Effortless Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup Recipe for Busy Days
Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup is the ultimate hands-off comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a bowl of rich, silky goodness. With just 10 minutes of prep time, the slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you free to handle your busy day.
If you’ve ever spent hours roasting squash or babysitting soup on the stove, let me save you some time and effort. This healthy, creamy recipe brings together sweet butternut squash, cozy spices, and a touch of coconut milk—all in one pot. Trust me, once you’ve tried this shortcut, you’ll never go back to the old way of making butternut squash soup.

Why This Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup Is a Game-Changer
- It’s completely hands-off: 10 minutes of prep, and the slow cooker handles the rest.
- Perfectly creamy without dairy: Thanks to light coconut milk, this soup is both vegan and luscious.
- The slow cooker enhances flavor: Low-and-slow cooking blends the spices with the natural sweetness of squash and apples.
- It’s batch-cooking friendly: Makes 12 cups—enough to feed you all week or stash in the freezer for busy nights.
Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup
The MVP here is, of course, your slow cooker. A 4-quart or larger model works perfectly. If you’re shopping for one, I recommend looking for programmable options with a warm setting—it’s a lifesaver for keeping soup ready until dinnertime.
- Immersion blender: For a super smooth texture without transferring hot soup to a blender. (But a regular blender works, just be careful!)
- Vegetable peeler: A sharp one makes peeling butternut squash safe and easy.
- Chef’s knife: Invest in an ultra-sharp knife to make quick work of cubing squash.
Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup
This easy butternut squash soup recipe is all about fresh, wholesome ingredients you may already have:
- Butternut squash: Naturally sweet and creamy. Pro tip: Buy pre-cut squash to save prep time if it’s available in your store.
- Apples: Adding just the right touch of sweetness. A mix of sweet (Golden Delicious) and tart (Granny Smith) works wonders.
- Coconut milk: Keeps this vegan but still ultra-rich. Use light coconut milk unless you want a thicker result.
- Nutmeg: That cozy, warm spice that takes the flavor to the next level.
Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup Recipe Details
- Servings: 8 servings (12 cups total)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
Complete Ingredients List
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 medium butternut squash (about 6 pounds total), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 medium apples, cored and diced
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3/4 cup light coconut milk, plus more if needed
Step-by-Step Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup Instructions
- Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it’s soft and fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes, then add to your slow cooker.
- Prep the butternut squash by slicing off the ends, peeling, and cubing into 3/4-inch pieces. Add the cubed squash to the slow cooker.
- Add the diced apples, broth, salt, nutmeg, pepper, and cayenne to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the squash is tender.
- Stir in the coconut milk. Use an immersion blender to puree directly in the slow cooker, or carefully transfer the soup to a blender to puree in batches. Return it to the slow cooker if needed.
- If the soup is too thick, stir in more coconut milk to adjust the consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve hot!
Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup
- Save time: Pre-cut butternut squash is your best friend when you’re in a rush.
- Peeling tip: Microwave the squash for 1-2 minutes to make peeling easier.
- Batch cook: Freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick meals later.
- Extra creamy: Stir in more coconut milk or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for added richness.
- Toppings: Croutons, pumpkin seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil can elevate each bowl.
Easy Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup Variations
- Slow Cooker Apple Butternut Squash Soup: Add an extra apple for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Love heat? Double the cayenne or add red pepper flakes.
- Herbaceous Twist: Stir in chopped fresh rosemary or thyme before serving.
- Protein Boost: Pair with a scoop of cooked quinoa or red lentils stirred in before blending.
Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup FAQs
Can I make this easy butternut squash soup recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the soup for up to 5 days or freeze it for 3 months. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Absolutely. Frozen squash saves even more prep time and cooks perfectly in the slow cooker.
How do I make this a healthy slow cooker soup without losing flavor?
This recipe is naturally healthy thanks to the simple, wholesome ingredients. Use light coconut milk and low-sodium broth to keep it lighter.
What equipment is essential for creamy butternut squash soup with coconut milk?
You’ll need a slow cooker and either an immersion blender or regular blender for a smooth texture.
Can I make this vegan butternut squash soup spicier?
Of course! Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
There you go—Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup that’s not only easy but also packed with flavor. What’s your favorite time-saving recipe? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this with your fellow busy cooks!

Crockpot Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Heat olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it’s soft and fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes, then add to your slow cooker.
- Prep the butternut squash by slicing off the ends, peeling, and cubing into 3/4-inch pieces. Add the cubed squash to the slow cooker.
- Add the diced apples, broth, salt, nutmeg, pepper, and cayenne to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the squash is tender.
- Stir in the coconut milk. Use an immersion blender to puree directly in the slow cooker, or carefully transfer the soup to a blender to puree in batches. Return it to the slow cooker if needed.
- If the soup is too thick, stir in more coconut milk to adjust the consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve hot!
Notes
Written by Jake
Hi, I’m Jake — the home cook behind Kitchen Shortcuts. I create easy crockpot meals and slow cooker recipes designed for busy families who want flavorful home-cooked food with less effort.
