Dessert

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe

Name: Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup milk; ¼ cup melted butter; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 large egg; ½ cup corn kernels; ¼ cup melted butter for glaze; 2 tablespoons honey for glaze

Byanna orden July 4, 2025July 4, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers! These bite-sized treasures combine all the golden flavors of classic cornbread with a sweet, buttery glaze, packing big comfort into small packages. They have tender middles studded with juicy corn, crispy edges, and a honey-slicked finish that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for everything from casual gatherings to holiday feasts, these poppers are about to become your new go-to for easy entertaining and happy snacking.

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers is delightfully simple, but each ingredient is essential for that unforgettable sweet-savory balance, fluffy texture, and beautiful color. Don’t be tempted to skip anything—together, they make magic!

Yellow cornmeal: The heart of any cornbread, it adds signature flavor and that sunshine-yellow hue.
All-purpose flour: Helps give the poppers a soft, tender crumb that holds together in every bite.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch for subtle sweetness that enhances the honey without overpowering it.
Baking powder: The secret to poppers that rise up light, fluffy, and ready to soak up all that buttery glaze.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the corn’s natural flavors.
Milk: Keeps the batter moist and helps everything blend together smoothly.
Melted butter: For that classic, rich taste both inside and on top of the poppers.
Honey: Adds floral sweetness and a warmly inviting aroma in both the batter and the glaze.
Large egg: Binds everything together for a light but sturdy structure.
Corn kernels: Bursts of juicy corn make every bite extra fun and flavorful.
Melted butter for glaze: The finishing touch, ensuring those golden tops stay glossy and irresistible.
Honey for glaze: The final sweep of sticky-sweet loveliness that sets these apart from any old cornbread.

How to Make Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 375°F, ensuring even baking and golden edges from the start. Grab your trusty mini muffin tin and grease it generously—these poppers may be tiny, but they’re mighty when it comes to sticking!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step creates the backbone for the perfect Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers, ensuring every bite is balanced and beautiful.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, honey, and egg until smooth and fully combined. You want it silky so the batter ends up tender and uniform—no streaks or dry pockets!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour your wet mixture into the dry bowl. Gently mix just until everything is combined (overmixing is the enemy of soft poppers!). Then, fold in the corn kernels for little bursts of sweetness and texture.

Step 5: Fill the Mini Muffin Tin

Using a spoon or a small scoop, fill each mini muffin cup about three-quarters full. This gives the batter just enough space to rise without overflowing, making for the perfect poppable size.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your tin into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. The poppers should be beautifully risen and golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 7: Honey Butter Glaze Magic

While the poppers are still warm, make your glaze by stirring together the melted butter and honey. Brush a little (or a lot) over each popper, letting the sweet, shiny glaze soak in for extra flavor and a mouthwatering sheen.

How to Serve Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a pinch of finely chopped chives, or even a little extra brush of honey on top just before serving brings out extra flavor and adds a touch of elegance to your Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers. Each garnish can give a different vibe, so let your creativity shine!

Side Dishes

These poppers are practically made for serving alongside hearty chili, smoky barbecue, or a steaming bowl of soup. They play nicely with tangy coleslaw or a crisp green salad, making them a flexible companion to almost any main course.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your poppers high on a rustic platter for passing at parties, or pop them onto skewers with a drizzle of hot honey for a modern twist. They’re also perfect as dippers for cheese fondue or served in a basket at the center of your brunch table—the possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers left, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Make sure they’ve cooled completely before storing to preserve their tender texture and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

These poppers freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool fully, then lay them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their best flavor for up to two months—pull out a few whenever you need a sweet-savory treat.

Reheating

To reheat, warm them in a 300°F oven for about 8–10 minutes until piping hot and revived. If you want that fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor, brush again with a touch of honey butter glaze before serving.

FAQs

What if I don’t have a mini muffin pan?

No worries! You can use a standard muffin tin for slightly larger treats—just add a few extra minutes to your bake time and keep an eye out for golden tops and a clean toothpick.

Can I use canned or frozen corn for the kernels?

Absolutely. Both canned (drained and patted dry) and frozen (thawed) corn work wonderfully for Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers. Fresh summer corn is a delight, but use whatever’s convenient!

Is there a way to make these gluten free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend. Everything else remains the same and you’ll still get that irresistible crumb and flavor.

Can I make these poppers less sweet?

Feel free to reduce the sugar and honey amounts to suit your taste. The texture will stay lovely, and the naturally sweet corn will still sing in every bite.

How do I keep the poppers from sticking?

Generous greasing is the secret! Use plenty of nonstick spray, melted butter, or even paper liners to ensure each popper comes out clean and beautiful.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re making them for a party, a cozy dinner, or just because you feel like treating yourself, Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers deliver warmth, comfort, and a touch of sweetness every time. Give them a try—these little golden bites might just steal the show at your next table!