing. This lets the flavors settle and makes it easier to cut those perfect squares.
In my kitchen, this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake usually takes about an hour from start to finish, including baking and prep. The crumbly top combined with moist, fruity layers inside is what makes every second worth it!
Busy weeknights? I’ve done half batches, and even reheated leftovers taste like fresh-baked comfort food. Plus, snagging the crumb topping ready-made or using a food processor for quick mixing saves a ton of time. You’ll love how your friends or family react when this hits the table!
If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for my Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake—another moist coffee cake that bursts with tropical flavor.
How to Serve Up This!
Serving up this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake is a joy all on its own. I like it warm for breakfast with a big dollop of whipped cream or alongside a hot cup of coffee for those weekend brunch vibes.
People literally do happy dances when this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake hits the table with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar. The natural sweetness and fall spices shine through every bite.
For dinner parties, slice it into neat squares and serve with a side of vanilla ice cream or a cinnamon-spiced cream cheese glaze. Presentation-wise, adding toasted nuts on top before serving adds a fancy crunch that guests appreciate.
This cake is perfect for fall baking recipes—Thanksgiving potlucks, cozy family gatherings, or even an afternoon treat paired with your favorite tea. I’ve even turned leftovers into delicious trifle layers by adding whipped cream and spiced apples, making another easy autumn fruit dessert.
If you feel like trying a twist, I’ve played around with swapping the apples for pears or adding a splash of bourbon to the crumb topping—all amazing fusion variations that bring new life to this classic. The crowd-pleasing reactions are priceless, and it feels great to share something special at the table.
For more autumn-inspired delights that will wow your taste buds, swing by this Facebook group for fall flavor pound cakes—you’re going to love the ideas shared!
FAQs:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake?
Absolutely! This recipe is forgiving and easy to follow. I’ve had plenty of fellow food lovers in my taste test crew who barely bake, and they nail this moist coffee cake every time.What if I mess up my Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake?
Spoiler: It’ll still taste incredible! Whether it’s slightly underbaked or the crumb topping melts down, this cake’s comforting flavors survive. I’ve learned that the fall spices and moist squash cover a lot of kitchen mishaps.Can I prep this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the batter the night before and bake fresh in the morning. You can also prep the crumb topping in advance, making weeknight winners even quicker.What about storing leftovers?
Wrap tightly and store in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked feel.Can I swap apples for other fruits?
Definitely! Pears, cranberries, or even chopped dried figs work great. I tried swapping apples with pears, and the results were just as delicious, adding a little different texture to this fall baking recipe.How do I roast the butternut squash for the cake?
Cube the squash, toss with a bit of oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until tender. Then mash or puree before adding to the batter. Pre-roasted squash from your local market also works perfectly.Any tips for making this kosher or vegan?
You can swap butter for coconut oil and eggs for flax eggs. I haven’t tested vegan versions extensively but encourage you to experiment and share your results with the community!
For more inspiration on incorporating butternut squash into your meals, check out my Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage recipe, which brings savory flavor to the spotlight.
CONCLUSION:

This Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake brings me joy because it proves that comfort food can be both bold and cozy, with a hint of fall’s best flavors baked right in. It’s a recipe that’s flexible, forgiving, and downright delicious—perfect for weekend mornings, festive gatherings, or whenever you crave that moist coffee cake magic.
My Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake Flavor Secrets:
– Adding sour cream or Greek yogurt gives it that amazing tenderness.
– The combo of cinnamon and nutmeg makes every bite sing with warmth.
– The crumb topping is non-negotiable for that crave-worthy crunch.
I’ve tested variations like swapping apples for pears, throwing chopped walnuts instead of pecans, and even stirring in a bit of pumpkin pie spice—which, let me tell you, turns this fall baking recipe into a full-on celebration.
For party desserts, I reach for the classic version; for weeknight winners, I love the quick swaps and shortcuts that keep things moving fast but tasty. I’m so excited for you to make this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake your own—trust your taste buds and dive into those flavor adventures!
If you’re on the lookout for more dishes that combine the best of fall with unbeatable comfort, you have to try my Butternut Squash Pancakes or this Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake. Trust me, your kitchen is about to get a whole lot more delicious!
Happy baking, friends! Can’t wait to hear how your Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake turns out—this moist coffee cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your flavor-loving circle.
For all the fall baking recipes that set your soul on fire, Sally’s Baking Addiction always inspires, especially with their seasonal recipes. If you want to test new autumn fruit desserts, don’t miss the Apple Pandowdy recipe over at Pastry Affair for a fantastic spin on classic apple desserts. And remember to join communities like this Facebook group for fall flavor pound cakes to swap ideas and serve up the best dishes!
Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake
This Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake blends seasonal fall flavors with a moist, tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup peeled and grated butternut squash
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
- Fold in the grated butternut squash, chopped apple, and walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and sprinkle the top evenly with brown sugar.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra indulgence, serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.

