Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter is one of my all-time favorites. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in food form, perfect for sharing with family and friends during those chilly evenings. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a gathering around the fireplace, this cornbread will make your home smell like autumn and fill your hearts with joy.

This delightful recipe combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the comforting spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s moist, tender, and pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of cinnamon honey butter. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious cornbread without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love it! The sweet pumpkin flavor makes it a hit at any family gathering.
• Versatile Treat: Serve it as a side dish, snack, or even dessert. It fits perfectly into any meal plan!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it in advance and store it; it tastes great for days and can be reheated easily.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates an irresistible taste that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter is simple and fun! You probably have most of these wholesome staples in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cornbread

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk

For the Cinnamon Honey Butter

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Variations

This Pumpkin Cornbread is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Spice it up: Mix in a pinch of ginger or cloves to elevate the spice profile.
• Cheesy twist: Stir in shredded cheese for a savory version that pairs well with soups.
• Sweeten the deal: Substitute maple syrup for honey in the butter for a different sweet flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven ensures your cornbread rises beautifully and develops that golden crust we all love.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter—this is key to achieving that light and fluffy texture!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and milk until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and sweetness to your cornbread while infusing it with that lovely pumpkin flavor.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly okay! Overmixing can lead to tough cornbread instead of soft and tender slices.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be simply irresistible!

Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Honey Butter

While the cornbread bakes, mix together softened butter, honey, and cinnamon in a small bowl until creamy. This buttery topping adds an extra layer of warmth and sweetness to every bite!

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Once baked, let your cornbread cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with generous dollops of cinnamon honey butter on each slice. Enjoy this delightful treat with loved ones as you bask in the flavors of fall!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter

Making the perfect Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter can be a delightful experience! Here are some pro tips to ensure your cornbread turns out soft, flavorful, and simply irresistible.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Fresh pumpkin puree enhances the flavor and texture of your cornbread compared to canned varieties. If you have the time, roasting a small pumpkin and pureeing it at home makes all the difference!

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently combine your ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to dense cornbread rather than the light and fluffy texture we desire.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your cornbread to sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps set the flavors and makes slicing easier. It’ll also be less crumbly when you cut into it!

• Adjust sweetness to taste: Depending on your preference and how sweet you like your cornbread, feel free to adjust the sugar content in the recipe. A touch more sugar can enhance that warm fall flavor.

• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon and nutmeg are classic choices, don’t hesitate to sprinkle in a bit of ginger or cloves for an extra layer of warmth. Each spice adds its unique charm!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter

Serving your delicious Pumpkin Cornbread is as fun as making it! Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish can shine on any table.

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans: Sprinkle some toasted chopped pecans on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly.
• Fresh sage leaves: A few fresh sage leaves add a lovely aromatic touch and a pop of color that elevates the presentation without overwhelming the dish.

Side Dishes

• Creamy Vegetable Soup: A warm bowl of creamy vegetable soup pairs beautifully with cornbread, providing a comforting contrast in textures while keeping things seasonal.

• Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing mixed green salad tossed with cranberries and walnuts offers a crisp contrast to the rich flavors of cornbread, balancing your meal wonderfully.

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These little cabbages bring out earthy flavors when roasted, making them an excellent side that harmonizes well with the sweetness of the cornbread.

• Maple-Glazed Carrots: Sweet maple-glazed carrots provide another layer of sweetness that ties in beautifully with your Pumpkin Cornbread while also adding vibrant color to your plate.

Enjoy every bite of your Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter as you embrace autumn’s delightful flavors!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors throughout the week. Whether you want to make it ahead for a gathering or just have some delicious cornbread on hand for snacks, here’s how to store and preserve it.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cornbread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place it in an airtight container or a resealable bag.
• Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual servings in plastic wrap for easy portioning.
• Place wrapped cornbread in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best quality, consume within the first month.

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Wrap the cornbread in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds until heated.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned in Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, simply roast and puree it. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe.

How can I make Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter gluten-free?

You can easily substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s one-to-one baking blend for best results!

What pairs well with Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter?

This cornbread is fantastic alongside soups, stews, or even as part of a Thanksgiving feast. Its sweetness also makes it perfect for breakfast!

Can I add other ingredients to my Pumpkin Cornbread?

Certainly! Feel free to mix in nuts, seeds, or dried fruits like cranberries for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter brings warmth and joy into your kitchen! This recipe not only captures the essence of fall but also creates beautiful moments shared around the table. Enjoy making it and savor every bite—there’s nothing quite like homemade goodness. Happy baking!