Healthy Butternut Apple Bake
 
 
I make this recipe to fit a family member's gluten-free diet, but if gluten isn’t a concern for you, then you can use all-purpose or wheat flour in the mix. As is, this recipe of simple healthy foods is naturally vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, and pretty much allergy-friendly. Perfect for a family gathering with different diets!
Author:
Recipe type: Side
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
  • 4½ cups (about 1¼ lbs) peeled butternut squash chunks* (3/4-inch cubes)
  • 2½ cups (about ¾ lb) apple chunks** (3/4-inch)
  • ¼ to ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar, divided
  • 3 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil, divided***
  • 1 tablespoon flour, any type (I used brown rice flour for gluten-free)
  • ¾ to 1 teaspoon + ⅛ teaspoon salt, divided
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 cups organic cornflakes, brown rice cereal, or crunchy whole grain cereal
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF.
  2. Place the squash and apple chunks in a 9×13-inch baking dish, and add ¼ to ⅓ cup of the sugar, 3 tablespoons of coconut oil, the flour, ¾ to 1 teaspoon of the salt, the cinnamon, and the nutmeg, and stir to evenly coat. Using more sugar will add a touch more sweetness, while more salt will up the contrast and savory factor.
  3. Cover with foil, and place in the oven to bake for 45 to 60 minutes, or until perfectly tender for your tastes.
  4. After you place that in the oven, place the cereal in a ziploc bag, and gently crush it with your hand to make very coarse crumbs.
  5. Combine the crushed cereal, remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, and remaining ⅛ teaspoon of salt in a bowl.
  6. Spread the cereal out on a baking sheet (ideally lined with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper) and place it in the oven with the squash bake, allowing it to cook for about 25 to 30 minutes.
  7. Serve the squash bake topped with the cereal sprinkle.
Notes
*If you have trouble cutting and/or peeling the squash, you can prick it a few times and microwave for 3 minutes to gently soften. You can also buy pre-cut squash at most grocers.
**I skip peeling, but you can peel for a more refined dish if desired. Remember to use good baking apples! They should remain firm even after all that time in the oven.
***You can sub the oil of your choice or dairy-free margarine for the coconut oil in a pinch, but coconut oil adds nice richness.
Recipe by Go Dairy Free at https://www.godairyfree.org/news/healthy-butternut-apple-bake-thanksgiving