Name: Butternut Squash Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 27 min
Total time: 37 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter (melted); 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups butternut squash puree (or approximately 3 jars of 4-ounce squash baby food); 2 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

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If you are searching for a warm, cozy dessert that combines a surprising vegetable twist with sweet indulgence, this Butternut Squash Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. The tender crumb from the butternut squash puree keeps the cake incredibly moist, while pockets of semisweet chocolate chips add just the right amount of melty sweetness in every bite. It’s a perfect treat for any season, whether to celebrate a cozy family gathering or just to pamper yourself with something special and homemade.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. In the first layer, the bowl contains two cracked eggs with bright yellow yolks mixed into a thick brown batter, with a metal whisk resting inside. In the second image, the batter in the bowl looks smooth and creamy, light brown in color, with the whisk still inside. In the third image, orange puree is being mixed into the light brown batter with a dark spoon. In the last image, the mixture in the bowl is thick and textured, golden brown in color, with the same spoon partially dipped in it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Butternut Squash Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that work together beautifully to create a moist, flavorful cake packed with autumnal warmth. Each element adds to the cake’s texture, depth, or natural sweetness in an essential way.

Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Adds richness and tenderness to the cake’s crumb.
Brown sugar (1 cup, firmly packed): Brings deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
Eggs (2 large): Help bind the ingredients and provide structure.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with a fragrant warmth.
Butternut squash puree (1 1/4 cups): The star ingredient that adds natural sweetness and moisture without overpowering the cake.
All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups, unbleached): Provides the cake’s body and softness.
Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): A leavening agent to help the cake rise nicely.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Reacts with the squash to create tenderness and lift.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm spice that complements the squash perfectly.
Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Provide irresistible bursts of chocolate in every slice.

How to Make Butternut Squash Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure a consistent baking temperature. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray so your cake releases easily after baking and maintains its perfect shape.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because the butter coats the sugar crystals, ensuring a moist and tender cake texture ahead.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, crack in the eggs and pour the vanilla extract, whisking until the batter is thick, smooth, and slightly glossy. This combination adds richness and infuses a lovely aroma to the batter.

Step 4: Fold in the Butternut Squash Puree

Gently fold in the butternut squash puree to incorporate moisture and natural sweetness. This ingredient transforms the cake into a moist delight without making it heavy or dense.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Slowly fold this dry mixture into the wet batter using a spatula, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain to keep the cake tender.

Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips

Finally, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter, promising yummy melty pockets in each bite.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 24 to 27 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with moist crumbs clinging. Let the cake cool completely before slicing to enjoy the perfect texture and flavor.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe

The image shows a soft, square piece of light brown cake with dark chocolate chips inside, placed on a white plate with a simple pattern around the edge. The cake is moist and crumbly, with one small portion broken off and resting on a fork next to the main piece. In the background, more pieces of the same cake are slightly blurred, lying on a white marbled surface. There is also a folded gray cloth and another white plate with a cake piece visible in the upper right corner. The overall look is clean and light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This cake shines on its own, but you can brighten each slice with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for added decadence. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans on top can add delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

A cup of freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or a creamy vanilla latte pairs beautifully with this cake, complementing the cinnamon and rich chocolate chips. For an extra touch, serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, cut the Butternut Squash Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe into bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter. You can also layer cake slices with whipped cream and chopped nuts in a trifle dish for an impressive dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh and moist for up to three days, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy weeks.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in foil and place inside a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake warm, reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This will revive the moistness and gently melt the chocolate chips, elevating the comforting flavors.

FAQs

Can I use canned butternut squash puree instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned puree or even cooked, blended fresh butternut squash both work well. Just be sure to use plain unsweetened puree to keep the flavors balanced in this Butternut Squash Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe.

Can I substitute chocolate chips with something else?

Yes! Chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or white chocolate chips make excellent alternatives depending on your taste preferences. Each will give the cake a unique twist while staying equally delicious.

Is the cake suitable for freezing after baking?

Definitely. This cake freezes well, maintaining its moist texture when stored properly. Just wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn and thaw before serving for best results.

What makes the cake so moist and tender?

The butternut squash puree gives the cake natural moisture, keeping it soft without adding a heavy texture. Together with melted butter and brown sugar, it ensures a tender crumb with every bite.

Can I make the cake gluten-free?

While this recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that substitute cup-for-cup. You might need to adjust baking time slightly, but it can be a great option for gluten-free eating.

Final Thoughts

Making this Butternut Squash Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe is like discovering a hidden treasure of fall-inspired baking. It’s wonderfully moist, subtly sweet, and simply bursting with comforting flavors that feel like a warm hug in dessert form. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — trust me, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to sweets to share with family and friends.