Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk is a creamy, dreamy bowl of Fall flavor that’s just what you need when the cooler weather hits. A whole butternut squash is roasted until caramelized, then pureed with coconut milk, onions, garlic, ginger, and earthy spices for a velvety smooth soup that’s packed with flavor.

London’s Top Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of a little cayenne and cinnamon—they add just the right kick to balance the squash’s natural sweetness!

A bowl full of roasted butternut squash soup with coconut milk that's garnished with pumpkin seeds and parsley leaves.
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While everyone else is cooking up pumpkin recipes the moment Fall hits, I tend to go a different direction with all things butternut squash… and this creamy soup is the first thing on my stovetop!

It’s a lightened up version of the classic since coconut milk is used in place of heavy cream. But fear not. It still comes out so irresistibly creamy and doesn’t have a weird coconut aftertaste at all- promise!

But maybe the best part of all? It’s ready in under an hour, so you can whip up a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner even on your busiest weeknights.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

  • Dairy-free, vegan, and oh-so-creamy: Coconut milk adds a luscious texture without the heaviness of cream, making it both lightened up and still ultra-smooth.
  • Quick and easy: Roasting the squash first gives it a caramelized flavor boost, and the rest of the ingredients come together in no time—perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Perfect for meal prep: This soup freezes well and reheats like a dream, making it a great option for prepping ahead.

  • A total crowd pleaser: I’ve had so many people make this dish and get rave reviews at their Fall-themed get-together and Thanksgiving dinners.

If you’re on a creamy kick, you’ve GOT to try out this Pumpkin Soup, Zucchini Soup, and Healthy Cauliflower Soup recipes next!

Butternut squash, coconut milk, onion, ginger, garlic, vegetable broth, and spices as the ingredients for a roasted butternut squash soup recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The simple ingredients you need to make this vegan butternut squash soup include:

  • Butternut Squash. Look for a large squash that is around 2 ½ – 3 pounds. This is the ideal size when combined with the other ingredients.
  • Coconut Milk. The bulk of the liquid in this recipe is from this milk. Make sure you get the CANNED coconut milk and NOT the kind in the refrigerated section. You can substitute with Lite coconut milk, but you won’t get the same creamy texture.
  • Garlic. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can be substituted if that’s all you have.
  • Ginger. Minced ginger paste is quick and easy-to-use.
  • Vegetable Broth. If you are not vegetarian or vegan, you can swap this out with chicken broth or bone broth instead.
  • Cayenne Pepper. This spice helps give it a little kick. Feel free to omit if you want it to be a bit sweeter.
  • Cinnamon. Give a Fall feeling to the soup with this subtle spice. If you’re not a fan, simply leave it out!
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How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk

The basic steps for making this easy butternut squash soup recipe are simple to follow.

  • Roast the butternut squash in the oven: Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and place flat-side down on a baking sheet.
  • Roast at 425℉ for 40-50 minutes, until the edges are caramelized and the thickest portion is fork-tender. For more details, check out my guide on How to Roast Butternut Squash!

Want a super creamy, velvety soup?

Make sure to roast the squash until it’s super soft and caramelized, then blend it up in a high-speed blender. Trust me, it’s worth it! A food processor will work, but it might not get the soup quite as silky.

  • Combine ingredients in a pot: Cook the onions in a Dutch oven until tender. Stir in the coconut milk, garlic, ginger, seasonings, and broth. Simmer for 5 minutes. (Make sure you shake the can of coconut milk well before pouring in!)
  • Blend the roasted butternut squash and soup base in a high-speed blender until smooth. (The Vitamix is my favorite if you happen to have one- it makes it SO creamy!) If needed, use a food processor or immersion blender. Reheat in a pot over medium-low heat, then serve with a drizzle of coconut milk, fresh herbs, cayenne, and optional toppings like homemade croutons or roasted pumpkin seeds.

Storage Directions

  • Storage: This dish seriously gets better with time and will taste wonderful after a day in the refrigerator. Simply keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: This soup can be frozen for 2-3 months, maintaining good texture and flavor. Make sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
  • Reheating: The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. For smaller portions, microwaving works well—heat in short intervals, stirring between each round.
A spoon is scooping up a bite of a roasted butternut squash soup recipe in a white bowl with a drizzle of coconut milk.

FAQs

Does coconut milk make the soup taste like coconut?

No, coconut milk primarily adds creaminess without a strong coconut flavor. It’s a lighter alternative to heavy cream that still delivers richness

Can you make butternut squash soup ahead of time?

Yes! It’s even better when made ahead, as the flavors have time to develop. It can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days or frozen for 2-3 months​

Can I substitute the butternut squash with another type of squash?

Yes, you can use alternatives like acorn squash or kabocha, but the flavor and texture might vary slightly. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and texture of the squash used

What spices go well with butternut squash soup?

Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne, ginger, and turmeric complement the sweetness of the squash, while fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or parsley add depth

What to Serve with Butternut Squash Soup?

If you’re looking for something to serve with this butternut squash soup to make a complete meal, then try one of these recipes:

More Creamy Soup Recipes

Fill up with a cozy bowl of soup any time with these tasty recipes:

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5 from 34 votes

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk

Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk is a creamy, dreamy bowl of Fall flavor that's just what you need when the cooler weather hits. A whole butternut squash is roasted until caramelized, then pureed with coconut milk, onions, garlic, ginger, and earthy spices for a velvety smooth soup that's packed with flavor.
A bowl full of roasted butternut squash soup with coconut milk that's garnished with pumpkin seeds and parsley leaves.
Yield 6 servings
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 45 minutes
Total 1 hour
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Ingredients 

  • 1 large butternut squash about 3 pounds
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt divided
  • ½ small sweet onion finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons finely minced fresh ginger
  • 1 13.5-ounce can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Fresh flat-leaf parsley optional
  • Roasted and salted pumpkin seeds optional

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  • Cut the butternut squash in half, lengthwise. Scrape out and discard the seeds. Drizzle squash with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and use your hands to rub it all over the flesh. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt. Meanwhile, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Place the butternut squash flat side down on the baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the edges begin to caramelize. Remove the squash from the oven and flip.
  • Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook 3-4 minutes, or until translucent. Add garlic and ginger and continue cooking for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
  • Pour in the coconut milk (see Note) and broth, scraping along the bottom of the pot to release any bits. Mix in 1⁄2 teaspoon salt, as well as the cayenne pepper and cinnamon. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Once the squash is done cooking and cool enough to the touch, remove as much flesh as you can and discard the skin. Add all of the squash meat and coconut milk mixture to a high-speed blender or large food processor and blend for 2-3 minutes, or until completely smooth.
  • Pour soup back into the pot and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 34 votes

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Notes

  • Servings: 6 bowls for an appetizer serving, 4 bowls full for a full meal.
  • Coconut milk: If you’d like to finish your soup with a drizzle of coconut milk, reserve 2 tablespoons and pour over soup just before serving.
  • Lite coconut milk: can be used in place of full-fat but the soup won’t be as creamy.
  • Storage: This dish seriously gets better with time and will taste wonderful after a day in the refrigerator. Simply keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. For smaller portions, microwaving works well—heat in short intervals, stirring between each round.
  • Freezing: This soup can be frozen for 2-3 months, maintaining good texture and flavor. Make sure to cool the soup completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Nutrition

Calories: 194kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Sodium: 826mg, Potassium: 821mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 24251IU, Vitamin C: 49mg, Calcium: 115mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Comments

  1. I have made this soup multiple times. It is delicious!!
    I actually won first place in a soup contest with this recipe too!

    1. It did?! That’s so amazing to hear, Karen!! I bet you put so much love into it 🙂 Did you happen to make any changes to it? Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment letting me know- it truly means so much to me! Happy cooking! ♡London

    1. Yay, Rose!! It’s so creamy and delicious. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment & rating- it means a lot. Can’t wait to hear what you cook up next! ❤ London

    1. Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Victoria! I’m glad you could make it work. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!

    1. Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!

    1. Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Kathy! The flavors combine perfectly. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment!

    1. Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Staci! I love how comforting it is, too! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!

  2. 5 stars
    I made this recipe this past weekend 2 times due to the amazing taste! My family loved this recipe! I did add 2 teaspoons of curry powder, per my vegetarian daughter’s request the second time and it was perfect! Ty for sharing this recipe!

    1. Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Heather! That sounds awesome. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!