Do you have certain recipes that are only made during the fall and winter? For us, this is about the only time I cook acorn squash. It usually isn’t something that is planned either, my husband will usually make the request when it starts getting a bit chillier outside while grocery shopping, leading to me coming home with two beautiful acorn squash and a small bag of granny smith apples. Really, it is one of the cheapest (and yummy) fall recipes made in our household!
Recently, my husband decided to make my traditional recipe while I was sick as a surprise. As always happens, we were out of about half the stuff we needed, so he started to improvise. While this can sometime lead to some…frightening creations, this time it turned into a recipe that may very well be better than my original acorn squash boat recipe! Since the recipe was so amazing, I couldn’t wait to share it with you guys! I am pretty certain you are going to love it just as much as us!
Apple & Cinnamon Squash Boats Recipe
A simple, easy to make acorn squash recipe that is a mix between dinner and dessert, with cinnamon and lime baked apples baked in the center of the squash. A new family favorite recipe!
- Category: dinner
- Cuisine: vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2–3 Granny Smith Apples (diced or cubed)
- 2 Acorn Squash
- 4 TBSP of melted butter
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 TBSP Lime Juice
- 2 TBSP Water
- 2 Tsp Cinnamon
Instructions
- ) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. While the oven is preheating, with a very sharp knife cut the acorn squash in half longwise and clean out the center strings and seeds.
- ) Place the acorn squash face down on a pan or baking dish with a half-inch (or higher) lip or ledge. Fill the pan with one-quarter to one-half inch of water – this seals the squash, preventing them from drying out while the inside is cooking.
- ) Carefully place the pan in the oven, where you will be baking the acorn squash for 20 minutes.
- ) While the squash is baking, mix the melted butter and apples, making sure they are covered thoroughly with butter.
- ) Mix the brown sugar, lime juice, water, and cinnamon in with the apples. Make sure everything is coated evenly.
- ) Remove the baked acorn squash from the oven and very carefully flip the acorn squash so that the centers are facing up. Do not dump the water.
- ) Fill the center of each of the squash halves with the apple mixture. Once filled, very carefully move the pan back to the oven and cook for another 20 minutes.
- ) Once finished, let cool for 5 – 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm.
Disclosure: Budget Earth did not receive monetary compensation or product for this recipe. All opinions are our own and may differ from our readers’ opinions.
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Kricket Fountain says
This sounds yummy! Although I’ve NEVER thought of combining squash with apples and cinnamon, but those are two of my many favorite foods & my MOST favorite spice! I’ll have to come back and let you know how it turns out once I make it
lisa says
That sounds delicious. I love squash but there are only so many ways to prepare it. I’m going to try this recipe this week.
Sara says
This food looks yummy and easy to make
Penni says
Believe it or not, I have actually never tried acorn squash! This recipe sounds (and looks) so delicious – I’m going to try it right away!
Kathleen Kelly says
I love acorn squash and this recipe looks really good! Thanks for sharing, I have saved the recipe!
Susan Faatz says
I love acorn squash and this recipe sounds very good.
Katharine Cookman says
THE FUNNY THING IS I TRIED THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME YESTERDAY!!! IT WAS WONDERFUL!! I CAN NOT WAITE TO MAKE IT AGAIN & AGAIN & AGAIN!!! BLESSED BE!!!
JACKIE PHIPPS says
Sounds good but not sure I like squash
Crystal says
that sounds so yummy love squash
christine says
Thank you sounds yummy
Sarah L says
Those fall flavors would go well together. Thanks for the recipe.
ellen beck says
looks and sounds good for those who like the sweet squash vrsiom. the apples would add a nice variation.
Margot C says
I make something very much like that except I put raisin in it too!
Esperanza Gailliard says
Squash sounds very tasty. My mom would make all sorts of squash recipes when I was younger.
James Robert says
I remember my Grandma making this often but not like this recipe. Think she just used butter but this sounds great
AwayGirl100 says
We eat butternut squash all through the winter, but never tried acorn squash because i never knew what to do with it lol ty so much for sharing this! i KNOW my family will love it!
Angela A Simmons says
delicious recopies im getting hungry now lol
Lisa R says
What an interesting combination. i’m not too sure about what to say about this one until I try it
sibabe64 at ptd dot net
Jennifer Hiles says
What a unique recipe! I love it. The presentation is perfect. They almost look to nice to eat!I’d like to try and make these for Thanksgiving.
Lisa Kubin says
I am not sure about this receipe. I love squash and I love apples and cinnamon but I don’t know about putting them together! I will have to give it a try and see!
Sarah Matos says
I would never have thought to pair these ingredients together. Sounds interesting.
Lisa Brown says
Hmmm….apples, cinnamon and squash, it may taste good.
Cheryl Rahkonen says
This sounds delicious. I have got to try it. I bake my acorn squash with apples and cranberry sauce but not all of my children like cranberry sauce so your recipe may something that they will like. Thank you!
Maria Iemma says
What a great fall dish! My family loves squash and we have an abundance of apples since we went apple picking last month
Terri S says
This sounds incredible! I am always looking for new recipes for squash. Thank you for sharing the recipe.
lisa says
I picked up the ingredients and I’ll be trying this tonight. It should be good!
Jo-Ann Brightman says
I think that combining apples with squash is a good recipe and cinnamon just makes it better.
Tammy Farrar says
wow those look fantastic i am impressed
Shannon says
This sounds lovely! Thank you for sharing, I love to eat winter squash.
Cupcake says
My 2 favorite things gonna have to give this a try.
Stacey b says
Yum! I Just picked up a couple acorn squashes at the store yesterday, I want to give this one a try!
Stacey Roberson says
These look and sound delicious! And easy to make, too. I great, healthy dinner side.
Deb E says
Brown sugar and cinnamon really make this recipe I bet. So good for you too and crunchy with the apples.
Elizabeth says
This Apple Cinnamon Squash Boat recipe looks & sounds delicious! Planning on making it real soon…I bet it will help make my husband a squash lover =)
RANDY FULGHAM says
I KNOW THIS HAS TO BE GOOD–THANKS FOR THIS RECIPE…
Pamela Gurganus says
This looks and sounds delicious! I love the flavor combinations and look forward to trying this. Such perfect fall food! Thanks for sharing!
Sally Guenterberg says
looks easy and yummy
Terri S says
Sounds like an easy recipe…We love squash!
Ingermaria Berryman says
What an interesting mix. I can’t recall having squash before, but I love trying new vegetables, so I may try this recipe out. Sounds like a really good one for fall! Thank you.
Ellora Bybee says
Love squash and apples, definitely trying this.
Deb E says
This would be a good recipe for Thanksgiving if you don’t have too many people to feed.
Mark Cook says
This sounds soo delicious! I am going to try this out asap, thanks for sharing the recipe, cheers!
Stephanie Mago-Eagle says
Those look really good.I am going to try these
Yvette Figueroa says
That looks and sounds awesome! I know what I will be making for Thanksgiving! Thank you!
Shannon says
This sounds so yummy. I love acorn squash recipes.
Nichole Smith says
That looks really yummy! We make acorn squash about once a year, usually around fall like y’all. I’ve never done it with apples, usually just Maple syrup and lots of butter.
Tracy Pryor says
Looks yummy! My husband and I love squash. I’ll be trying this next time I go to the farmers market.
Jennifer Rote says
Interesting. Not sure I would try it though.
essijay says
This sounds awesome! I volunteered at an urban farm last year and took home my first ever acorn squash and had no idea what to do with it. Sure wish I’d seen this recipe then!
Dorothy Teel says
Cool, that your hubby came up with the original idea for this and that he went ahead and cooked, it, wonderful man. I think that this sounds great, my hubby is not into squash, but we may try this for Thanksgiving when my married sons and granddaughters come, they would love it, Printed and ready and waiting. Meanwhile can we borrow your hubby I have a bad headache and don’t feel like cooking…LOL
lisa says
I love squash because it has such a mild flavor and pairs well with different spices and foods. I haven’t tried acorn squash yet.
Dawn Keenan says
My kids are not great squash lovers, but I bet I could get them to try this due to the apples. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Jo-Ann Brightman says
I like your husband’s recipe and I have never tried using lime juice instead of lemon juice.
AwayGirl100 says
I think the one ingredient that i had to read twice lol was lime juice! never used that before when using apples and can’t wait to see what flavor it gives them!
Margot C says
You can do this with an Eggplant too; it’s good with apricots and sausage (sounds awful, but is good)
Maria Iemma says
I love squash and so do my kids, this is a sweet recipe.
Heather NC says
This looks delicious … my mouth is watering looking at the pictures of this.
Pamela Gurganus says
I love fall foods.
tamra gibson says
First of all how sweet of ur hubby and I sure can relate to being out of items needed so I do a little of adding this & that to. Everything sounds great as I read and look at it but I’m not a major fan of squash but it is something easy to try. Thanks for sharing
Linda Short says
I would eat this anytime! Squash and Apples? Yumo!
Heather NC says
I like all the this recipe calls for! when are you sending over a dish for me 🙂
Cindy B says
I’ve never considered using squash as a food boat, great idea!
Robin Wilson says
I’ve never had acorn squash, but this and looks like a great recipe full of the flavors of Fall!
Brenda Haines says
What a great idea!
Deb E says
I wonder if you can do this recipe in a crock pot? The weather has cooled down so I can use the oven now without overheating the whole house.
Mark Cook says
this is a great idea for squash, i love it!
Cynthia C says
What a great fall dish. Apples and squash are a nice pairing. I make a side dish for Thanksgiving every year with sliced squash and apples that everyone loves.
Shannon says
I love how healthy this sounds. Thank you for sharing this recipe with us.
Deborah D says
This sure does look & sound delicious!
Jo-Ann Brightman says
I greatly appreciate the tip about the water sealing the squash so that it does not dry out.
Jennifer Hiles says
My husband has been asking me to make squash for awhile now. I want to make this for Thanksgiving but I’m thinking I should do a trial run first. Maybe this weekend. Looks so good!
lisa says
I always like to find new recipe ideas. Especially for vegetables that are in season.
ellen beck says
I just got a couple of acron squash the other day I might give your way a go siince everyone else likes them sweet. They do look good.
Terri S says
I’m going this weekend to get the squash and apples so that I could make this recipe. It sounds so good!!
Pamela Gurganus says
I wonder if somehow I could adapt this recipe to my slow cooker? Hmm…
ellen beck says
I tried thses this evvening and they were really quite good and werent nearly as sweet as I thought they would be. They turned out nicely.
Deb E says
I’m not a real big fan of Granny Smith Apples and like to use a mixture so I’ll try the ones on sale this weekend. Apples are apples to me.
Sarah L says
Now I want some baked apples.
Rust says
This sounds like a delicious combination!
RANDY FULGHAM says
VERY-VERY-VERY–GOOD IDEAL,THANKS FOR SHARING THIS!!!
Deborah D says
I love apples & squash.
robyn donnelly says
The recipe looks and sounds good and definitely good for you. Will try this sometime. Thanks.
Jo-Ann Brightman says
This is such a delicious recipe and I might make it soon with a little less sugar.
Shannon says
I love fall recipes. Thank you for sharing this recipe with us.
Debi H. says
This looks and sounds delicious! My husband doesn’t like squash though so I would have to blindfold him to get him to try it!
Brenda Haines says
Going to make these tomorrow, thanks.
Robin Wilson says
This kind of recipe really makes me okay with the cold weather ahead!
Maria Iemma says
I am going to the farmer’s market tomorrow and I will certainly look for squash.
Rhonda Martin says
This recipe came at a perfect time for me. I just got a box full of squash and was trying to figure out different recipes I could do to utilize them so they won’t go bad. This is one I’ve got to try. Thanks for posting. I’ve pinned it for later.
ellen beck says
These tasted really good the other day I am planning on getting more squash to make more.
Leila Emeric says
Never would I have thought of that combination. Lol…will have to try this one day.
tamra gibson says
LOL I have been reading other people comments as well to get some tricks nd believe it or not I didn’t even know there were different kinds of squash. i saved your recipe on that site which by the way is so awesome because trying to go bk thru book never worked for me.My daughter in law likes to cook different things and when i told her about this she assured me that on her next visit she could make this and that i would love it.
Deb E says
With all the carrots I’ve been eating and now with this squash, I’ll definitely be getting my vitamin A for a while. So nutrition and easy to make too.
Deborah D says
Looks really yummy!!
Pamela Gurganus says
I have this on the menu for the upcoming week! Can’t wait!
Shannon says
This sounds really good. Thank you for sharing your recipe with us.
Jo-Ann Brightman says
I was thinking that to change this completely to a dessert all I would have to do is take some of the brown sugar out of the inside and mix it with butter and flour to make a crumb topping.
Terri S says
I love, Love, LOVE squah!! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
lisa says
I love reading and trying new recipes. Especially something that’s healthy. I am a junk food lover.
Jane Ritz says
This squash recipe sounds awesome. We always had winter squash as a child. My Mom had many delicious recipes for all kinds of squash.
Angela W says
This looks so good. I love squash and this recipe is another way I can cook it. Can’t wit to try it
Tina F says
wow thisis quite the interesting combination I am not sure I would have ever come up with this combo
Caroline Wampler says
This looks delicious! I eat a lot of vegetarian dishes so this is perfect for me!
Leila Emeric says
I have never tried this type of squash. I pass them by because I don’t know how to pick them. Lol. Have to google it because I keep seeing this recipe and want to try it.
ellen beck says
These ooks so good yoour really did a great job with this recipe.
Sarah L says
I like using the lime juice – would keep the apples from turning brown.
Brenda Haines says
Made em, ate em and love em!
jessi gonzalez says
Simple ingredients…I like that:) looks rather tasty!
Deb E says
I like how inexpensive and easy these are to make. Good hubby recipe for sure.
Shannon says
Thank you for sharing this recipe with us. I always see these in the store and wanted recipes to make with them.
June S. says
I like eating squash of any type, and this recipe sounds very good to me. I am going to make this for my daughter and myself to eat-
Lisa diaz says
This looks so good! I’m definitely gonna have to make this soon 🙂
Stephanie Mago-Eagle says
These look so good and look like they are easy to make
Linda Short says
Sounds, and looks, yumo!
Murry says
Squash are going on sale this wednesday. I’ll pick some up and try it this week.
lisa says
The brown sugar really gives this dish a nice flavor.And, it’s healthy. Even kids will like it.
Maria Iemma says
Squash apples and cinnamon is a win win combination
Diana Scholz says
I have always been a person to give all foods a try and not just decided for no reason that i did not like something. WELL i did that with squash, and FINALLY this year i have decided to give it a try AND i am so sad that i did not do so earlier! Love it and i have been looking for recipes now! Thank you for sharing
Holly Finnegan says
I’d like to try this with Butternut Squash. Looks yummy!!!
Birdiebee says
I have never seen a recipe like this before. This looks so delicious.
Deborah D says
I need to find this squash.
Terri S says
This is delicious! I love anything with apples.
Pamela Gurganus says
I know my husband will absolutely love this!
Shannon says
Thank you for sharing this recipe with us. I love winter squash.
Shannon says
Thank you for sharing this recipe with us. I love winter squash. Have a sweet day.
ellen beck says
This looks deliciious thanks for sharing this recipe. Squash is good for you.
Brandy White Buneta says
love squash & apple but never thought about putting th two together
Leila Emeric says
Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Deb E says
I think I would scoop out the squash for the kiddos. The younger ones might have a real hard time eating it and it might end up flying (or sailing since it’s a boat!) across the room, lol.
Maria Iemma says
Yummy and delicious recipe for a nice fall evening.
Murry says
Tastes great. Although I used Fuji apples.
lisa says
I wonder if this recipe would work with other types of squash too. I think this might be a bit more firm than yellow squash.
Terri S says
I can’t wait to make this again. It was so delicious.
JoAnn Brightman says
I love making a squash and apple recipe on these cooler weather days
ellen beck says
I am on a squash kick- something else that would bbe good with the apples is add some bacon and eliminate the cinnamon. Bacon makes everything better 🙂
Pamela Gurganus says
It was really sweet of your husband to cook for you while you were sick!
Mark Cook says
yup delicious, i just made them, great halloween recipe.
Leila Emeric says
Thank you for all you do. Great recipes.
McKnight says
I am definitely going to try this!
Deb E says
Great timing for this recipe. The grocery ads have apples on sale and fall veggies are soon to follow I’m sure.
Evelyn Goettner says
Oh yum! Looks delicious!! I love squash especially in the winter. It’s healthy, delicious and you can do so much with it. Thanks for sharing!
Maria Iemma says
Great recipe. I like to serve different types of squash to my family. The spaghetti squash is delicious too.
Shannon says
Thank you for sharing this lovely recipe with us.
lisa says
This is just the right sized portion to be a filling meal. Not too heavy and tasty.
Terri S says
This is a perfect fall dish. Thank you for sharing.
Pamela Gurganus says
I made this for dinner tonight and it was awesome!
Leila Emeric says
I like that the recipe does not make a lot. My family are picky eaters and are very hesitant to try anything new. Lol.
judy maharrey says
Sou ds delicious! Will try to make soon.
ellen beck says
There is so much you can make with acorn squash it is one of my favorites for sure.
Susan S., TN says
Have to be honest, this would probably be the last recipe I would try. If it had been Apple & Cinnamon anything else I would be on board. Just no one in my home that likes squash & I dont think I could trick my boys into it. But I do know people that like squash & I will be happy to share this recipe w/ them. They will probably love.. Thanks for sharing!!!
Deb E says
I bet this would taste great with just a touch of pure maple syrup. Sounds good to me anyway.
Evelyn Goettner says
Looks yummy! I love trying new recipes!
Shannon says
This sounds so yummy. I love winter squash recipes. Thank you for posting!
Deborah D says
very good recipe!
lisa says
I would like to see some other recipes using squash. I’m running out of things to say.
Jennifer Hiles says
I love fall foods. Everything about fall (except that it leads to winter) is wonderful. This looks so delicious. I still haven’t had the chance to make it yet but I will!
Terri S says
This recipe is so amazingly good. Thank you for sharing it.
Rhonda Martin says
I think this was an awesome recipe. I added a little bit of nutmeg but other than that I went right by this recipe. It is one I will definitely make again.
Maria Iemma says
This recipe is delicious and would be a great addition to a Thanksgiving menu
Sarah L says
I like eating with the seasons and this is a great fall dish.
ellen beck says
I think my family tinks I have an acorn squash addiction now- these turmed out great and are so very versitile!
tamra gibson says
Shucks my daughter in law had planned to come down and make these but her work schedule wouldn’t allow it this weekend so hopefully soon. Even though my hubby would never eat any of the main ingredients he does and continues to stay true to Granny Smith apples so we will save him some of those lol
Leila Emeric says
I love squash in soups but have never tried just baking them like this.
Deb E says
They had the long zucchini squash on sale today and I was tempted to make “long” boats, but I’ll save that recipe for later.
Evelyn Goettner says
Looks so good!! I really love squash. Going to give this recipe a try.
RANDY FULGHAM says
i have yet to try this–but i will very soon…-thanks for sharing
Shannon says
This sounds like a great recipe. Thank you for sharing your recipe with us.
Jennifer Hiles says
I really like how inexpensive this dish is to make. Perfect for get togethers.
Dana Stargazer Truitt says
re they easy to mass produce..meaning make a bunch!?
Daniel Bewley says
Hi Dana,
Yes, making them is pretty much the same amount of effort whether you’re opening 1 squash or 5. The limiting factor is really how many will fit in the oven at once! You’d just have to adjust the recipe, since the ingredient list should comfortably fill two squash (so four halves).
Happy cooking!
Rhonda Martin says
It’s getting cold here in Maine and I like serving warm comfort food on cold rainy days. We have lots of squash to use up so I think I’m going to make this again tonight. Thanks so so much for sharing this recipe.
Maria Iemma says
I made it for the first time yesterday and it was delicious/. It will be a repeat recipe for us.
lisa says
I would add some nut to this too. Maybe walnuts or pecans.
Adriane says
Sounds delicious – going to give it a trY!
Terri S says
I’m having family over for dinner this weekend and I’m going to make this for them. I loved it.
Susan Broughton says
I am not much of a squash person myself but this recipe sounds like it would be really healthy.
ellen beck says
These would alo be good if you added say bacon or ham and they could be a complete meal. We love squash!
Leila Emeric says
I will be making this with my sister in law over the holidays since my son refuses to try it. He is 14. Lol.
Deb E says
I don’t use butter but I would sub the butter with some healthy oil like coconut or a nice pistachio flavored olive oil I have.
Evelyn Goettner says
I really love squash. I can’t wait to try this recipe.
Maria Iemma says
Love easy and delicious recipes, apple, cinnamon and squash is a great combination.
Diane Elizabeth says
I have a lot of acorn squash from my garden this year, so I’m looking for new recipes. This looks yummy, thank you!
RANDY FULGHAM says
THIS IS A VERY FINR RECIPE–THANKS
Shannon says
This sounds wonderful. I love winter veggie recipes.
Kristen says
I don’t really like squash but this looks like a great recipe to make for my little girl when she starts to eat big girl food 🙂
Deborah D says
Your husband sure knows how to bake!
lisa says
So many recipes to try! I see things that sound good. What to try first?
Jennifer Hiles says
I was wondering if you could use different kinds of squash? Does it have to be acorn squash?