Butternut Squash and Orange Muffins

Continuing the butternut squash saga of last week, I still had one more package of thawed butternut squash that I needed to find use for. As I’m very fond of using vegetables in cakes (see below list), I’ve decided on making breakfast muffins with it.
As I also love citrus cakes, I’ve decided to flavor the muffins with orange juice and zest. Some leftover golden raisins, that were soaked in rum, quickly found their way into the bowl, along with warm aromatic spices.
The result was even tastier than what I had in mind: the muffins were moist, not overly sweet, and had a surprising bite, a bit similar to diced apples, as the butternut squash kept its shape while baking. The rum and raisins complemented the spices flavors and aroma, along with the freshness of the oranges.
The muffins are perfect for breakfast, or as a light snack any time of the day. To serve them as a light dessert for brunch, I topped them with a light tangy cream cheese and orange frosting, and with some fresh orange segments. Either way you’ll serve them, I’m sure you’ll enjoy.

Notes:
* I find that one cup of sugar is enough, especially when serving the muffins with the cream cheese frosting. However, if you prefer sweeter muffins, increase the amount to 1½ cups.
* American Neufchâtel cheese is a lower fat, tangier version of cream cheese. It is not to be confused with the European cheese, which resembles Camembert cheese. If you can’t find it, regular cream cheese can be used instead.
* For instructions on how to cut clean orange segments, see THIS post.
* For other cakes with vegetables check out these posts: Carrot muffins, Beet-chocolate cake, Zucchini- chocolate cake, sweet potato-apple bread.

Makes: 16
Prep time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:
½ cup golden raisins
¼ cup dark rum
2 L eggs
1 Tbs orange zest
1 cup brown sugar, packed (see notes)
½ cup oil
½ cup fresh orange juice (from 1 large orange)
½ tsp vanilla paste
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ginger powder
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 cup spelt flour
1 cup white flour
1 Tbs baking powder
¼ tsp salt
1 package (1 lbs/454 grams) frozen cubed butternut squash, thawed
For the cream cheese frosting: (optional, the amount is enough to top 4 muffins)
½ package (4oz, 115 grams) Neufchâtel cheese, or cream cheese, soft (see notes)
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tsp orange zest
1 tsp fresh orange juice.
For serving: (optional)
Clean orange segments from 1 large orange (see notes)

1. In a small bowl, mix the raisins with the rum. Leave at room temperature for 20 minutes.
2. Turn the oven to 350F (175C). Line 2 cupcake pans with 16 paper baking cups.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, orange zest, sugar, orange juice, oil and spices. Add the spelt and white flour, baking powder and salt and mix well. Add the butternut squash and the raisins with the rum. Mix briefly and divide between the baking cups.

4. Bake for 35 minutes, or until a tooth pick inserted in one of the muffins turns out almost dry. Transfer to a rack, to cool completely. Serve as is, or top with the cream cheese frosting.

5. The cream cheese frosting: mix the cheese, powdered sugar, orange zest and juice in a small bowl. Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a pastry tip and pipe the frosting over the muffins. Let set for a few minutes in the fridge before serving.