Candied Winter Squash
Transform your favorite winter squash into a sweet, caramelized masterpiece with this Candied Winter Squash recipe. Featuring tender cubes of butternut, acorn, or kabocha squash coated in a rich glaze of brown sugar, maple syrup, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this dish is pure comfort food. A touch of vanilla adds depth, while optional pecans or walnuts bring a delightful crunch. Perfect as a fall-inspired side dish or a unique dessert, this recipe is easy to prepare with just 15 minutes of prep time and a single oven-safe skillet. Serve it warm for a cozy addition to any holiday table or weeknight dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 lbs winter squash (butternut, acorn, or kabocha)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup water
- 0.25 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel the winter squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into 1-inch cubes.
In a large oven-safe skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water to the melted butter. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes syrupy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the squash cubes to the skillet and toss them gently to coat in the glaze.
Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Remove the lid or foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and caramelize slightly.
Remove the skillet from the oven and stir in the vanilla extract. If using nuts, sprinkle them over the top at this point.
Let the candied squash cool slightly before serving. Serve warm as a side dish or dessert.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1364 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 69.1 g | 89% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.1 g | 150% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 124 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 659 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 201.8 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.7 g | 120% | |
| Total Sugars | 116.1 g | ||
| Protein | 11.5 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 495 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 6.8 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 2822 mg | 60% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
