Wholesome & Easy 1-Bowl Butternut Squash Bread: Your Perfect Vegan, Gluten-Free Fall Treat

Discover the ultimate fall breakfast bread! This incredibly simple 1-bowl butternut squash bread is crafted with smooth butternut squash purée, creamy nut butter, and wholesome oat flour. It’s the ideal hearty, healthy, and cozy treat for the season.

Hello, fellow food lovers!

The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and the scent of pumpkin spice is slowly giving way to other comforting fall aromas. Since our last chat, daylight saving time shifted us into “fall backwards” mode, granting us that extra hour of sleep we all crave, but also bringing abruptly dark dinner times. It’s a clear sign that the cozy season is officially here!

Many declare that the day after Halloween marks the official start of the “holiday season.” While November 1st didn’t bring drastic changes (apart from the surprisingly full bowl of Halloween candy by the door – I only had a whopping two trick-or-treaters!), it was a conversation with my stylist that truly made it sink in. When I scheduled my 8-week hair appointment, she cheerfully remarked, “Enjoy the holidays!” It hit me then: I won’t see her again until January, and whether our hair is highlighted or not, the holiday hustle is indeed upon us.

If you’re finding yourself a little tired of pumpkin but are still craving something warm, inviting, and wonderfully orange to bake, then you’ve come to the right place. This season, let’s turn our attention to the unsung hero of fall produce: butternut squash.

Presenting our incredible 1-Bowl Butternut Bread – a recipe that is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to make. It features less than 10 ingredients and is completely vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, and naturally sweetened. This delightful bread is perfect for a wholesome breakfast, a comforting snack, or a thoughtful gift to share with loved ones.

The Simplicity and Joy of 1-Bowl Butternut Bread

I dare you to say “butternut bread” (or “b-nut bread,” as it’s affectionately known in my house) without a smile spreading across your face. It just has a certain ring to it, doesn’t it? This recipe, simple as it now seems, went through numerous trials and tribulations. But I was determined to perfect it, because “butternut bread” is one plant-based alliteration I simply couldn’t live without!

Everyone appreciates a good “before and after” story, especially in the kitchen. Last week, I sheepishly shared some less-than-flattering photos of the original, sadly smashed and sunken loaves on Instagram. If those humble beginnings were the “before,” then consider this post the official “after” – a triumph of baking that’s moist, perfectly sweet, warmly spiced, and surprisingly easy to achieve.

The beauty of a “1-Bowl” recipe extends beyond just convenience. It embodies a philosophy of simple, accessible baking, reducing cleanup and making the entire process more enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is designed to deliver delicious results with minimal fuss. Get ready to embrace the warmth and comfort of homemade butternut bread with effortless ease.

Essential Ingredients for Your Wholesome 1-Bowl Butternut Bread

Crafting this delightful b-nut bread requires a thoughtful selection of plant-based ingredients that come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to make this nourishing loaf in your kitchen:

• **Flax “Egg”:** This brilliant vegan egg substitute is made by combining ground flaxseed with water. It creates a gel-like consistency that acts as an excellent binder, holding the bread together without the need for traditional eggs. It also adds a boost of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
• **Butternut Squash Purée:** The star of our bread! Butternut squash purée infuses the loaf with a natural sweetness, vibrant orange color, and incredible moisture. It’s also packed with vitamins A and C, making this bread a truly nutritious choice.
• **Cece’s Veggie Co. Organic Butternut Squash Spirals:** These pre-packaged spirals are a game-changer! They add a fantastic textural element and a more intense butternut squash flavor to each slice. Finely chopping them ensures they integrate beautifully into the batter.
• **Neutral Nut Butter (Almond Butter Recommended):** Nut butter serves multiple purposes in this recipe. It replaces oil, providing healthy fats, and contributes to the bread’s rich, moist texture. Almond butter is a great neutral choice, allowing the butternut squash flavor to shine. You could also experiment with cashew butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
• **Pure Maple Syrup:** We use pure maple syrup as our natural sweetener. Its distinct caramel-like notes complement the butternut squash perfectly, offering a refined sugar-free alternative that tastes absolutely indulgent.
• **Gluten-Free Oat Flour:** This forms the hearty base of our bread, contributing fiber and protein that makes each slice wonderfully satisfying. Oat flour lends a lovely rustic texture and a wholesome flavor profile. Ensure you use certified gluten-free oat flour if managing a gluten sensitivity or allergy.
• **Baking Powder:** Our leavening agent, ensuring the bread rises beautifully and achieves a light, fluffy texture.
• **Ground Cinnamon & Pinch of Nutmeg:** These warming spices are essential for that quintessential fall flavor. They elevate the natural sweetness of the butternut squash and create an inviting aroma that will fill your home as the bread bakes.

By combining this hearty gluten-free oat flour base, rich in protein and fiber, with the healthy fats from almond butter (which cleverly replaces oil), and the natural sweetness from pure maple syrup and aromatic spices, we create a loaf that is both nourishing and utterly delicious. Every ingredient plays a vital role in making this bread a wholesome and satisfying treat.

Spotlight on Butternut Squash: Purée and Spirals

Butternut squash is truly the heart and soul of this recipe, contributing both moisture and a creamy texture that is simply irresistible. For this particular bread, I’ve found that using a combination of smooth butternut squash purée and the delightful Cece’s Veggie Co. Organic Butternut Squash Spirals yields the best results. This duo ensures a wonderfully sweet squash flavor and that gorgeous, inviting orange hue throughout the loaf.

One of the best parts? This recipe utilizes an entire can of butternut squash purée, so you won’t have any forlorn leftovers sitting in your fridge! However, if butternut squash purée isn’t readily available, you have a couple of excellent alternatives: you can easily substitute canned pumpkin purée for a similar texture and flavor, or you can make your own purée by roasting butternut squash until tender and then blending it until silky smooth.

The Cece’s Veggie Co. Organic Butternut Squash Spirals are a fantastic addition, adding unique texture and an element of intrigue to every slice. I absolutely adore these organic, pre-packaged butternut squash noodles because they are ready to use straight from the container with zero prep time required! They are perfectly suited for finely chopping and folding into baked goods, not just to emphasize the rich color and natural flavor of this bread, but also to add a delightful, tender bite.

Baking Your 1-Bowl Butternut Bread: A Simple Process

The beauty of this 1-bowl recipe truly shines in its straightforward baking process. You’ll be amazed at how easily these wholesome ingredients transform into a delicious loaf. Here’s a brief overview to guide you:

1. **Preparation is Key:** Start by preheating your oven and preparing your bread pan. Lining it with parchment paper is highly recommended for easy removal, or you can simply grease it lightly with coconut oil.
2. **Wet Ingredients First:** In a large mixing bowl (remember, just one!), whisk together your ground flaxseed and water to form the flax “egg.” Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken – this is crucial for its binding properties. Then, add in the butternut squash purée, your chosen neutral nut butter, and pure maple syrup, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. **Add Dry Ingredients:** Gently sift in the oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures an even distribution of ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be quite thick and have a slightly fluffy consistency.
4. **Fold in Spirals:** Gently fold in the finely chopped butternut squash spirals. This adds that wonderful texture we talked about!
5. **Into the Pan:** Spoon the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. This ensures uniform baking.
6. **Optional Garnish:** For an extra touch of visual appeal and flavor, you can garnish the top of the batter with a few more chopped butternut squash spirals, pressing them lightly to ensure they adhere.
7. **Bake to Perfection:** Bake for the recommended time, usually between 55 to 65 minutes. The ultimate test for doneness is when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool Completely:** This step is vital! Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to slice it. This allows the internal structure to set, preventing a crumbly loaf.

Following these simple steps will ensure you create a moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured butternut squash bread every time, all while minimizing cleanup thanks to the one-bowl method.

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious 1-Bowl Butternut Bread

This 1-Bowl Butternut Bread is incredibly versatile and ideal for any meal or snack throughout the day, especially during the cozier months. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, providing sustained energy to keep you feeling strong and satisfied this time of year!

Consider baking a loaf to share with colleagues at the office, or gifting one to friends and family during the upcoming holidays. A homemade loaf of this wholesome bread makes for a thoughtful and much-appreciated present that embodies the warmth of the season.

For an even more delightful texture and added nutritional boost, try folding in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or your favorite dried fruit (like cranberries or chopped dates) into the batter before baking. These additions bring an extra layer of crunch and natural sweetness that complements the butternut squash beautifully.

Personally, I love enjoying my slice of butternut bread smeared generously with a dollop of extra almond butter (or any nut butter of your choice) and served alongside a refreshing glass of almond milk. It creates a perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. But don’t hesitate to get creative! A drizzle of extra maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a light spread of fruit jam can elevate your experience.

However you choose to enjoy it, this 1-Bowl Butternut Bread is sure to bring comfort and joy. Enjoy every wholesome bite!

More Vegan & Gluten-Free Bread Recipes to Explore

If you loved this 1-Bowl Butternut Bread and are eager to discover more delicious and wholesome vegan and gluten-free baking adventures, you’re in luck! Here are some other favorite recipes that celebrate natural ingredients and simple preparation:

• Cinnamon Tahini Walnut Banana Bread

• Strawberry Banana Bread

• Orange Cranberry Bread

• Dark Chocolate Banana Bread

• Black Sesame Butter Banana Bread

• 1-Bowl Butternut Bread

• Vegan & Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread

• Blueberry Banana Breakfast Bread

• Vegan Banana Chocolate Chunk Bread

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Bread

• 1-Bowl Tahini Date Nut Bread

• Pumpkin Spice Bread

Share Your Creations & Connect With Me!

If you embark on the delightful journey of making this 1-Bowl Butternut Bread recipe, I would absolutely love to hear from you! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue creating more delicious and wholesome recipes. Please be sure to leave a comment below, along with a rating and a review, to share your experience and any unique twists you added.

Don’t forget to give me a shout-out on Instagram! Tag @flora_and_vino and use the hashtag #floraandvino to show off your beautiful creations. I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life in your own kitchens!

For more recipe inspiration and to save ideas for later, check out my Pinterest page. You’ll find plenty of delicious plant-based recipes just like this one, ready for your next baking adventure.

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XO Lauren

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