Oh friend, I have to tell you about the moment I completely fell for Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake. It was last fall at the farmers’ market when the air was crisp and every stall was bursting with the season’s best. I spotted a pile of perfect butternut squash and shiny apples side by side, and a little lightbulb went off. I thought, why not combine these two fall stars into something comforting that doesn’t feel like a splurge? That’s how my journey with Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake began—right there amidst the golden gourds and ruby-red apples.
What really drew me in was the idea that this cake could be both nourishing and something I’d want to eat on a busy weekday morning without guilt or fuss. I know how heavy and complicated some fall dessert recipes can feel, and honestly, I was craving something moist, spiced just right, but still simple enough to whip up without stress. This Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake immediately felt like that sweet spot. It’s a gentle nod to spiced autumn cakes, but keeps things grounded with easy ingredients you can find at your local grocery store.
I’ve found that this kind of apple and butternut squash baking is a really kind way to blend fruit and vegetable cakes into real life. It’s a little bit of cozy and a little bit of practical that fits in with my everyday rhythm, rather than adding pressure to be “perfect.” Plus, it’s a winner when friends peek over my shoulder wondering if it’s dessert or breakfast. Spoiler: It’s totally both. If you’re a home cook like me looking for simple, nourishing recipes that don’t overcomplicate things, I think you’re going to love making this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake your new go-to for those fall-inspired cravings.
And hey, if you’re curious about other moist coffee cakes with a seasonal vibe, I also have some favorites like my French Butter Cake that pairs wonderfully with morning coffee or tea. But this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake feels especially like a warm hug straight from the oven.
Ready to keep things simple and real with this fall dessert recipe? Let’s dig in together.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s the intentionally simple ingredient list for this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake. Because good food doesn’t need to be complicated, right?

- 1 cup peeled, grated butternut squash (You can find fresh squash in the produce aisle; if you’re short on time, frozen shredded squash works great too.)
- 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped (I usually use a sweet-tart variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best balance.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (If you want a little nutty twist, half whole wheat flour is a lovely swap here.)
- 1 cup brown sugar (Packed for extra moisture. No stress if you’re out—you can sub coconut sugar for a slightly different depth.)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (This helps keep the cake moist without extra oil.)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (Totally fine to swap with sour cream or even coconut yogurt for dairy-free versions.)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (Optional, but I love the little crunch they add.)
Budget-friendly note: This Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake keeps costs low by relying on pantry staples plus fresh veggies and fruit. It’s a great way to make the most of seasonal produce without pricey specialty ingredients.
Pro tip: Grate your butternut squash in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—makes busy day prep effortless.
I love adding a bit of extra cinnamon on top before baking—that little sprinkle fills the kitchen with such cozy aroma!
Let’s Make It Together!
Ready to bake this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake side by side? Let’s go step by step—no rushing, just simple rhythm.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This size works perfectly for sharing or savoring over a few days.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This dry blend brings all the fall dessert recipes comfort we crave.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another large bowl, beat the eggs, brown sugar, applesauce, and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Add the grated butternut squash and chopped apple to the wet mixture, stirring to coat them gently. This is where apple and butternut squash baking magic starts.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined—don’t overmix or your Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake can get tough.
- Fold in nuts if you’re using them. They give a nice texture contrast.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. I like to sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar here for an extra touch of warmth.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes. Your kitchen should already be smelling wonderful by 25 minutes in—just that hint of spicy comfort floating in the air.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake set up nicely.
Pro tip: While the cake bakes, it’s perfect time to prep a warm pot of tea or set up the table for a cozy snack.
Kitchen lesson learned? I used to overcomplicate my Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake with too many steps or fancy add-ins. Turns out keeping it simple brings out the best in the flavors.
If you want to see a pretty similar recipe vibe, Sally’s Baking Addiction has some lovely fall baking recipes that complement this cake beautifully.
How I Love to Serve This!
This Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake truly shines in so many easy ways.
I love it straight up with a cup of coffee or a mug of chai—breakfast, snack, or even a quick dessert feel. Adding a simple smear of butter or a dollop of plain yogurt takes it over the top.
For something heartier, this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake becomes a complete meal when I add some scrambled eggs or a handful of nuts on the side. The mix of moist coffee cakes and savory bites satisfies all cravings at once.
It’s also wonderful warmed gently and served alongside creamy vanilla Greek yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup for a spiced autumn cakes vibe that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or toaster oven, perfect for busy mornings ahead.
I’ve taken this to casual brunches and potlucks—friends always ask if it’s a secret family recipe. Sharing this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake never fails to spark smiles and second helpings.
If you like mixing up fruit and vegetable cakes seasonally, swapping the apples for pears or adding a handful of dried cranberries gives a fresh twist.
For more inspiration on easy butternut squash cake recipes, check out this easy butternut squash cake recipe with boxed mix that’s also a hit with crowd-pleasers.
Common Questions Answered
I’ve gathered a few questions home cooks often ask about Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake—let me share some kitchen-tested answers:
Can I make this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! It keeps well covered at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5. I often make it the night before when I have extra time, so it’s ready to enjoy in the morning without rush.
What if I don’t have all the ingredients for this cake?
No worries! You can swap the Greek yogurt for sour cream or applesauce, use any sweet apple variety you have, or try half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. I’ve even used pumpkin puree instead of butternut squash when I was in a pinch and it was still delicious.
How can I adjust the flavor to my taste?
Feel free to dial up the cinnamon or nutmeg for more spice, add a pinch of ground ginger, or toss in extra nuts or your favorite dried fruit. This cake is a friendly canvas for you to make your own.
Is this cake moist enough without extra oil?
Yes! The butternut squash and applesauce bring natural moisture, so you don’t need additional fats to keep it soft and tender.
Can I freeze slices of Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake?
Definitely. Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm gently before enjoying.
Does the apple and squash flavor overpower the cake?
Not at all. They blend softly with the warm spices, making the cake fragrant and subtly sweet without being heavy.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Totally! My kids love the sweet, cozy flavors, and it’s a comforting way to sneak in some veggies too.
For more ideas on combining fruit and vegetable cakes in your kitchen, this classic pumpkin apple crumb cake is a lovely sister recipe you might enjoy.
Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake is one of those fall dessert recipes that has genuinely found a sweet spot in my kitchen routine. It’s nourishing without being fancy, and it fits well into those everyday moments when you want something comforting but realistic.
My Favorite Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake Tips:
- Keep the mixing gentle to avoid a dense cake.
- Don’t skip the natural moisture helpers like applesauce and yogurt.
- Experiment with spices—cinnamon and nutmeg are classics, but a dash of ginger adds a nice lift.
I’ve tried this cake with a few variations—more nuts, swapping apples for pears, even a touch of maple syrup in the batter—and I always circle back to the original combo because it’s my reliable fall favorite.
For a different style of moist coffee cakes, you might want to try my French Butter Cake or the Red Velvet Cream Cheese Bundt Cake for those special occasions.
If you want to dive into more hearty butternut squash meals, my Butternut Squash Lasagna is a nourishing comfort food that pairs beautifully alongside these lighter cakes.
I hope this Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake brings ease and warmth to your kitchen. It’s a comforting, no-pressure way to enjoy the best of fall flavors while staying true to balanced, feel-good eating. Give it a go and make it yours—you’ve absolutely got this.
Happy baking, friend!
Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake
This moist and flavorful Butternut Squash-Apple Coffee Cake combines the natural sweetness of squash and apples with warm spices, 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 cooked and mashed butternut squash
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
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 the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in the mashed butternut squash and milk until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in diced apples and chopped walnuts (if using).
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra touch, sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar topping before baking or serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or cream cheese frosting.

