These Spiced Acorn Squash Apple Muffins are exactly the type of breakfast one craves in the winter months- slightly sweet and full of spice.
I’ve been known to bake muffins when life gets tough. When Hurricane Sandy was approaching DC last year, I found myself in the kitchen frantically preparing muffins even though we knew the power could go out at any moment.
It didn’t matter. For me, there is a certain zen calm that occurs when I’m baking muffins. It’s soothing. It gives me a purpose. It somehow makes me feel in control in an otherwise chaotic situation.
These spiced acorn squash apple muffins served exactly the same purpose. We’ve been dealing with a health crisis here and I’m feeling very powerless. We recently discovered that Jeff has herniated 2 discs in his neck and will likely need surgery within the next few weeks.
I hate watching him in pain and knowing there is absolutely nothing I can do to fix it. It’s really the worst feeling.
Hopefully things will improve soon. For now all I can do is be strong and supportive, keep the house nice and clean and make him his favorite meals. And muffins, of course.
Homemade Buttermilk Substitute
Did you know you can make homemade buttermilk from scratch to use in this recipe? Save yourself a trip to the store by checking out my post How To Make Buttermilk Substitute!
Spiced Acorn Squash Apple Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (see notes for a homemade mix)
- 4 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup pureed acorn squash, approximately 1 small squash, see notes
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tart apple, peeled, cored and chopped
Instructions
- Position the oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a standard 12 muffin pan or line it with paper cups.
- Whisk/sift together the all purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, sea salt and pumpkin pie spice.
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the butter and sugars together on high speed until light and fluffy. Turn the speed down to low and add the eggs, one at a time, allowing each to incorporate completely for about 30 seconds.
- By hand, stir in the the vanilla, acorn squash and buttermilk. Do not over-mix or the batter might break (the muffins will still be fine if it does, you'll just want to move more quickly).
- Once the wet ingredients are combined, stir in the flour mixture by hand, followed by the chopped apples.
- Use a muffin scoop to evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin pan. Bake for 20 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
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Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama says
Yikes. I hope Jeff is ok. That sounds awful. I’ve had one herniated disk in my lower back… but can’t imagine the neck.
Muffins are a good way to deal though. I would eat a bunch of these to relieve stress in a heart beat. They look delicious.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
These are the most gorgeous muffins, thank you for the link to my maple muffins. Hope Jeff is not in too much pain and that the recovery time will be quick – sending prayers your way!
Mallory @ Because I Like Chocolate says
I like that these use SQUASH and not pumpkin. It’s a nice change!
Heather of Kitchen Concoctions says
I actually got a bunch of acorn squash earlier this week and was wondering what I was going to do with it all! This looks like a great recipe and I can’t wait to try it!
Jennie says
I’m so sorry to hear about the health issues. I can imagine how helpless you must feel. The kitchen is my source of therapy, too, so keep on baking, and I’ll keep on sending you well wishes.
xo—Jennie
Tieghan says
I am sending prayers your way! Hope jeff gets better quick!
I am loving these muffins! Acorn squash is so good, but in a muffin? I cannot wait to give these a try!
Shanna@ pineapple and coconut says
I love the pictures! You do both light and dark photography very well. I hope things get better for Jeff quickly and that the surgery is minimally invasive and speedy recovery. Its so tough feeling helpless when a loved one is in so much pain and there is nothing you can do. Hang in there
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says
So sorry to hear about Jeff! My thoughts are with both of you and hope he is able to heal quickly.
Totally agree with you about baking muffins–they are my go-to “stress” baked good ;)
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
I used to be obsessed with muffin baking – they’re so easy and freezer-friendly!
Btw, loving the light lighting here! :)
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
I’m so sorry to hear that, I can only imagine how painful that must be for him. I hope he can find some relief without having to endure surgery.
Kathryn says
Oh poor Jeff, that sounds so painful and worrying for you both. I hope you’re finding the time in the kitchen a good way to de-stress.
Julia@Vikalinka says
I hope Jeff recovers quickly, it’s awful watching your loved ones suffer! I do deal with stress the same way. My mother-in-law cleans, I cook! I cook and bake so much we can’t possibly eat it all so I freeze it, it makes me feel more organized and sorted out.
Jennifer Farley says
You know it’s funny, our house is spotless right now which is so not normal. I absolutely hate cleaning but it’s the other thing I’ve been doing non-stop. Cleaning and baking. I feel like I’m making the house more comfortable. Any little thing to make it better.
Marie @ Little Kitchie says
So sorry to hear about Jeff! Sending lots of love your way!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
I am so sorry to hear about Jeff! Hang in there. I hope things look up for you soon.
Also I am the same way–whenever I feel powerless, I turn to baking. It’s nice to know that butter and sugar will still cream together in a fluffy cloud, even if nothing else in life makes sense.
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg says
I pray Jeff will have a quick recovery. And the muffins look wonderful!