There are many reasons to love winter squash, including its health benefits and long shelf life. Best of all, its versatile—with many different types of winter squash and hundreds of winter squash recipes to choose from, your taste buds will be happy all winter long. Heres a guide to 12 different types of winter squash and how to use them. Well also share tips for buying, preparing, freezing and storing all types of winter squash.
As the leaves start to change and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like settling in with a slice of homemade pie. When it comes to pie fillings, few are more iconic than pumpkin. But did you know that pumpkin isn’t necessarily the best choice for getting that classic flavor? Enter the bright orange squash that bakers swear by for pie the sugar pumpkin
What Is A Sugar Pumpkin?
Sugar pumpkins are small, round winter squash with tough, ribbed, orange skin and sweet, dense orange flesh They are smaller and less stringy than the typical large Halloween pumpkins, averaging 5-8 pounds Sugar pumpkins are also called pie pumpkins, as they are ideal for baking.
The key differences that make sugar pumpkins perfect for pie are:
-
Size – Smaller and more uniform size makes for even cooking and blending.
-
Texture – Dense, thick flesh without stringy fiber.
-
Flavor – Sweeter taste similar to sweet potatoes.
-
Moisture – Dryer flesh compared to other squash.
When cooked, the naturally high sugar content caramelizes, intensifying the sweetness. The smooth, custard-like consistency makes sugar pumpkin the perfect base for velvety pie fillings and purées.
Making Pie With Fresh Sugar Pumpkins
Using fresh sugar pumpkin in place of canned pumpkin puree makes for a homemade pie with richer, deeper flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
-
Choose a 2 pound pumpkin. Rinse well, cut in half, and scoop out strings and seeds.
-
Roast cut-side down at 350°F for 1 hour until very tender.
-
Let cool, then scoop flesh away from skin and purée until completely smooth.
-
For a 9 inch pie, combine 11⁄2 – 2 cups purée with eggs, sugar, spices and evaporated milk. Pie spice blends nicely.
-
Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then 350°F for 40-50 minutes more until set.
-
Cool before slicing and serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
The natural sweetness of the sugar pumpkin means you can use less added sugar than many pie recipes call for. Fresh pumpkin pie has a custard-like texture and deep orange color.
More Ways To Use Sugar Pumpkins
Don’t stop at pie! Sugar pumpkin purée is extremely versatile:
-
Make creamy pumpkin soup – sauté aromatics then simmer purée with stock.
-
Add to oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies for breakfast.
-
Stir into pancake, muffin, or quick bread batters.
-
Swirl into pasta sauce, risotto, or pumpkin gnocchi.
-
Mix with spices and coconut milk for Thai pumpkin curry.
-
Replace half the butter in baked goods for extra moisture.
-
Blend with cocoa for fudgy pumpkin brownies or cookies.
-
Toast the seeds from your pie pumpkin for a crunchy snack.
With its subtle sweetness and velvety texture, sugar pumpkin brings warmth and comfort throughout autumn. When you want to capture that homemade flavor in your baked goods, grab one of these bright orange squash for pie perfection.
Banana Squash Banana squash has orange, pink or blue skin, and vibrant orange flesh. Large and elongated, one banana squash can weigh up to 35 pounds! Because of its size, banana squash is often sold in pre-cut chunks. With proper storage, whole banana squash can last for up to 6 months.
Types of Winter SquashThese are some of the most common types of winter squash. Note: You can substitute any sweet, orange-fleshed variety of winter squash for another.
Stop Throwing Away Orange Peel! Make the Fondest Snack (Only 2 Ingredients)
FAQ
What is the bright orange squash used to make pie called?
The bright orange squash you’re referring to is likely the pumpkin. The bright orange squash used to make pie is called pumpkin. Pumpkin is a popular ingredient in various dishes, especially during the fall season.
What is bright orange squash used to make?
Orange squash is a concentrated drink made from oranges that is usually diluted with water before consumption. It can be used as a refreshing drink, particularly in hot weather, as a mixer in cocktails, or as a flavoring agent in various desserts and baked goods.
What squash makes the best pies?
Due to its high yield, butternut squash is my favorite option for pie, but so long as the total weight of purée remains the same, feel free to make use of alternatives like kabocha, buttercup, and acorn squash instead.
What kind of squash is in pumpkin pie?
It could be a sugar pumpkin or a butternut squash, but it also could be a lesser known variety, like the hubbard squash. Make sure you read the labels, some canned pumpkin will be marked as pumpkin pie filling, that means it already has spices and sweeteners mixed in.
What color is a squash pie?
One thing to note is that the type of squash you will use will affect the color of your finished pie. The pictures shown here are of the mystery squash pie, which was bright orange. The butternut squash pie was also orange, but acorn squash may result in a more yellow or brownish-colored pie that will still taste delicious.
What is roasted winter squash pie?
Roasted Winter Squash Pie (aka Pumpkin Pie) is the classic fall dessert – it can be made with butternut or acorn squash, or of course, pumpkin.
Which winter squash is best for pie?
But when it comes down to picking the best kinds of winter squash to purchase for your homemade pie recipes, Andrew Zimmern says that the sugar pumpkin, buttercup, and Blue Hubbard are the best varieties to use for dessert this season. Sugar pumpkin, Hubbard, & buttercup squash oh my! So what makes these squash stand out from the rest?
Which squash is best for pumpkin pie?
If you like pumpkin pie, but are looking for something a bit richer and more flavorful, Squash Pie is the pie for you. I used heirloom hubbard squash to make this hundred-year-old Squash Pie recipe, but other winter squash would work equally well. This recipe uses less milk and more eggs than the typical modern pumpkin pie recipe.
Can you make a pie from winter squash?
A good pie like pecan, Dutch apple, or sweet potato can really make dessert during the winter worthwhile, but none are as classic or delicious as a pie made from winter squash. Not only is winter squash absolutely divine as a pie filling with its attractive, vibrant color and toasty sweet flavor, but it is also super nutritious.
What type of squash should I not use for pie making?
They all turned out great, but there are some types of squash you’ll want to avoid. Don’t use spaghetti squash, or a very large pumpkin (the type you would use to carve). Neither are ideal for pie making and will result in watery, flavorless pies. One thing to note is that the type of squash you will use will affect the color of your finished pie.