Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter is truly something special. It combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, making it perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite soup or enjoying it as a snack, this cornbread will warm your heart and fill your home with delicious aromas.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet fancy enough to impress guests at your next dinner party. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s whip up something that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this delightful cornbread baking in the oven before you know it!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet, spiced flavors of pumpkin, making it an instant hit at any table.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this cornbread fits right in.
• Deliciously moist: The pumpkin ensures that each bite is tender and flavorful, leaving you wanting more.
• Make-ahead perfection: Bake it ahead of time, and simply warm it up when you’re ready to serve!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this scrumptious Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter, you only need a few simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s gather them all together!

For the Cornbread

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the Cinnamon Honey Butter

• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and adjust it to fit your taste preferences.

• Add some nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Spice it up: Incorporate some ginger or clove for an added kick of flavor.
• Make it cheesy: Stir in some shredded cheese to bring a savory twist to this sweet cornbread.
• Use different sweeteners: Swap out brown sugar for maple syrup or coconut sugar for a unique flavor profile.

How to Make Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because a hot oven helps the cornbread rise beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This combination creates a wonderful base full of flavor. Mixing them first ensures that all the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, egg, milk, and vegetable oil until well combined. This mixture adds moisture and sweetness to our cornbread.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix; we want our cornbread light and fluffy!

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean!

Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Honey Butter

While your cornbread is baking, whip together softened butter, honey, and cinnamon in a small bowl until creamy. This sweet topping elevates your cornbread from delicious to absolutely divine!

Step 7: Serve Warm

Once your Pumpkin Cornbread has cooled slightly, slice it up and serve warm with generous dollops of cinnamon honey butter on top. Enjoy every bite surrounded by loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter

Making the perfect Pumpkin Cornbread is all about attention to detail and a bit of love. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cornbread turns out wonderfully every time!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Freshly roasted pumpkin puree enhances the flavor and moisture of your cornbread, giving it a richer taste compared to canned versions.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, while mixing just enough allows the cornbread to rise beautifully.

• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread; if it comes out clean, it’s ready! This ensures your cornbread is perfectly baked without being dry.

• Let it cool slightly before slicing: Allowing your cornbread to rest for about 10 minutes after baking helps set its structure, making it easier to slice without crumbling.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference! Adding a pinch of ginger or cloves can give your cornbread a unique twist that enhances its fall flavors.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter

Serving your Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter can elevate any meal or gathering. Here are some delightful suggestions to present this delicious dish beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle some finely chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Pumpkin seeds: Toasted pumpkin seeds add a crunchy texture that complements the moistness of the cornbread.

Side Dishes

• Roasted vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes brings out the natural sweetness and pairs perfectly with cornbread.
• Chili: A warm bowl of vegetarian chili is a hearty companion, providing rich flavors that contrast nicely with the sweetness of the cornbread.
• Mixed green salad: A light and refreshing salad dressed in vinaigrette balances out the richness of the cornbread, making for an inviting plate.
• Apple cider: Serve alongside warm apple cider for an extra touch of autumnal charm that perfectly complements the spices in your dish.

Enjoy sharing this delightful Pumpkin Cornbread with friends and family, perfect for cozy gatherings or simply as a comforting treat on chilly days!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter is a fantastic recipe for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze it for later. Here’s how to store it properly to keep it fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cornbread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped cornbread in an airtight container or a resealable bag.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Once cooled, slice the cornbread into individual pieces.
• Wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring no air is trapped.
• Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for reference!

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove desired slices from the freezer and unwrap.
• Place on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, roast it until tender, then puree it. This will give your Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter a wonderful flavor.

How do I make my Pumpkin Cornbread more moist?

To ensure your Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter stays moist, don’t skip the oil in the recipe. You can also add a bit of applesauce or yogurt to enhance moisture without altering the flavor significantly.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes! You can substitute regular cornmeal with gluten-free cornmeal and use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for this Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter! It’s not just a treat but a warm hug on a plate that embodies all things cozy and fall. Enjoy sharing this sweet dish with family and friends, or savor every bite yourself. Happy baking!