Homemade cornbread slathered in rich honey butter is a comfort food staple. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a slightly crunchy crust, this recipe results in a moist and flavorful loaf that pairs well with a wide range of dishes or can be enjoyed on its own. It's straightforward enough for beginners, yet tasty enough for seasoned bakers to appreciate.
All ingredients for this recipe are relatively common, but you might need to check for whole wheat flour and cornmeal, as these may not be regular pantry staples. Make sure you pick white whole wheat flour for a lighter texture and taste. Cornmeal is found in the baking aisle, and it adds a distinctive texture and flavor to the bread. Also, consider using organic honey, as it can elevate the overall taste of the cornbread.
Honey Butter Cornbread Ingredients
Unsalted butter: The base for our honey butter and adds a creamy, rich flavor to the cornbread.
Cornmeal: Provides a unique texture and flavor to the bread.
White whole wheat flour: Lighter than regular whole wheat flour, it gives the bread a softer texture.
Fine sea salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that make the bread rise.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
Milk: Used for moisture and to help create a tender crumb.
One reader, Kelsey Clawson says:
This honey butter cornbread recipe is a game-changer! The combination of honey and butter adds a delightful sweetness, and the texture is perfect. It's easy to make and tastes amazing. I highly recommend trying this recipe - it's a real crowd-pleaser!
Techniques Required for Making Honey Butter Cornbread
How to preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
How to melt the butter in a skillet: Place the butter in a large cast-iron skillet and place the skillet in the oven to melt the butter, about 5 to 13 minutes.
How to combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir to combine and set aside.
How to whisk the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and honey until fully blended. Add the milk and whisk until evenly combined.
How to incorporate the melted butter into the batter: Pour the melted butter into the batter and stir just until incorporated.
How to check for doneness: Bake until the bread is brown around the edge, springy to the touch, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs, for 25 to 30 minutes.
How to cool and store the cornbread: Carefully place the skillet on a cooling rack. Let it cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. The cornbread will keep at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or up to a week in the refrigerator.
How To Make Honey Butter Cornbread
It’s sweet with a distinct flavor of butter, this butter cornbread is mixed with honey for a nice combination of sweet and slightly citrusy taste.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupunsalted butter,(1 stick)
- 1½cupscornmeal,medium-grind or finer
- 1½cupswhite whole wheat flour,regular whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour
- 1½tspfine sea salt
- 2tspbaking powder
- ½tspbaking soda
- 3large eggs,at room temperature
- ⅔cuphoney,or maple syrup
- 1½cupsmilk of choice,regular cow’s milk, almond or oat milk, etc., at room temperature
Optional Serving Suggestions:
- butter,additional
- honey
- jam
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the butter in a large cast-iron skillet and place the skillet in the oven to melt the butter, about 5 to 13 minutes.
-
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir to combine, and set aside.
-
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and honey until fully blended. Add the milk and whisk until evenly combined.
-
Pour the liquid into the dry mixture, and stir just until moistened through. When the butter is melted and golden, remove the skillet from the oven, and give it a gentle swirl to lightly coat about an inch up the sides.
-
Pour the melted butter into the batter and stir just until incorporated.
-
Return the skillet to the oven and bake until the bread is brown around the edge, springy to the touch, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs for 25 to 30 minutes.
-
Carefully place the skillet on a cooling rack. Let it cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
-
This cornbread will keep at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 3 days, or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Calories: 222.04kcal
- Fat: 8.82g
- Saturated Fat: 5.01g
- Trans Fat: 0.27g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.34g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.73g
- Carbohydrates: 32.74g
- Fiber: 1.81g
- Sugar: 13.08g
- Protein: 4.54g
- Cholesterol: 54.77mg
- Sodium: 188.95mg
- Calcium: 80.57mg
- Potassium: 114.23mg
- Iron: 1.34mg
- Vitamin A: 83.17µg
- Vitamin C: 0.07mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Honey Butter Cornbread
When making cornbread, it's important to not overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough bread. Instead, stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened. This will result in a tender, moist cornbread with a perfect crumb. Also, using a cast-iron skillet not only gives the cornbread a beautiful golden crust but also evenly distributes heat for a perfectly baked bread.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Cornbread
Prep ahead: Prepare the dry ingredients the night before and store them in an airtight container. This will save time when you're ready to bake.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly mix the dry ingredients and cut the butter into the flour, saving time and effort.
Bake in advance: Bake the cornbread in advance and reheat it when needed. It stays moist and delicious, saving you time on busy days.
Double the batch: Make a double batch and freeze the extra cornbread for later. It's a time-saving way to have homemade cornbread on hand.
One-bowl method: Use a single bowl for mixing the wet and dry ingredients to minimize cleanup time.
Pre-slice: Pre-slice the cornbread and store it in an airtight container for quick and easy serving.
Quick cleanup: Line the skillet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and minimal washing up.
Customize toppings: Set up a toppings bar with different types of butter, honey, and jams for a fun and time-saving way to serve the cornbread.
Substitute Ingredients For Honey Butter Cornbread Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the cornbread while also adding a hint of coconut flavor.
cornmeal - Substitute with polenta: Polenta has a similar texture and flavor to cornmeal, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
white whole wheat flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for white whole wheat flour, although it may result in a slightly lighter texture.
fine sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a substitute for fine sea salt in this recipe, providing a similar level of saltiness.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: If using baking soda as a substitute, it's important to also include an acidic ingredient such as buttermilk or yogurt to activate the leavening properties.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda, but it may require adjusting the quantity to achieve the desired leavening effect.
eggs - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a binding agent and moisture enhancer in place of eggs, especially for those looking for an egg-free option.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can provide a similar level of sweetness and moisture to the cornbread, with a hint of maple flavor.
milk of choice - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can add a tangy flavor and richness to the cornbread, enhancing its texture and taste.
Essential Tools for Making Honey Butter Cornbread
Cast-iron skillet: A heavy-duty skillet that provides even heat distribution and is perfect for baking cornbread.
Large bowl: Used for mixing the dry ingredients and combining them with the wet ingredients.
Medium bowl: Used for whisking together the eggs and honey and combining them with the milk.
Whisk: Used for blending the eggs and honey, as well as mixing the wet ingredients.
Cooling rack: Used for allowing the cornbread to cool evenly after baking.
Oven: Used for baking the cornbread at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Toothpick: Used for testing the doneness of the cornbread by inserting it into the center.
Sealed container: Used for storing the cornbread at room temperature.
Refrigerator: Used for storing the cornbread for a longer period of time.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Cornbread
Let the cornbread cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent moisture from building up and making the bread soggy.
To store at room temperature, wrap the cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, place the cornbread in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly or in an airtight container. It will keep for up to a week.
To freeze the cornbread, follow these steps:
- Wrap the cooled cornbread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe, airtight container.
- Label the package with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen cornbread, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for several hours, or overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat cornbread, wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds, or until warm.
For best results, avoid reheating cornbread more than once, as it may become dry or crumbly.
If you find your cornbread has dried out slightly, try brushing it with a little melted butter or honey before reheating to help restore moisture.
How To Reheat Leftover Cornbread
To reheat leftover honey butter cornbread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the cornbread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps to retain the cornbread's moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Another option is to reheat the cornbread in a skillet on the stovetop. Melt a small amount of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cut the cornbread into slices and place them in the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a quick and easy reheating method, place a slice of cornbread on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it for 15-20 seconds, or until heated through. If the cornbread feels a bit dry after microwaving, brush it with a small amount of melted butter or honey to restore some moisture.
If you have a toaster oven, you can also reheat the cornbread slices in it. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices directly on the rack. Toast for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a more indulgent treat, cut the leftover cornbread into cubes and use them to make a delicious bread pudding. Combine the cubes with a mixture of eggs, milk, sugar, and your favorite spices, then bake until golden brown and set.
Interesting Fact About Honey Butter Cornbread
The honey butter cornbread recipe is a classic Southern dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. It's a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with a spread of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of jam. Cornbread has been a staple in Southern cuisine for centuries, and its sweet and savory flavors make it a beloved comfort food. It's also a great source of whole grains and can be easily customized with additional ingredients such as jalapeños or cheese. Whether served at a barbecue or alongside a cozy bowl of chili, cornbread is a delicious addition to any meal.
Is Making Honey Butter Cornbread at Home Cost-Effective?
This honey butter cornbread recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields a substantial amount of cornbread, making it suitable for a family. The use of honey adds a touch of sweetness and flavor, enhancing the overall appeal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $8-$10, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is Honey Butter Cornbread Healthy or Unhealthy?
This honey butter cornbread recipe is a delicious treat, but it may not be the healthiest option due to its high butter and refined flour content. Here's a breakdown of the recipe's nutritional aspects:
- The recipe uses a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat.
- White whole wheat flour, while slightly healthier than regular all-purpose flour, still contains refined carbohydrates.
- Honey is a natural sweetener but still contributes to the overall sugar content.
- The recipe does include some beneficial ingredients, such as cornmeal, which is a good source of fiber, and eggs, which provide protein.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter used and replace some of it with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce. This will help lower the saturated fat content while maintaining moisture.
- Experiment with using a higher proportion of cornmeal to flour, as cornmeal is a whole grain and provides more fiber and nutrients compared to refined flour.
- Opt for a low-fat milk option, such as skim milk or unsweetened almond milk, to reduce the overall fat content.
- Consider reducing the amount of honey used and complementing the sweetness with naturally sweet ingredients like grated carrots or raisins. This will help lower the sugar content without compromising flavor.
- Incorporate additional healthy ingredients, such as grated zucchini, chopped spinach, or diced bell peppers, to boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor and texture to the cornbread.
Editor's Opinion on This Honey Butter Cornbread Recipe
The honey butter cornbread recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, with a moist and tender texture. The use of honey adds a natural sweetness, while the combination of cornmeal and whole wheat flour provides a hearty and wholesome base. The method of melting the butter in a cast-iron skillet adds a rich and indulgent touch, resulting in a beautifully golden crust. This cornbread is perfect for serving alongside soups, stews, or as a standalone treat. The optional serving suggestions of butter, honey, or jam offer versatility for customization. Overall, this recipe is a winner for its simplicity and delicious outcome.
Enhance Your Honey Butter Cornbread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Honey Butter Cornbread
Perfect Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Cornbread
Why trust this Honey Butter Cornbread Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted classic, perfected through years of experience and expertise in baking. The combination of honey and butter creates a rich, moist texture, while the addition of cornmeal and whole wheat flour adds depth and nuttiness. The use of cast-iron skillet ensures even baking and a beautiful golden crust. With a balance of sweet and savory flavors, this cornbread is a delightful accompaniment to any meal. Plus, it's easily customizable with butter, honey, or jam for a personalized touch.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Southern Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Pecan and Cranberry Cornbread Dressing Recipe
Vegan Cornbread Recipe
Pineapple, Mango, & Avocado Salsa Recipe
Potato and Mixed-Herb Focaccia Recipe
Watermelon Fire and Ice Salsa Recipe
Mustard-Dill Roasted Fingerling Potatoes Recipe
Tamagoyaki Bento Box Recipe
Chicken Casserole Del Sol Recipe
Baked Parmesan Chicken Strips Recipe
Healthy Zucchini Bread Recipe
