I’ve never been one to hop on the latest trend just because everyone else is doing it and pumpkin spice is no exception. I mean, I like the flavor — but really, how much pumpkin is actually in those lattes…?
Always wanting to be a bit different, I’ve discovered my own “pumpkin spice” drink, and I would dare say it’s more delicious, more flavorful and definitely a whole lot healthier. And it takes no more time than hopping through the drive-thru (okay, maybe a little longer if you need to bake your squash first, but it’s definitely worth it!!).
So next time you’ve got the pumpkin spice itch, try this easy butternut squash smoothie instead!
First Step — Prepare Your Squash
Squash was not a thing at our house growing up, so learning to cook this strange gourd seemed daunting at first. But even if you can’t make cookies, you can bake a squash, it’s so easy!
- Preheat your oven to 350F.
- Wash your squash and cut them in half and cut off the ends. I like to slice them down the middle horizontally first, then it’s easier to cut lengthwise.
- Remove the seeds.
4. Place cut side down in a glass baking dish and add a cup of water so it doesn’t burn.
OR you can use a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 30-60 minutes or until easily pierced with a fork (it really depends on your oven and how thick the squash are).
6. Peel and chop into cubes.
Tip: If you prepare a lot of squash at once, you can enjoy these smoothies year round with minimal effort!
Every year in the fall, I like to get a trunk load of butternut squash (about 30) from a local farmer and spend a whole weekend baking and freezing them in jars. So all I have to do is pull one out of the freezer the night before and I’m good to go for a whole year! :)
Just make sure to leave a lot of room at the top so the jars don’t crack!
Butternut Squash Spice Smoothie
Ingredients & Directions:
3/4 cup butternut squash
1 banana
1 Tbsp. honey
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
pinch nutmeg
pinch cloves
1 cup milk (dairy or dairy-free alternative)
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Serves 2, but once you try it you might want it all for yourself ;)
So tasty, even the wasps want a drink! ;)
If you want to be adventurous…
Skip the smoothie and make some pudding!
Put the same ingredients in your food processor, except substitute the milk for half a small avocado (or 1/4 of a large), and add an extra dollop of honey or maple syrup.
Mmm, mmm, so good!
If you try either of these, let me know how you like it! What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever made with butternut squash?
Jacquie is a jack of many trades who has a keen interest in nutrition, fitness and simple living. She is also a professional pianist, works as a Virtual Assistant. She enjoys reading real books (not on a screen), cartwheeling around the world and keeping snail mail alive by sending random letters to friends :)
Here are some other delicious fall recipes you might like:
>> The Best Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake Recipe! Mixes up in 5 min!
>> Pinterest Recipe Win: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins
>> Quick & Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake
>> Warm Chai Tea Cider Recipe, the perfect fall drink!
Save this to Pinterest!
Reader Interactions