These Frosty Top Butternut Squash Muffins are everything you didn’t know you needed in your life. Soft, fluffy, and full of the natural sweetness from butternut squash, they’ll have your taste buds doing a little happy dance. The tops crisp up beautifully, giving you that perfect “frosty” finish that makes every bite feel like a treat. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at muffins the same way again.
Why You’ll Love Frosty Top Butternut Squash Muffins
These muffins are the perfect balance of comfort and flavor. The butternut squash brings a subtle sweetness, while the cozy spices make you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket. Here’s why these muffins are a must-try:
Versatile: They’re the perfect snack or breakfast item for busy mornings. Serve them at brunch or enjoy them with a warm cup of tea—they’ll quickly become your go-to muffin recipe.
Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, these muffins show that you can make something incredible without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: The steps are simple, and the ingredients are easy to find. Even if you’re not a baking pro, you’ll feel like one when you pull these beauties out of the oven.
Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins! Whether you prefer nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit, this recipe is easy to personalize to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: These muffins are the type of treat that gets everyone asking for the recipe. With their deliciously soft center and crispy top, they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Frosty Top Butternut Squash Muffins:
Butternut Squash: The star ingredient! When roasted, the butternut squash becomes incredibly soft and sweet, giving these muffins that naturally sweet and cozy flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of the muffins, giving them their light and fluffy texture.
Baking Powder: Helps the muffins rise and become nice and airy.
Baking Soda: This helps balance the acidity of the squash and gives the muffins that perfect fluffy lift.
Ground Cinnamon: The warm, comforting spice that brings out the natural sweetness of the squash.
Ground Nutmeg: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor, giving your muffins a bit of spice.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the muffins and balances out the sweetness.
Eggs: They bind everything together, making sure each muffin has a soft, tender texture.
Sugar: Sweetens up the muffins, helping to balance the savory flavor of the squash.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture, making these muffins tender and delicious.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla gives a little extra depth of flavor, making each bite irresistible.
Milk: Helps to bring the batter together, making it smooth and easy to pour.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get baking and make some magic happen in the kitchen:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your muffins bake evenly and gives you that perfect golden finish.
Prepare the Butternut Squash: Roast the butternut squash until it’s tender and soft. Let it cool, then mash it up. This will give your muffins the perfect sweet base.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
Cream the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Add the mashed squash and milk, mixing until fully combined.
Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can affect the texture of your muffins.
Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into your prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full. This will give the muffins room to rise and form that lovely, frosty top.
Bake the Muffins: Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You’ll start to smell the delicious spices as they bake!
Cool the Muffins: Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The frosty tops are best enjoyed when they’ve had a chance to set.
Serve and Enjoy: Once they’ve cooled, serve them up warm. They’re the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 180
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Frosty Top Butternut Squash Muffins
These muffins are perfect on their own, but you can also enjoy them with some extra flair:
With Butter: Spread a little butter on your muffin while it’s still warm. It melts beautifully and adds a rich, creamy touch.
Cream Cheese: For an indulgent twist, top the muffins with a dollop of cream cheese. The tangy contrast to the sweetness is divine.
With Fruit: Pair your muffin with some fresh fruit like apple slices or berries for a refreshing contrast.
Hot Drink: These muffins pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s the perfect cozy snack for a chilly morning.
As a Dessert: Serve them for dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Who says muffins can’t be fancy?
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, prep your ingredients the night before. Simply store the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet in another. Then, just combine them when you’re ready to bake.
- Try Adding Nuts: For a bit of crunch, fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add extra spices like ginger or cloves to give the muffins even more warmth.
- Storage Tips: These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to a month.
- Double the Batch: These freeze beautifully, so make a double batch and have muffins ready to go whenever you want them!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the butternut squash with another squash?
A1: Absolutely! You can use pumpkin or acorn squash if you prefer. Just make sure to mash it well for the right texture.
Q2: Can I make these muffins without eggs?
A2: Yes, you can try using a flax egg or applesauce as an egg replacement. Both work well for creating that soft, tender texture.
Q3: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A3: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour. Just know the muffins will have a denser texture, but they’ll still be delicious!
Q4: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A4: Of course! Adding chocolate chips will give these muffins a nice sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the squash.
Q5: How do I know when the muffins are done?
A5: Stick a toothpick into the center of one of the muffins. If it comes out clean (or with a few crumbs), they’re ready to come out of the oven!
Q6: Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
A6: Yes! You can make them the night before and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
Q7: Can I freeze these muffins?
A7: Yes! Freeze the muffins in an airtight container for up to a month. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes when you’re ready to enjoy.
Q8: How do I reheat frozen muffins?
A8: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Q9: Can I add raisins or dried fruit?
A9: Yes! Dried cranberries or raisins would make a lovely addition to these muffins.
Q10: Can I make mini muffins instead of regular-sized ones?
A10: Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time. Mini muffins will bake faster, so check them around 15-18 minutes.
Conclusion
These Frosty Top Butternut Squash Muffins are a cozy, comforting treat that will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation. With their tender center, frosty top, and just the right balance of sweet and spice, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these muffins have got you covered. So, go ahead—preheat that oven and let the deliciousness begin!
PrintFrosty Top Butternut Squash Muffins
These moist, flavorful muffins feature a blend of spiced butternut squash and crunchy walnuts, topped with a creamy, citrusy frosting that brings a light and fresh contrast. A perfect treat for any occasion, with a touch of floral elegance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Muffins:
- 400g butternut squash, skin on, deseeded and roughly chopped
- 350g light soft brown sugar
- 4 large free-range eggs
- 300g plain flour, unsifted
- 2 heaped teaspoons baking powder
- A handful of walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 175ml extra virgin olive oil
For the Frosted Cream Topping:
- Zest of 1 clementine
- Zest of 1 lemon and juice of ½ a lemon
- 140ml soured cream
- 2 heaped tablespoons icing sugar, sifted
- Optional: lavender flowers or rose petals
- 1 vanilla pod, split lengthways and seeds scraped out
Instructions
- Prepare the Muffins:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Line your muffin tins with paper cases.
- In a food processor, finely chop the butternut squash.
- Add the light soft brown sugar, eggs, and a pinch of salt to the processor. Mix well.
- Add the plain flour, baking powder, chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overmix.
- Divide the mixture between the paper cases in the muffin tin.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the muffins to cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosted Cream Topping:
- While the muffins are baking, make the frosted cream topping. In a bowl, combine most of the clementine zest, all of the lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Add the soured cream, icing sugar, and vanilla seeds. Mix until smooth and well combined. Adjust the balance of lemon juice and icing sugar to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator until the muffins are cool.
- Assemble:
- Once the muffins are completely cool, spoon the frosted cream topping onto each muffin.
- Garnish with the remaining clementine zest and, if desired, a few dried lavender flowers or rose petals for an extra touch of elegance.
- Serve:
- Serve on a cake stand, a lovely plate, or a rustic slab. Enjoy the muffins as a delightful treat with a cup of tea or coffee.
Notes
- Optional floral garnishes, such as lavender flowers or rose petals, can elevate the visual appeal and flavor.
- These muffins pair beautifully with tea or coffee, perfect for brunch or dessert.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg