Best Acorn Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Acorn in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Butternut squash is sweeter and less starchy than acorn squash; use equal volume but reduce added sugar slightly in recipes. Better for soups and purées.
Looking for the best Acorn substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 1 reliable Acorn replacements that work in cooking and baking — ranked and explained so you can pick the right one for your recipe. Great for when you want to keep things plant-based or avoid dairy. The top pick is Butternut Squash — it's the closest match for most recipes. Butternut squash is sweeter and less starchy than acorn squash; use equal volume but reduce added sugar slightly in recipes. Better for soups and purées.
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Get ratios for Acorn →All Acorn Substitutes (1 options)
Butternut squash is sweeter and less starchy than acorn squash; use equal volume but reduce added sugar slightly in recipes. Better for soups and purées.
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Tips for Substituting Acorn
For most recipes, Butternut Squash is the best starting point. Butternut squash is sweeter and less starchy than acorn squash; use equal volume but reduce added sugar slightly in recipes. Better for soups and purées. Going plant-based? Butternut Squash is a vegan-friendly option that work well in most recipes. If you need a gluten-free alternative, Butternut Squash fits the bill without the gluten. If you're unsure which Acorn substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Acorn Substitutes
The best substitute for Acorn is Butternut Squash. Use the same amount. Butternut squash is sweeter and less starchy than acorn squash; use equal volume but reduce added sugar slightly in recipes. Better for soups and purées.
This guide lists 1 Acorn alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Butternut Squash is a great plant-based alternative to Acorn. Butternut squash is sweeter and less starchy than acorn squash; use equal volume but reduce added sugar slightly in recipes. Better for soups and purées.
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