Honey Butter Cornbread Recipe

Honey Butter Cornbread is the kind of comfort food that turns a regular meal into something special. Imagine golden slices that are rich yet fluffy, with a gentle crumb that practically melts in your mouth. The combination of sweet honey and creamy butter soaks into every bite, making it impossible to eat just one piece. This recipe is a favorite at family gatherings, potlucks, and cozy weeknight dinners. Once you’ve tried it warm out of the oven, dripping with extra honey butter, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Honey Butter Cornbread truly shine is its line-up of simple, honest ingredients. Each addition brings something essential—cornmeal gives that signature color and texture, honey adds just the right sweetness, and creamed corn brings a luxurious moistness that sets this recipe apart.

• Yellow cornmeal: This classic staple provides the unmistakable corn flavor and yields a gorgeous golden crumb.
• All purpose flour: A touch of flour helps keep the cornbread tender without overpowering the cornmeal’s character.
• Creamed corn (15 oz can): Adds sweet richness and ensures every bite is extra moist—canned for convenience!
• Baking powder: Essential for those tall, fluffy squares you crave in a great cornbread.
• Salt: A little goes a long way to balance all the sweet elements and bring out the flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Rounds out the sweetness so the cornbread never tastes bland or bitter.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together beautifully, adding lift and structure.
• Milk: Moistens the batter and softens the crumb—whole or 2% both work well.
• Vegetable oil: Ensures your cornbread is never dry, even on the next day.
• Honey: The magic ingredient that gives Honey Butter Cornbread its signature flavor and glossy finish.
• Butter: Melts into the batter and finishes the top for that irresistible rich taste.

How to Make Honey Butter Cornbread

Step 1: Prepare the Signature Honey Butter

Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan over gentle heat. Once melted, add in the honey and stir until the two are beautifully blended. You can also use a microwave if you’re short on time, just be sure not to overheat. Set this sweet golden mixture aside—it’s the flavor foundation for our Honey Butter Cornbread, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit; this temperature helps achieve that delightful golden crust. Don’t forget to generously grease your baking dish or cast iron skillet—cornbread loves to stick, and a well-oiled pan gives those irresistible crisp edges.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This quick mix helps ensure everything is evenly distributed—no biting into a bitter pocket of baking powder here!

Step 4: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate, larger bowl, beat together the milk, creamed corn, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and combined. The creamed corn will look lusciously creamy, and this mixture sets the stage for a cornbread that’s never dry.

Step 5: Combine and Create the Batter

Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients—picture a little nest ready for all that wet goodness. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry, stirring gently until just blended. Be careful not to overmix; stop once you don’t see big streaks of flour, and you’ll have tender Honey Butter Cornbread every time.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the rich batter into your prepared dish, smoothing the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. About 20 minutes into baking, carefully brush a layer of your honey butter over the cornbread—this step creates that signature crackled, shiny top. When a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean, you’re done!

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Let the cornbread rest in its pan until just cool enough to handle. For the finale, slather on even more honey butter before slicing. Serve warm, and don’t be shy with the extra drizzle—each bite should taste like pure joy.

How to Serve Honey Butter Cornbread

Garnishes

Top your Honey Butter Cornbread with a final brush of melted honey butter, a sprinkle of flaky salt, or a handful of finely chopped fresh herbs (like chives or parsley) for a burst of color and freshness. Some folks even finish it with a little cracked black pepper—delicious!

Side Dishes

Pair slices with hearty stews, spicy chili, roasted vegetables, or a simple bowl of soup. The sweet-savory balance of this cornbread complements both rich and lighter dishes. Try it alongside barbecue ribs, pulled pork, or anytime you’re serving up a Southern-inspired spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut the Honey Butter Cornbread into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy sharing. Turn leftovers into breakfast by toasting slices and topping with a fried egg or avocado. You can even cube and layer it in savory bread puddings—there’s no wrong way, so have fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, wrap your Honey Butter Cornbread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for up to 2 days, but you can also refrigerate it to help those moist, buttery flavors last even longer.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the cornbread first so you can grab just what you need. Wrap each wedge individually or separate layers with parchment, then seal in a freezer bag. It will keep beautifully for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator when cornbread cravings strike!

Reheating

Reheat slices wrapped in foil in a 300-degree oven for 10–15 minutes, or use a microwave in short bursts for quick snacking. Don’t forget to brush with a bit more melted honey butter after reheating to bring back that just-baked goodness.

FAQs

Can I use white cornmeal instead of yellow?

Absolutely! While yellow cornmeal offers a classic golden hue and slightly stronger corn taste, white cornmeal will yield a lighter color and milder flavor. Both work well in Honey Butter Cornbread.

Can I make this cornbread dairy-free?

You can substitute plant-based butter and non-dairy milk if you’re avoiding dairy. Just be sure to use a good-quality vegan butter for the honey mixture to keep the luscious, rich finish everyone loves.

Does this recipe work in muffin tins?

Yes, you can easily make Honey Butter Cornbread muffins! Simply grease a muffin tin, fill each cup about 2/3 full with batter, and bake for roughly 15–18 minutes, brushing with honey butter as directed.

What’s the secret to extra-moist cornbread?

The creamed corn and oil work together to ensure the cornbread stays deliciously moist. Avoid overmixing your batter and don’t overbake—check for doneness at the minimum baking time.

Can I add extras like cheese or jalapeños?

Go for it! Stir in a cup of grated sharp cheddar, a handful of diced fresh or pickled jalapeños, or even crispy bacon bits before baking. Just be sure not to overload the batter so the Honey Butter Cornbread rises nicely.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about a warm pan of Honey Butter Cornbread on the table. It’s a recipe made for sharing, easy enough for weeknights but sure to impress at any gathering. Give it a try soon, and you just might find it becomes your own family favorite.

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