Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup
This velvety butternut squash soup is made effortlessly in the slow cooker, combining sweet apples, warming spices, and creamy coconut milk for a comforting fall dish that's both nutritious and satisfying with minimal hands-on time.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 4 hours hrs
Slow Cook Option 8 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 185 kcal
Main Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash about 3 pounds, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 sweet apples Honeycrisp or Gala, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth for non-vegetarians
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup optional for added sweetness
Peel and cube your butternut squash into 1-inch pieces. For easier peeling, poke a few holes in the squash and microwave it for 2-3 minutes first to soften the tough skin.
Dice your onion, mince your garlic, and chop your apples and carrots.
Place all prepared vegetables and fruits in the crockpot—butternut squash, apples, onion, carrots, garlic, and ginger.
Sprinkle your spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and pepper) over the vegetables.
Pour the vegetable broth over everything, making sure all ingredients are just barely covered.
Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7-8 hours, until the butternut squash and carrots are fork-tender.
Use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the crockpot until silky smooth. If using a standard blender, carefully transfer in batches.
Stir in the coconut milk and maple syrup (if using).
Return the crockpot to "warm" setting and let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes to marry the flavors.
Substitution Ideas:
• Butternut squash → Acorn or kabocha squash (adjust cooking time accordingly)
• Apples → Pears for a different fruity undertone
• Coconut milk → Almond milk or cashew cream for different dairy-free options
• Maple syrup → Honey or brown sugar
Serving Suggestions:
• Top with a swirl of coconut cream and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds
• Serve alongside a rustic whole grain bread for a complete meal
• For an elegant presentation, serve in small hollowed-out pumpkins
Storage Tips:
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container
• Freeze for up to 3 months (leave 1-inch headspace in container)
• For best results when freezing, add coconut milk after thawing and reheating
Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 680mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 245IUVitamin C: 35mg
Keyword Butternut Squash Soup, Crockpot Soup, Fall Soup, Healthy Soup, Vegetarian Soup