Sweet. Spicy. Warm. And ridiculously easy.

If you're looking for a simple fall recipe using Ceylon cinnamon and cayenne pepper, this roasted butternut squash may become a new favorite.

It combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with delicate Ceylon cinnamon and just a tiny kick from 90,000 heat unit cayenne pepper.

And when we say tiny, we mean tiny. Our cayenne has some serious heat!

Both spices are available in bulk at Life Essentials Refillery in South Tampa, so you can refill your spice jars with exactly the amount you need.

Ceylon Cinnamon & Cayenne Roasted Butternut Squash

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–35 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
• A VERY small pinch of 90,000 SHU cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Optional: chopped pecans or pumpkin seeds for serving

How to Make It

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Place the cubed butternut squash on a large baking sheet.

Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup. Sprinkle with Ceylon cinnamon, salt and a very small pinch of cayenne.

Toss everything together until the squash is evenly coated.

Spread the pieces into a single layer. Give them a little room so they roast instead of steam.

Roast for about 25–35 minutes, turning once halfway through.

The squash is ready when it's tender inside and starting to caramelize around the edges.

Taste and add another tiny pinch of cayenne if you want more heat.

Top with pecans or pumpkin seeds for a little crunch.

That's it!

Why Cinnamon and Cayenne Work So Well Together

It might sound like an unusual combination, but cinnamon and cayenne are wonderful together.

The Ceylon cinnamon adds a warm, slightly sweet flavor, while cayenne gives the dish a little heat.

Then you have the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash and maple syrup bringing everything together.

You get sweet, savory, warm and spicy in one bite.

Why Use Ceylon Cinnamon?

Ceylon cinnamon is sometimes called "true cinnamon."

It's different from the cassia cinnamon commonly found in grocery stores. Ceylon cinnamon has a lighter, more delicate flavor that works especially well in recipes where you don't want cinnamon to overpower everything else.

It also naturally contains significantly less coumarin than cassia cinnamon.

For this recipe, its softer flavor lets the butternut squash stay the star.

Be Careful With the Cayenne!

The cayenne pepper we carry at Life Essentials Refillery is rated at 90,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).

That's hot.

You do NOT need a teaspoon of it in this recipe.

Start with a tiny pinch.

You can always add more heat after roasting, but you can't take it back out.

If you're making this for kids or someone who doesn't like spicy food, you can leave the cayenne out of part of the batch.

What Should I Serve With It?

This roasted squash makes an easy fall side dish, but you can also turn it into part of a meal.

Try serving it with:

• Lentils
• Wild rice
• Quinoa
• Farro
• Roasted chickpeas
• Kale or spinach
• A fall salad
• Vegetarian holiday dishes

You could also toss the roasted squash into a grain bowl with greens, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds and a simple maple vinaigrette.

Make It Into a Fall Harvest Bowl

Want to turn this side dish into dinner?

Add the roasted Ceylon cinnamon and cayenne squash to a bowl with:

Cooked farro + chickpeas + kale + roasted squash + pumpkin seeds.

Finish it with a simple dressing made from olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar.

Now you've got an easy fall meal that uses several pantry staples.

Why Buy Just the Amount of Spice You Need?

Here's something we love about bulk spices:

You don't have to buy another whole jar.

Maybe you want to try Ceylon cinnamon for the first time.

Maybe you rarely use cayenne and only need a small amount.

Or maybe you're constantly refilling both.

At Life Essentials Refillery, you can purchase the amount that works for your kitchen.

Bring your own clean spice jar or use one of the container options available in the store.

It's a simple way to reduce packaging and avoid a cabinet full of half-used spice bottles.

Fall Recipe FAQ

Can I use Ceylon cinnamon on butternut squash?

Yes! Ceylon cinnamon's mild, slightly sweet flavor pairs especially well with naturally sweet vegetables like butternut squash and sweet potatoes.

Is cinnamon and cayenne a good combination?

Yes. Cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness while cayenne adds heat. They're especially good together in fall recipes featuring squash, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, apples and maple flavors.

How much 90,000 SHU cayenne should I use?

Very little. Start with a tiny pinch, especially if you're not accustomed to very hot cayenne pepper. Taste the finished dish before adding more.

Can I make this recipe without maple syrup?

Yes. The butternut squash is naturally sweet, so you can leave the maple syrup out or adjust the amount to your taste.

Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Absolutely. This same Ceylon cinnamon and cayenne seasoning combination works beautifully with roasted sweet potatoes.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes. The recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free.

Where can I buy Ceylon cinnamon in Tampa?

You can find Ceylon cinnamon at Life Essentials Refillery, 4317 W El Prado Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629, in South Tampa.

Where can I buy 90,000 heat unit cayenne pepper in Tampa?

Life Essentials Refillery also carries 90,000 SHU cayenne pepper in our bulk spice selection at our South Tampa store.

Where can I buy bulk spices in Tampa?

Life Essentials Refillery carries a growing selection of bulk spices, herbs and teas in South Tampa. You can purchase the amount you need and refill containers you already own.

A Little Fall Flavor Is Waiting

Fall food doesn't have to be complicated.

Sometimes all you need is a vegetable, a few good spices and a hot oven.

Come grab some Ceylon cinnamon and 90,000 SHU cayenne, refill your spice jars, and give this one a try.

Just remember to go easy on that cayenne!

Life Essentials Refillery
4317 W El Prado Blvd
Tampa, FL 33629

Serving South Tampa and the greater Tampa Bay community with bulk foods, spices, herbs, teas and everyday refills.

Buy what you need. Refill what you already have. Waste less.