Butternut Squash Muffins with Golden Raisins & Currants
Tomorrow morning I’m heading off to Pennsylvania for a business trip, and since I’ll be on the train for a few hours I decided to bake a traveler’s treat for myself: butternut squash muffins with golden raisins and currants. Spiced with cinnamon, ground cloves and freshly grated nutmeg, one of these aromatic goodies will be just the thing to nibble on as the cities whiz by my window. The autumnal flavors are soul satisfying, while the addition of golden raisins, currants and chopped walnuts gives them a hearty, tummy-filling quality. I wish I could eat them all, but most of them are going to my husband’s office. I hope his co-workers won’t mind since I sent cinnamon bun shaped vetekrans to them last week (see photo below). 
(Note: To make this decadent cinnamon-bun-vetekrans hybrid, follow the vetekrans recipe up until you roll the dough, jelly like fashion, then slice the dough into 1 1/2-inch wide rounds. Place them in a cake pan, allow to rise for 1 hour, then bake as for the vetekrans. You may need to adjust the baking time +/- 5 minutes, depending on your oven. They’re done when golden brown; the icing is the same as with the vetekrans.)
I developed the butternut squash muffins recipe this weekend, and I have a reader like you to thank for the inspiration. When I posted my yeasted chocolate-chip pumpkin bread in early October a reader named Grace asked if she could substitute butternut squash for the pumpkin. “Well there’s an idea!” I thought to myself, though I had no idea what the correct answer would be. As it turns out, Grace is a genius, and if she hadn’t asked that question I never would have dreamed about these muffins – which, I must say, totally ROCK. You have to try them.
I’m off to finish packing but I’ll be reading comments/email and have a question I’d love your feedback on: would you be interested in a post about losing weight without sacrificing the kinds of food I post on this site? I ask because – at least twice a week – someone says something to me like: “I don’t know how you stay so skinny while baking so much!” The truth is that I’ve lost more than 20lbs in the past couple years, so I’ve a lot to say on the art of balancing food and fitness. But the question is: would you be interested in hearing it? Let me know in the comments. 
Butternut Squash Muffins with Golden Raisins & Currants (My Recipe)
Ingredients: Makes 9 jumbo muffins (or, as I did above, six jumbo muffins and six regular sized muffins)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups butternut squash puree (instructions below)
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup currants
- 1/3-1/2 cup chopped walnuts, according to taste
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large bowl beat together the sugars, extra virgin olive oil, eggs, butternut squash and water. In another bowl, gently combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt with a whisk. Add to the squash mixture and blend well. Fold in the golden raisins, currants and walnuts. Spoon batter into greased muffin tins, filling almost to the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes for regular sized muffins and 30-35 minutes for jumbo muffins, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
How to Roast a Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Wash a medium (1 1/2 pound) butternut squash, then cut it in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon. Pour 1 1/2 cups of water into a deep, rectangular baking dish (the kind you would use to make lasagna), then place the squash, cut sides down, into the water. Bake for 1 hour or until the skin is browned and the flesh is soft. Remove from the oven and turn the squash over so the heat can escape. Allow to cool for 30 minutes, then scoop out the flesh and puree in a food processor (not a blender) until smooth. Let the puree cool completely before storing it in the fridge, up to 3 days. The puree can also be frozen for up to 1 month. (Source)
105 Responses to “Butternut Squash Muffins with Golden Raisins & Currants”
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AMAZING muffins!!!
Have a safe trip to Pennsylvania!!
VeggieGirl’s last blog post -> New Look, New Snacks, New Baking Tool, New Baked Good!!
Have a safe trip! Yes, I would be interested in reading a post about how you lost weight without sacrificing the foods you love.
beastmomma’s last blog post -> Exhaustion of Wish List Creation
Those muffins look amazing! I never thought about using butternut squash in place of pumpkin for baked goods…what a great idea! And yes, I would love to hear about losing weight without sacrificing foods you love. =)
Beautiful muffin photo. They are healthy with just enough sweetness to make you feel you are indulging. They are just what we need as a pick me up at any time of day.
Have a safe trip.
These look amazing! I love all the spices and the raisins!
Megan’s last blog post -> Banana Pudding Squares
These look so yummy – and I’m curious to see how they differ in taste from pumpkin. Looking forward to finding out.
I always enjoy reading your posts, so you can write about whatever pleases you, and I’m sure it’ll be interesting to read!
Sandy S’s last blog post -> November 15: I’m Thankful For . . .
Those muffins seems like they are the perfect travel treat!
And yes, learning about how to maintain a good healthy diet without sacrificing too much of what you eat would be great to hear about. There is usually a false impression that to be healthy, one must give up all the things most of us love cooking.. but the answer actually lies in a good balance between eating (with portion control) and fitness. Right?
Chocolate Shavings’s last blog post -> Butternut Squash and Apple Soup with Crispy Sage and Parmesan Grilled Bread
I would be interested! I didn’t used to have that problem because I worked out ALL the time–so I really could eat whatever I want, then I inexplicably fell off of the workout wagon and I cannot get back on it!! So, if you have some way of eating whatever you want without exercising yet staying slim, that would be appreciated too!!
Love the healthful muffins. Perfect for munching on the train. I love nutritious and decadent foods both, and try to eat everything in moderation. I would absolutely love to read about how you manage a healthy body weight while being around such tasty fare.
Bharti’s last blog post -> Sindhi Chutney Masala Chole (Garbanzo beans in Cilantro Sauce)
What unique muffins! It is funny that we think of putting pumpkin into all kinds of baked goods, but not really any other kind of squash.
I would love to hear your input on the whole eating yummy food/fitting into your skinny jeans topic. It’s one I’m constantly thinking of myself. I generally live by the eat big, exercise big motto, but I know my metabolism might not let me keep that up for too many years to come!
Culinarywannabe’s last blog post -> Do you like Pina Coladas?
Those look delicious! I’d definitely be interested in hearing how you balance baking with weight loss.
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Whoa. These look amazing!!
+Jessie
a.k.a. The Hungry Mouse
As someone who loves squash but doesn’t love pumpkin (weird, eh?), I’m thrilled to have this muffin recipe. What a nice little treat for your train ride, too.
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry)’s last blog post -> Pineapple (Recipe: Love in pieces)
Those cinnamon buns look wicked! And I would love a post about losing weight! When I first came to your site I noticed the side bar item about your goal, and oddly enough, it is exactly mine! Down to the pounds on both sides. I had a baby 7 months ago and I still have 15 pounds to go.
I’m having trouble deciding which to bake next – the butternut squash muffins or the cinnabon-like vetekrans! Both look utterly delicious. Don’t you love experimenting with recipes and end up creating something just as good, if not even better?
…and yes, it would be interesting to read a post on how to lose weight without letting go of all this food goodness.
Jacqueline’s last blog post -> Challah à tête – how do you celebrate a yeast geneticist’s birthday?
Oh my! Those are yummy looking.
Lorie’s last blog post -> Wishing and Waiting
mmm… your recipe for vetekrans has been tempting me for so long – i’m going to have to cave!!
and those muffins look delish too!
Butternut squash muffins? YUM. If they’re anything like pumpkin muffins, they have to be good. And bonus points for getting me to eat veggies at breakfast!
I have been addicted to baking muffins recently (pumpkin, chocolate-orange, bran, apple…), so these are next on my list! Thanks for the inspiration to try something new!
Oh, and I would love to hear your thoughts on balancing health and these tasty recipes.
Glad I waited until my evening’s end to visit your website because I now have something wonderful to dream about – the muffins and cinnamon buns – and look forward to making in the morning! Visiting your site always lifts my spirits and reminds me that there is goodness, kindness, and hope in the world – particularly if we ourselves produce and share it with others even if only through our kitchens. Thanks for your time and your recipes.
Your vetekranz are inspiring. Also PLEASE post about staying fit while baking–I could definitely use the tips
Those muffins look fabulous! And yes, I would be interested in hearing how you balance maintaining one’s weight with eating these great foods. I found your website from Dessert First, and I’m enjoying reading your blog. Thanks!
What gorgeous muffins! Very pretty and perfect! I’m interested to know how one can lose weight and bake at the same time…
Cheers,
Rosa
Rosa’s last blog post -> WEEKEND CAT BLOGGING #180
Yes! I’m interested! I’m really trying hard to work toward balance in my life concerning weight and I feel like it’s a constant struggle. Sometimes I have no trouble and sometimes I stuff my face.
These muffins look fantastic!
nik’s last blog post -> Getting over the grumps
I’d like to type something interesting, but i’m drooling all over my keyboard!
Have a safe trip! And sure, I always love to read how other people balance nutrition and treats!
Shellyfish’s last blog post -> a rather injuredfish…
Looks completely wonderful
Hi!!! Your muffins look so delicious that I could eat one of them now, while I have a breakfast.
This is my first comment on your blog but I´m sure not the last one.
Ana
AnaMobula’s last blog post -> MERMELADA DE CALABAZA, NARANJA Y CIRUELAS
Anneta » Thank you for leaving such an uplifting comment! I can’t tell you how happy I was to read it first things this morning. *hugs*
Golden raisins…currants?!?! They’re both my faves!
-DTW
http://www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com
Darius T. Williams’s last blog post -> Italian Modern Fiesta – A Complete HOME RUN!
AnaMobula » I certainly hope it’s not the last time you comment – comments are part of what motivate me to bake up a storm in the kitchen.
nik » I think we all have “stuff our face” days, and I also think that’s ok every now and then – from the comments it looks like I’m going to writing about my weight loss so more on that later!
Wendy » Thanks for stopping by Wendy and for commenting!
Emma » Ha! I’m happy I could further tempt you.
Amanda Smith » Your home must smell amazing with all those delicious sounding muffins popping out of the oven.
Jacqueline » I do love it. In fact, there are few things I enjoy more!
Ashley » Good job on losing the baby weight! You should feel proud of yourself.
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) » Glad I could finally tempt you Lydia! I know you weren’t too keen on all those pumpkin recipes, but you still commented, which I totally loved.
Desiree » Well working out is part of it (sorry!) but, I don’t workout like a fiend. More on that later.
Chocolate Shavings » That is definitely a part of it!
These look really interesting…a must-try for sure. I would love to read a post on weight-loss/eating yummy foods….good for you!
These muffins look wonderful! And I’m going to have to check out those cinnamon-bun-vetekrans. They look great too.
i’m glad that my ramblings could inspire you! it’s the least i could do, considering how often you and your blog make me smile.
grace’s last blog post -> resistance is futile
I never liked the taste of squash but I love zucchini and pumpkin breads. I think this sounds great! I’ll have to do some tweaking since I use fresh milled grains and dehydrated cane juice. Can’t wait!
Karin Barry’s last blog post -> Spaghetti Sauce Mix
Hi Ari,
Yes, I would love to read about how you eat all this great food and lose weight.
The muffins look wonderful.
I’ve baked Pumpkin Muffins just a while ago but with the number of all sort of pumpkin and squash I have in my kitchen at the moment, this recipe is really handy!
Beautiful muffins! I like one of those with my coffee right now!
Paula’s last blog post -> Ode to Fall Cupcakes
Those muffins look great.
I’m very interested in your stories on managing your weight
I too would be interested in reading a post about how you lost weight without sacrificing the foods you love.
The muffins look great! It is worth noting, that the smaller squash is often more strongly colored.
These are really lovely autumnal muffins. I would love to hear how you lose weight with things like these around. Even more, I’d be interested in how to balance the time you spend in the kitchen with all of the other things you do!
my teenage daughter just saw the pic of the cinnamon buns and said “mom… you’ve got to make those!” you know what I’ll be making today!
You have good taste, these muffins sound really yummy. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
those muffins look amazing … and yes… I’d love to read about how you lose weight while eating the foods you love. Thanks!
mmmm delicious looking muffins- I love golden raisins; they seem so special, and especially in an already golden-y hued muffin. I would love to hear about your trim-while-indulging lifestyle! I really value a healthy lifestyle– I’m a complete exercise addict- but I’m also a firm believer in the almost spiritual experience of eating reeeeeeally delicious food- there’s nothing like a fantastic muffin/piece of banana bread/slice of cake/cheesecake/pie with tea or coffee, it just *feels* so good! Fortunately, running and yoga feel good too
So how do you manage it?
It would be great to hear how you can balance such lovely food with actually losing weight! I know I haven’t figured out how yet…
This is a good looking blog – happy to have stumbled upon it!
I would loooove some muffins right about now…
Yes, I’d love to hear about how to balance eating well with losing weight. It’s a struggle I’ve had to deal with repeatedly!
Those muffins look delicious!
And yes, I would love to see a post on losing weight while baking, etc.! Congrats on losing all that weight…it’s a constant struggle!
I might have to try these! I just made sweet potato muffins and they were quite delicious, but these look even better!
And I’m drooling over the cinnamon buns too.
yummy muffins…. will surely try these …..
Looks wonderful, I love muffins! I would be interested to read what you are willing to share with up about finding a food/exercise balance.
me too!! definitively VERY interested… I have a one month old baby and
I need to lose remaining weight…
In response to your question, I would definitely be interested in a blog about losing weight while not sacrificing great baked goods! That’s my goal in life! I’ll definitely check back to find out if it happens!
I’ll bet the butternut in the muffins is awesome! I need to make more things like that and sneak more veggies in my diet.
Those muffins look beautiful and delicious. I love to cook with butternut squash but now I can bake with it too. Please feel free to share your tips for staying thin and loving to bake(and eat what you bake). As one who bakes for a living, it is a constant struggle to maintain a healthy balance.
It’s so cold here this morning and just seeing that picture of thos emuffins makes me all warm and toasty. You take the most wonderful food pictures!
The muffins looks great. I just bought butternut squash puree at Trader Joe’s. Can’t wait to try it out!
Cinnamon bun….. i love this!
mycookinghut´s last blog post -> Apple Streusel Muffins
Squash muffins sound like a great alternative to pie as a Thanksgiving dessert or even a great Thanksgiving or the morning after breakfast!
Hillary´s last blog post -> French Onion Baked Chicken
I love the indulgent yet wholesome balance you achieve with most of your recipes. I am also an avid baker who is concerned with staying fit, so I would be very interested to learn about the successful tricks that you have developed over the years.
Hillary » For sure these would be great at Thanksgiving!
Brynbb » I didn’t know Trader Joe’s sold butternut squash puree! Note to self.
pam » Thank you! I’m glad I could bring a little bit of warmth into your day.
nadia murray » I’ll definitely be writing a post or two about it, it seems like many people are interested.
Heather » I’ll definitely be writing about it, probably in the next month. If you’re subscribed to the blog feed you’ll get an email when it goes up.
Adi » Thank you for stopping by! I hope you come this way again soon.
Yay, a new post!! I always get excited
I get even more excited when I find delicious healthy muffins, with my new obsession of butternut squash! So ideal! Thanks for the post Ari 
I made these muffins yesterday…delicious.
Great blog, beautiful photos
Amy » Yay! I’m glad you liked the recipe.
Tara » You’re very welcome!
Those muffins look perfect and I love their golden colour
Thank you for developing this recipe, I am excited to try it this weekend. I have a boatload of squash in my kitchen just waiting for these!A
You, my friend, are a genius! I’ve never played with squash before because I wasn’t really sure how to play around with them…and today not only was I able to sneak the puree into lasagna that I made using a homemade sauce, but made the muffins for dessert! I added a ginger/almond topping to add a bit more crunch on the top and they were absolutely delicious!
As for posts on losing weight and not cutting out the goodies? Yes, please!! My fiance and I have been working on this theory this past year and it has been the best experience ever. By making home-made delicious foods ourselves we have been watching the pounds shed, with the most rewarding feeling knowing we aren’t starving ourselves on some crazy fad diet and are actually enjoying the foods we are consuming. What a gift to society if you share this with others
I’m sure everyone will enjoy and appreciate it very much. You’re doing a great thing Ari! Bless you for it 
Cool! Eat muffins, cookies and sweet buns and still lose weight?! Tell me about it by all means! Great recipes, can’t wait to try this one too.
i’m a neophyte baker but your butternut squash muffins looks good, i may just try it.. love your site….i’m glad i found it!
I am hungry for breakfast now but all I have is cereal, sad!
Maria´s last blog post -> Chocolate Chip Amish Puff Cookies
This sounds good. I’ve not thought of using a puree as I would add mashed bananas to make a banana cake. Although, I have exchanged grated squash for carrots in my carrot cake recipe. Gotta try this soon!
They look fantastic.. I really want to go and try them now!
butternut squash in muffin form…to die for! i think i’ll be making these for thanksgiving
I would be interested in hearing how you lost weight and maintain amidst all these yummies you bake! I have steadily gained weight the past few months since I have been food blogging. Yikes!!! Your muffins and cinnamon rolls look fabulous, as always!
Reeni´s last blog post -> Pumpkin Biscuits for ‘Pumpkin’ & Awards
i would definitely be interested in that post! everything always looks so delish!
I’ve made pumpkin and sweet potato muffins like this but never with butternut squash! They look SO wonderful!
Jennifer H´s last blog post -> My patience for Holiday baking is failing…
Those muffins look amazing!
As for the vetekrans, I made your recipe a few months ago and it came out beautifully, thank you!
so you have to roast the butternut squash, can’t you just puree raw squash in the food processor?
Maureen » Well, you don’t “have to” but roasting is what brings out the flavor and sweetness of the squash, so I would certainly recommend it.
I would love tips and inspiration for losing the weight and still eating real food. Have a safe trip.
Ooooh awesome! I must bake the cinnamon-bun-vetekrans hybrid!
the losing weight posts would be great!
I tried this recipe for breakfast and boy was it delish! I omitted raisins & currants and replaced them with dried cranberries. (personal preference)
The muffins were gone by the time i came home with only 4 ppl in the house. A keeper indeed!
First of all, these muffins sound wonderful! I’ve never had butternut squash in a muffin!
Also, I’d love to hear about the weight loss. I’ll be having my first baby in January, and I’m sure I’m going to be eager to get back in shape!
Deborah´s last blog post -> Chicken Tamale Casserole
These muffins look scrumptious and healthy too!! I would love to hear about losing weight without sacrificing the kinds of food you post on this site!! I am a new reader of your blog and was just looking at your sidebar that shows your weight loss progress and thought to myself….how does she lose weight and eat all these scrumptious goodies?! I’m looking forward to your post and you are officially in my google reader!
Bonnie » I’m definitely going to post about losing weight! Looking at my work/school schedule, I’d guess the weight loss post will be online in the next couple weeks.
Thank you to everyone who responded to my question!!