Honey Butter Cornbread

Sweeten your table with deliciously moist honey butter cornbread, perfect for any occasion!

There’s something truly comforting about the sweet, golden crumb of a freshly baked cornbread, especially when it’s drizzled with a luscious honey butter that melts into every nook and cranny. As soon as you take that first bite, you’re greeted with just the right amount of sweetness balanced by the earthy cornmeal texture—a combination that feels both nostalgic and exciting. This recipe was born on a crisp Sunday morning when I wanted a side that would uplift a simple bowl of chili. I still remember the joyful hum of the oven and the anticipation of pulling that warm pan from the heat, sensing the promise of a cozy meal ahead. Over the years, I’ve shared this cornbread with friends who’ve begged for the recipe, and I can’t wait for you to experience the same delight in your own kitchen.

What makes this honey butter cornbread truly shine is how approachable it is—even if you’re a baking beginner, you’ll follow these steps with confidence and end up with a bakery-worthy result. No special equipment or obscure ingredients required: just pantry staples like yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and a touch of granulated sugar to bring out that golden hue. The recipe takes only 15 minutes to prepare, bakes for 25 minutes, and rests for a brief 10 minutes before the magic happens—summer afternoons, cozy winter nights, or any time you crave a bit of Southern-style comfort. With just 200 calories per serving and enough to feed nine hungry mouths, this is the ultimate easy recipe for your next gathering or weeknight dinner.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN HONEY BUTTER CORNBREAD

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s get to know the stars of the show. Each ingredient works in harmony to create a tender, flavorful cornbread base and a decadent honey butter finish.

• Yellow Cornmeal

This is the backbone of cornbread, offering a slightly gritty texture and distinctive corn flavor. It brings that satisfying chewiness and rustic appearance you expect from a classic southern bake.

• All-Purpose Flour

Balances the cornmeal by providing structure and a tender crumb. Using all-purpose flour ensures the bread holds together without getting too dense or crumbly.

• Granulated Sugar

Adds a hint of sweetness that enhances the natural corn notes and helps the crust brown beautifully in the oven.

• Baking Powder

Acts as the primary leavening agent, giving the cornbread its light, airy rise and preventing it from feeling heavy.

• Salt

Elevates all the flavors in the batter, cutting through the sweetness and rounding out the overall taste.

• Buttermilk

Contributes tang and moisture, reacting with baking powder to create tiny bubbles for a fluffy texture.

• Large Eggs

Bind the ingredients together and add richness, ensuring a tender crumb and stable structure.

• Melted Unsalted Butter

Provides fat that enriches the batter, giving the cornbread a silky mouthfeel and golden color.

• Honey

Infuses natural sweetness and a subtle floral note, blending seamlessly with the butter in the batter and the topping.

• Softened Unsalted Butter & Honey (Honey Butter)

These two combine to form the irresistible finishing touch. The softened butter allows easy mixing, while the honey adds that signature glossy sheen and extra layer of flavor.

HOW TO MAKE HONEY BUTTER CORNBREAD

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to bake! This section will walk you through each step, ensuring every technique is clear so you end up with a picture-perfect pan of cornbread.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal, ensuring your cornbread slides out neatly once it’s baked.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until the dry ingredients are evenly combined and free of lumps.

3. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and honey until the mixture is completely smooth and incorporated, creating a silky liquid base that will moisten the dry ingredients.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—leaving a few small lumps keeps your cornbread tender and avoids toughness.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, then use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure the top is level for uniform baking.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. While the cornbread is in the oven, prepare the honey butter topping. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter and honey until completely smooth and combined, ready to melt over the warm bread.

8. Once the cornbread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up and make slicing easier.

9. Spread the honey butter liberally over the warm cornbread, allowing it to melt and seep into every crevice for maximum flavor.

10. Slice the cornbread into squares and serve warm, savoring that perfect combination of crunch, crumb, and sweet butter.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR HONEY BUTTER CORNBREAD

This honey butter cornbread is incredibly versatile, shining as both a sweet treat and a savory side. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or looking to elevate a weekday meal, these serving ideas will have everyone asking for seconds. From hearty pairings to unexpected twists, here’s how to present your cornbread in the most delicious ways.

• Serve alongside hearty chili or beef stew: Nestle warm squares on the side of a steaming bowl. The sweet cornbread soaks up every savory spoonful, creating a harmonious bite each time.
• Transform into a breakfast toast: Spread with an extra pat of salted butter and drizzle with maple syrup, then top with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a sweet morning indulgence.
• Craft mini sandwich sliders: Use small rounds of cornbread to sandwich pulled pork or fried chicken, adding coleslaw for a balanced crunch and creaminess.
• Present with a cheese board: Cube leftover cornbread and arrange with sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and tangy pickles. The contrast of sweet, savory, and tart delights every palate.

HOW TO STORE HONEY BUTTER CORNBREAD

Proper storage is key to preserving that tender crumb and sweet, buttery flavor. Whether you want to save leftovers for the next day or prep ahead for a gathering, these tips will help your cornbread stay moist and fresh for as long as possible.

• Room Temperature in an Airtight Container

Store cooled cornbread in a tightly sealed container or sealable bag on the countertop. It will stay soft for up to two days without refrigeration.

• Refrigerator Wrapped in Plastic Wrap

For longer freshness—up to five days—tightly wrap the cornbread or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Bring it back to room temperature before serving or reheat gently.

• Freezer with Double Wrapping

To freeze, let the bread cool completely, wrap it in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for that just-baked taste.

• Reheating for Freshness

Warm slices in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave individual portions for 15–20 seconds. This revives the buttery melt and restores that delightful edge crispness.

CONCLUSION

What a journey—from mixing simple pantry staples to savoring every golden, buttery bite of this honey butter cornbread! We’ve explored the perfect balance of cornmeal and flour, the sweet kiss of honey in both the batter and the topping, and step-by-step baking tips that guarantee success even if you’re new to the kitchen. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes, a quick 25-minute bake, and a brief rest, you can transform basic ingredients into a mouthwatering side that’s equally at home at dinner, lunch, or even a cozy brunch. Whether you pair it with your favorite chili, turn it into a breakfast delight, or serve it alongside a cheese platter, this recipe truly embodies comfort food at its finest and makes any table feel special. This article is ready to print and save, so you can keep it on hand whenever you need a reliable crowd-pleaser. Plus, you’ll find an FAQ section below to tackle any extra questions you might have.

I’d love to hear how your honey butter cornbread turns out! Feel free to leave comments, questions, or feedback if you run into any hiccups or simply want to share your favorite way to enjoy these sweet squares. Your experience might spark new ideas for fellow home cooks, so let’s keep the conversation going and make every bite even better together. Enjoy every crumb!

Print Recipe

Honey Butter Cornbread

Author: Ethan Brooks Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 50 mins

Calories: 200

Description

This honey butter cornbread is a delightful blend of sweetness and texture, with a golden crust and a tender crumb. The rich honey butter takes it to another level!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ¹⁄₄ cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 2 large eggs

• ¹⁄₄ cup unsalted butter, melted

• ¹⁄₄ cup honey

• ¹⁄₄ cup unsalted butter, softened (for honey butter)

• 2 tablespoons honey (for honey butter)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and honey until smooth and incorporated.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if there are a few lumps.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake the cornbread in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. While the cornbread is baking, prepare the honey butter. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter and honey until smooth and combined.
8. Once the cornbread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
9. Spread the honey butter over the warm cornbread, allowing it to melt and seep into the top.
10. Slice the cornbread into squares and serve warm. Enjoy!

Note

• For extra moisture, you can add a small can of drained corn kernels to the batter.
• This cornbread pairs perfectly with hearty stews and chili dishes.
• Leftover cornbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
• If you prefer a sweeter cornbread, consider adding an additional tablespoon of honey to the batter.

Keywords: cornbread, honey butter, baking, comfort food, easy recipe, southern cuisine