Butternut Squash Chocolate Cake Recipe

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Butternut squash might sound unusual in a chocolate cake, but it adds moisture, softness, and a subtle fall flavor without overpowering the chocolate. This cake is rich, cozy, and a fun way to use seasonal squash in a dessert your family may not expect.

Butternut Squash Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1 cup cooked butternut squash puree (see Notes)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, optional

For the chocolate glaze:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a large bowl, mix the butternut squash puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined.
5. Fold in mini chocolate chips, if using.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Let the cake cool completely before adding the glaze.
9. To make the glaze, place chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. Warm the heavy cream until hot but not boiling, then pour it over the chocolate chips.
10. Let sit for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Stir in butter if using.
11. Spread the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing.

Notes

To make butternut squash puree, roast or boil peeled butternut squash until tender, then mash or blend until smooth. If the puree seems watery, let it drain slightly before adding it to the batter. You can also use canned pumpkin in a pinch, but butternut squash gives the cake a slightly sweeter, more seasonal flavor.

This butternut squash chocolate cake recipe is delicious for fall baking, Thanksgiving dessert tables, Halloween parties, or a cozy weekend treat. Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, topped with chocolate glaze, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

If you enjoy easy dessert ideas, you may also like our Oreo Cupcake Recipe or these Thin Mint Cookies.

This Butternut Squash Chocolate Cake post updated September 2026.