Welcome the Flavors of Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe
I just adore this Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe—it’s a cozy, comforting twist on classic cornbread that’s bursting with warm spices and a lovely hint of pumpkin. Whether you’re baking it for a family dinner or bringing a sweet-savory treat to a potluck, this recipe feels like an instant hug from the oven. You’ll enjoy the golden-crisp edges paired with the soft, tender crumb inside, especially when slathered with the luscious cinnamon honey butter that melts right on top. I remember the first time I made this for my family during the fall season. The kitchen filled with that inviting aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, and it quickly became a favorite. It’s perfect as a side for roasted meats or even just a snack with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon. But what really makes it pop for me is that dreamy cinnamon honey butter. Trust me—you’ll want to keep a batch on hand all year round!🍲
Daisy’s Top Tips
- Flavor Builder: Don’t skip the warm spices—they balance the pumpkin beautifully.
- Texture Magic: Fold the batter gently to keep your cornbread tender and fluffy inside.
- Budget Friendly: Use canned pumpkin—it’s flavorful and affordable year-round.
- Time Saver: Whisk dry ingredients beforehand for quick assembly.
Market Basket & Pantry Picks

- All-purpose flour: For that tender crumb structure.
- Cornmeal: Adds natural grit and flavor—don’t substitute with flour alone!
- Baking powder & baking soda: Leavening agents to give your cornbread a perfect lift.
- Ground spices: Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves—these create the warm, cozy flavor profile.
- Light brown sugar: Offers caramel notes and moistness.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the batter, providing richness.
- Canned pumpkin: Moistens and flavors the bread beautifully.
- Sour cream: Keeps the bread tender and slightly tangy.
- Eggs: Bind and add structure.
- For Cinnamon Honey Butter: Salted butter, honey, powdered sugar, and cinnamon come together to create a sweet-spiced spread.
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Smart Shopping Ideas
Choose fresh, aromatic spices—your nose will thank you! Look for cornmeal labeled “medium grind” for that classic texture. For the best results, buy sour cream with full fat to keep your cornbread rich and moist. Lastly, grab good quality honey—raw or wildflower honey adds a lovely floral sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Cook Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe Step by Step
This Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe is straightforward and deeply satisfying to bake. Let’s walk through how to turn those simple ingredients into a bubbling pan of golden joy.- Preheat the Oven: Get your oven ready at 375°F (190°C). Greasing your 8×8-inch baking dish is key to a flawless release—non-stick spray works like a charm.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the warm spices. This blend creates the fragrant foundation of your cornbread.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Using another bowl, break up your brown sugar with your fingertips. Adding melted butter and canned pumpkin next, whisk until smooth and inviting.
- Incorporate Sour Cream and Eggs: Stir these into the pumpkin mixture until it’s fully blended—this adds moisture and helps with the tender crumb I love.
- Mix Wet into Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the center of dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula. Don’t over-mix; you want to keep that light texture intact.
- Bake: Pour batter into your greased dish, spread evenly, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye out—the top should turn a gorgeous golden brown, and a toothpick should come out clean when poked in the center.
- Cool & Cut: Let the cornbread cool slightly on a wire rack to set beautifully before slicing into squares.
- Whip the Cinnamon Honey Butter: Beat softened salted butter until smooth. Add honey, powdered sugar, and cinnamon on low speed until combined, then crank the mixer to high and whip until light and fluffy—this butter is what dreams are made of!
Serving the Dish with Flair

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Serve It Up Right
- Perfect Pairings: Try with roasted turkey or ham, or alongside a fresh fall salad for balance.
- Plating Magic: Serve squares stacked with a dollop of cinnamon honey butter on top—looks gorgeous and tastes divine.
- Leftover Love: Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Occasion Twist: Add chopped cranberries or toasted nuts before baking for a festive holiday upgrade.
Fun Variations with Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe
- Add ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
- Swirl in some cream cheese before baking for a creamy surprise in the middle.
- Stir ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins for a tart contrast to sweet spices.
- Mix in a touch of maple syrup to the honey butter for deeper sweetness.
- For a savory twist, sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar on top before baking.
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt to lighten it up without sacrificing moisture.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Keep cornbread tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds—refresh with a dab of cinnamon honey butter for extra love.
- Butter Storage: Cinnamon honey butter can be kept in the fridge up to a week; bring it to room temperature before whipping again if needed.
Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe FAQs
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Yes, but cook and puree it until smooth first. Canned pumpkin is super convenient and consistent in moisture.
- What if I don’t have sour cream? Greek yogurt is a great substitute—it keeps the cornbread moist with a slight tang.
- Can I make this gluten-free? You can try a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. Make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or another binder.
- How spicy is the cinnamon honey butter? It has a gentle warmth from the cinnamon—perfectly balanced with honey’s sweetness, so not overpowering at all.
- Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Absolutely! Both cornbread and butter freeze well if stored properly.
Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe
This moist and flavorful Pumpkin Cornbread combines the hearty texture of cornmeal with the warm spices and sweetness of pumpkin, making it an ideal comfort food for autumn and holiday tables. Topped with a luscious cinnamon honey butter, this cornbread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a side for savory meals.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings (one 8×8-inch pan, cut into 3×3 squares)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cornbread
- 1 cup (140g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (170g) cornmeal
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (244g) canned pumpkin
- 1/2 cup (122g) sour cream
- 2 large eggs
Cinnamon Honey Butter
- 1/2 cup (113g) salted butter
- 1/3 cup (105g) honey
- 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to ensure the cornbread doesn’t stick and bakes evenly.
- Make the Dry Mix: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, break up the packed light brown sugar with your fingertips until smooth. Add the melted unsalted butter and canned pumpkin, then whisk until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Add Sour Cream and Eggs: Stir the sour cream and eggs into the pumpkin mixture until everything is thoroughly mixed and consistent in texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients’ center bowl (well) and gently fold together using a rubber spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix which helps keep the cornbread tender.
- Bake the Cornbread: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack before cutting it into squares for serving.
- Prepare Cinnamon Honey Butter: In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, whip the salted butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the honey, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon, mixing initially on low speed to combine ingredients, then increase to high speed and whip for 2-3 minutes until the butter becomes light and fluffy.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cornbread light and tender.
- The cinnamon honey butter can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week; let it soften before serving.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added sugars or spices.
- Allow the cornbread to cool slightly before spreading the cinnamon honey butter to prevent it from melting too much.