Spiced Squash and Fruit Crumble

Spiced Squash and Fruit Crumble is a warm and comforting dessert that combines the rich flavors of seasonal squash with the sweetness of fresh fruits, all topped with a delightful spiced crumble. This dish is perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy night in, offering a unique twist on the traditional fruit crumble. The squash adds a subtle earthiness that complements the sweetness of the fruit, while the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in the crumble create a wonderfully fragrant and flavorful topping. Serve this crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients:

• For the Filling:
  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (or your favorite berries)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Crumble Topping:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Filling:
   • In a large bowl, combine the diced butternut squash, chopped apples, and cranberries.
   • Add the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss to coat the fruits and squash evenly with the spices and sugar.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   • Transfer the filling mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Prepare the Crumble Topping:
   • In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves (if using).
   • Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture forms a crumbly texture.
5. Add the Topping:
   • Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling in the baking dish.
6. Bake the Crumble:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and tender.
7. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let the crumble cool slightly.
   • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Enjoy your warm and comforting Spiced Squash and Fruit Crumble, perfect for any autumn occasion!