Acorn Squash Soup with Maple Syrup

Acorn Squash Soup with Maple Syrup is a celebration of fall flavors at their finest. The acorn squash is roasted to bring out its naturally sweet, nutty taste, then blended into a velvety soup with warm aromatics, a touch of cream (or coconut milk), and the star ingredient—pure maple syrup.

The result is a silky, slightly sweet soup with comforting depth… like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket in front of a fireplace. This soup is the perfect balance of hearty and wholesome. It brings seasonal elegance to your table and can be served as a stunning appetizer for holiday feasts or as a satisfying main dish on a cool evening.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because:

  • Acorn squash is mild yet beautifully sweet when roasted
  • The maple syrup adds a luxurious caramel-like finish
  • Simple ingredients transform into something elegant
  • It feels gourmet, but it’s very easy to make
  • It’s naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan

No complicated steps, just pure flavor and comfort.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

  • Perfect for Thanksgiving, fall celebrations, or cozy weeknight dinners
  • A nutritional powerhouse rich in fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants
  • Freezer-friendly—great for meal planning
  • Customizable from sweet to savory
  • Looks stunning with minimal effort

One spoonful and you’ll be hooked!

Recipe Details

CategoryInfo
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings4–6 bowls
Calories~280 kcal per serving
CourseSoup
CuisineAmerican / Fall Seasonal

Main Ingredients

  • 2 medium acorn squash, halved & seeds removed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
  • ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream
  • 2–3 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Optional Garnishes

  • Extra maple syrup drizzle
  • Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • Crispy sage leaves
  • Cracked black pepper
  • Swirl of cream or yogurt

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Method

1️⃣ Roast the Squash
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush squash halves with oil, season with salt/pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast 35–45 minutes until tender.

2️⃣ Sauté Aromatics
Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer.

3️⃣ Scoop & Add Squash
Scoop roasted squash out of the skin and add to the pot with onions.

4️⃣ Add Broth & Simmer
Pour in broth, add cinnamon & nutmeg. Simmer 10 minutes.

5️⃣ Blend Smooth
Use an immersion blender (or blend in batches) until silky smooth.

6️⃣ Add Cream & Maple
Stir in coconut milk or cream and maple syrup. Adjust seasonings to taste.

7️⃣ Serve Warm
Garnish with pumpkin seeds, herbs, or a light maple drizzle.

How to Serve

Serve this soup:

  • With crusty bread, garlic toast, or biscuits
  • In small cups as a dinner party starter
  • Topped with crispy sage for a gourmet restaurant feel
  • With a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like heat

Pairs beautifully with fall salads and roasted poultry.

Recipe Tips

  • Roasting is key: It develops the squash’s sweetness and caramel notes
  • If soup is too thick → add more broth
  • If too sweet → balance with salt or a squeeze of lemon
  • Use pure maple syrup only (not pancake syrup!)
  • For ultra-smooth texture → strain through a sieve after blending

Variations to Try

VariationWhat to Add
Spicy KickAdd 1 tsp curry powder or red pepper flakes
Apple BlendAdd 1 chopped apple while sautéing onion
VeganUse coconut milk + vegan butter or oil
Sage & Brown ButterDrizzle brown butter on top
Smoky Fall FlavorAdd ½ tsp smoked paprika
Protein BoostAdd roasted chickpeas for topping

Freezing & Storage

MethodDurationTips
Refrigerate4–5 daysStore in an airtight container
Freeze2–3 monthsFreeze before adding cream if possible

Special Equipment Needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Blender (immersion or regular)
  • Large soup pot
  • Sharp knife (acorn squash is firm—take care!)

FAQ

Q: Can I use pre-cut or canned squash?
Yes! It shortens prep time significantly.

Q: Can I make it sweeter?
Add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or roasted apple.

Q: Can I make this without cream?
Totally—just use more broth for a lighter soup.

Q: Is acorn squash skin edible?
Once roasted, yes, but for this recipe, we remove it for smoothness.

Conclusion

Acorn Squash Soup with Maple Syrup is the ultimate cozy fall dish—nutty, creamy, and sweet with gorgeous color and comforting aroma. It’s nourishing, festive, and incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or just warming up after a crisp autumn day, this soup will bring seasonal joy to every bowl.

Acorn Squash Soup with Maple Syrup

Recipe by Elina JamesCourse: SoupsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

45

minutes
Total time

1

hour 

Ingredients

  • Main Ingredients

  • 2 medium acorn squash, halved & seeds removed

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

  • ½ cup coconut milk or heavy cream

  • 2–3 tbsp pure maple syrup

  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon

  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

  • Optional Garnishes

  • Extra maple syrup drizzle

  • Toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

  • Crispy sage leaves

  • Cracked black pepper

  • Swirl of cream or yogurt

Directions

  • Roast the Squash : Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush squash halves with oil, season with salt/pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast 35–45 minutes until tender.
  • Sauté Aromatics : Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer.
  • Scoop & Add Squash : Scoop roasted squash out of the skin and add to the pot with onions.
  • Add Broth & Simmer : Pour in broth, add cinnamon & nutmeg. Simmer 10 minutes.
  • Blend Smooth : Use an immersion blender (or blend in batches) until silky smooth.
  • Add Cream & Maple : Stir in coconut milk or cream and maple syrup. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  • Serve Warm : Garnish with pumpkin seeds, herbs, or a light maple drizzle.

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