Winter Squash Dessert Food

WINTER SQUASH BREAD

Steps:

• 1. preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut 1 large squash or 2 small squash in half and remove seeds and cover the tops with aluminum foil. Place the squash halves, cut-side up, on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes or until squash is soft. Cool.
• 2. When squash is cooled, scoop out pulp and mix with an electric mixer until pureed. Measure out 3 cups. (You can freeze any extra for other uses.)
• 3. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.
• 4. Cream butter; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• 5. Combine next 6 ingredients. Add to creamed mixture alternately with squash puree beginning and ending with flour mixture.
• 6. Stir in vanilla and pecans.
• 7. Spoon into 3 greased 8 inch loaf pans. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
• 8. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans and cool completely on wire racks.
• 9. Note: The bread freezes well. Just wrap loaf tightly and thoroughly in plastic wrap and freeze for 2-3 months.
• 10. Note: Cut this recipe in half and bake in 1 greased and floured (9 inch) loaf pan at 350 for 1 hour to 1 hour & 10 minutes.

WINTER SQUASH SPICE BUNDT CAKE

Steps:

• Cut squash in half; discard seeds and membrane. Place squash halves, cut sides down, in an 11- x 7-inch baking dish. Add water to a depth of 1/4 inch.
• Bake at 375° for 35 to 45 minutes or until tender; cool slightly.
• Scoop out and mash pulp; discard shells.
• Toss together 1/4 cup flour and raisins. Set aside.
• Combine remaining 2 1/2 cups flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; set aside.
• Combine squash pulp, sugar, and next 3 ingredients; stir in flour mixture until blended. Stir in raisins. Pour into a 12-cup Bundt pan coated with vegetable cooking spray.
• Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan, and cool completely. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

WINTER SQUASH SQUARES

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir in eggs, squash and oil; mix well. Spread into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. , Meanwhile, for frosting, beat together cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, vanilla and butter. Add milk; stir until smooth. Frost cooled cake. Cut into squares.