Thanksgiving Squash Pie Recipe
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to showcase seasonal flavors, and even a time to try something new and maybe a little different. This year, try swapping out, or adding, a squash pie to the traditional pumpkin pie offering at your Thanksgiving table. A delicious squash pie is a fantastic alternative to the classic pumpkin pie. The best squash for pie is butternut squash, known for its sweet, creamy texture. It blends smoothly and adds rich flavor. While pumpkin is the classic choice, butternut offers a slightly sweeter taste and less moisture, making it ideal for a perfectly textured pie. The finished, cooked pie is also lighter in color than pumpkin. This creamy butternut squash recipe is both sweet and savory, making it a delightful addition to your holiday dessert table.
Ingredients:
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For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
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For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked butternut squash (or canned pureed squash)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool.
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Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the cooked butternut squash, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until smooth. Add the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
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Assemble the Pie: Pour the squash filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
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Bake: Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Garnish with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch. This squash pie will surely impress your guests and become a new Thanksgiving favorite! Enjoy!