Honey Butter Cornbread Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate side that’s equal parts comfort food and crowd-pleaser, Honey Butter Cornbread absolutely needs a place at your table. One bite delivers the perfect balance of golden sweetness and rich, buttery flavor, all wrapped up in a satisfyingly tender crumb. This recipe is so much more than cornbread—it’s the kind of dish people ask for seconds of, then want you to text them the recipe. Whether you’re prepping for a potluck, a family dinner, or a cozy night in, this Honey Butter Cornbread is sure to become your go-to staple for every season.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the simple magic of great ingredients. Every element in this Honey Butter Cornbread pulls its weight, from creating that irresistible golden hue to making each square rich and moist. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand and why it makes all the difference:
- Yellow Cornmeal: The heart and soul of our cornbread, this brings nutty flavor and classic texture.
- All Purpose Flour: Lends structure so every slice holds together with just the right crumb.
- Creamed Corn (15 oz can): Adds extra moisture and tiny bursts of sweet corn throughout.
- Baking Powder: The secret behind a tall, fluffy cornbread rise.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Granulated Sugar: Delivers a gentle, tender sweetness that makes each bite sing.
- Large Eggs: Help bind everything together and provide a bit of richness.
- Milk: Keeps the crumb moist and soft.
- Vegetable Oil: Ensures the bread stays extra moist and tender, even after cooling.
- Honey: A starring role—this brings unmistakable floral sweetness and builds that crave-worthy topping.
- Butter: Melted and swirled with honey, it creates that signature honey butter finish.
How to Make Honey Butter Cornbread
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Butter
Start your flavor journey by making the luscious honey butter. In a small saucepan, gently melt the butter, then slowly stir in the honey until you have a silky golden syrup. If you’re short on time, a microwave works perfectly—just combine, warm together, and give it a good stir. Set aside to let the flavors marry while you build the rest of the cornbread.
Step 2: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s piping hot when your batter is ready to go. Grease a cast iron skillet or 13×9 baking pan generously; this step promises an irresistibly crispy edge and ensures easy release when it’s time to serve your Honey Butter Cornbread.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This blends all your dry components so everything bakes up evenly, with every bite boasting the perfect ratio of sweet and savory.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, creamed corn, vegetable oil, and eggs until you have a creamy and well-mixed base. The creamed corn here ensures unbeatable tenderness and those delightful pops of real corn in every slice.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Create a well in your dry mixture—just a little nest for the wet ingredients—and pour the wet mixture in gradually. Gently mix until just blended; don’t overwork the batter, or you’ll sacrifice some of that signature Honey Butter Cornbread fluffiness.
Step 6: Bake and Brush with Honey Butter
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, but set a timer for 20 minutes—this is when you’ll pause to brush a generous layer of honey butter over the top. Pop the pan back in the oven and continue baking until the center tests clean with a wooden pick. This double-brushing step locks in that honey-kissed crust everyone loves.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let your Honey Butter Cornbread rest until just cool enough to handle (about 10 to 15 minutes). Slice, serve, and don’t forget to slather extra honey butter over each piece. Each bite offers pure, homey perfection.
How to Serve Honey Butter Cornbread

Garnishes
A final flourish of extra honey butter is the go-to finishing touch for Honey Butter Cornbread. Sprinkle with a dusting of flaky sea salt for contrast, or add a scattering of chopped chives for an herby pop. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of hot honey can make every slice unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Honey Butter Cornbread pairs beautifully with hearty mains like chili, barbecue chicken, or slow-cooked beans. For lighter meals, try serving it alongside salads or roasted vegetables; the slightly sweet crumb makes it versatile for pretty much any plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation! Cut the cornbread into rustic wedges for a family-style vibe, or use cookie cutters for fun shapes—perfect for potlucks and kids’ lunches. Mini-muffin tins make adorable, bite-sized Honey Butter Cornbread morsels that are perfect for party platters or snacking on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your Honey Butter Cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or stash it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature, making it perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the chilled cornbread, wrap each piece individually, then tuck them into a freezer bag. They’ll store beautifully for up to 2 months. Simply thaw on the counter or in the fridge overnight and you’ll have Honey Butter Cornbread ready whenever cravings hit.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked flavor, warm slices in a low oven (about 300 degrees) for 10 minutes or give them a quick zap in the microwave. For extra wow, brush with a little more honey butter after reheating and enjoy that melty, golden finish.
FAQs
Can I use white cornmeal instead of yellow?
Absolutely! White cornmeal creates a paler, slightly milder crumb, but the flavor and texture will still be fantastic. The key is to use fresh, high-quality cornmeal for the best Honey Butter Cornbread.
What’s the trick to avoiding dry cornbread?
Don’t overmix the batter—stop when just combined—and keep a close eye near the end of the baking time. The creamed corn and oil also help ensure your Honey Butter Cornbread stays moist and tender every time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! Just swap the all purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The recipe otherwise remains the same, granting you gluten-free Honey Butter Cornbread with all the classic flavor.
Can I use a muffin tin instead of a baking pan?
You sure can! The batter makes perfect cornbread muffins; just fill your greased muffin cups about two-thirds full and reduce the baking time to 18–22 minutes. They’re great for portion control and freezing, too.
How do I know when cornbread is baked through?
Insert a toothpick or wooden pick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your Honey Butter Cornbread is ready to come out of the oven. The edges should be golden and just pulling away from the pan.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing a warm tray of Honey Butter Cornbread, whether it’s for a holiday, a cookout, or an ordinary weekday meal that suddenly feels special. With its golden crust, irresistible sweetness, and pure comfort in every bite, this recipe is one you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Give it a try—you may just discover your new signature dish!
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Honey Butter Cornbread Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 1 13×9 pan 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Butter Cornbread recipe is a sweet and savory delight that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of cornmeal, creamed corn, and a touch of honey butter creates a moist and flavorful cornbread that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups yellow cornmeal
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 can creamed corn (15 oz)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
Honey Butter:
- 4 tbsp honey
- 4 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Melt Honey Butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter, and slowly add in the honey. Mix and remove from heat. You can also use a microwave.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and grease your cast iron skillet or baking pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the milk, creamed corn, oil, and eggs until well combined.
- Blend the Mixtures: Make a well in the dry ingredients, then slowly add the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir until blended.
- Bake: Pour into a greased 13×9 pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. After 20 minutes, brush a layer of honey butter and continue to cook until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Rest until cool before serving. Serve with more honey butter.
- Storage: Wrap in an airtight container for future use.
Notes
- This cornbread is best enjoyed warm.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cornbread, Honey Butter, Baking, Bread, Side Dish