Name: Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 large egg; 3/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Soft, golden, and kissed with warm spices, Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter is the cozy autumn bake you never knew you needed. It combines the comforting heartiness of traditional cornbread with the rich depth of pumpkin and a swirl of fall spice in every bite. Each square is moist and lightly sweetened, the kind of treat that fits just as beautifully on a holiday table as it does beside a bowl of chili on a casual Sunday.

But what truly sets this recipe apart is the creamy dollop of cinnamon honey butter that melts perfectly into the warm crumb, adding a silky-sweet contrast to the rustic flavor of the bread. Whether you’re serving this up at a festive family gathering or savoring it with a quiet cup of coffee, this pumpkin cornbread will become a seasonal staple you look forward to year after year.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter

Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to pumpkin puree, this cornbread stays soft and fluffy without being overly dense.
Perfect Fall Flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice infuse every bite with cozy autumn notes.
Versatile: Great as a side dish for soups and stews or as a sweet snack on its own.
Simple to Make: No mixer required and only everyday pantry ingredients.
Freezer-Friendly: Bake ahead and freeze for quick, delicious comfort any time.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this autumn favorite, it’s essential to get your tools ready:

Mixing Bowls (Large & Medium): Crucial for separating dry and wet ingredients to ensure even mixing.
Whisk & Silicone Spatula: A whisk helps blend spices and dry ingredients, while a spatula ensures you fold in the wet mix without over-mixing.
8×8 Baking Dish or Cast-Iron Skillet: Both provide even baking; the cast-iron gives a slightly crispier edge.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters to keep the balance of moisture and flavor.
Wire Rack: For cooling your cornbread evenly without sogginess on the bottom.

The cinnamon honey butter can be whipped up in a small bowl with a fork or handheld mixer if you prefer extra fluffiness. Make sure your butter is room temperature for easy blending.

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter

Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and a rich, earthy sweetness.
Yellow Cornmeal: The base of traditional cornbread, bringing texture and corn flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cornbread structure and a softer crumb.
Brown Sugar: Enhances sweetness and depth.
Baking Powder: Provides the rise and fluffiness.
Salt: Balances the sweet and savory notes.
Pumpkin Pie Spice & Ground Cinnamon: These spices layer warm fall flavors into the bread.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
Butter (Melted): Adds richness and that classic buttery cornbread taste.

For the Cinnamon Honey Butter:

Softened Butter: The base, which makes this spread creamy and indulgent.
Honey: Brings floral sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and pairs beautifully with the pumpkin.

How To Make the Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 8×8 baking dish or skillet with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon until evenly combined.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, milk, melted butter, and egg until smooth.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together using a spatula—just until combined. Don’t overmix or it may become dense.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your greased baking dish and smooth out the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly on a wire rack.

Step 6: Whip the Cinnamon Honey Butter

While the cornbread bakes, stir together the softened butter, honey, and cinnamon in a small bowl until creamy. You can use a fork or hand mixer.

How to Serve and Store Pumpkin Cornbread

Serve this warm with a generous swipe of cinnamon honey butter on top, and it pairs beautifully with hearty meals like soups, stews, and roasted meats. It’s also a delightful standalone snack with coffee or tea.

To store, let the cornbread cool completely and then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, just be sure it’s well-cooked and pureed to a smooth consistency. Avoid using pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.

What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?

You can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. A good ratio is 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp each nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be sure your cornmeal is also certified gluten-free.

Is it okay to double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just bake it in a 9×13 pan and adjust the baking time to 35–40 minutes.

How do I make the cinnamon honey butter extra fluffy?

Use a handheld mixer to whip the butter until light and airy, then add in the honey and cinnamon.

What if I don’t have an 8×8 baking dish?

A cast-iron skillet works beautifully and even adds a crispier edge. A 9-inch round pan will also do the job—just keep an eye on the baking time.

Want More Comforting Bread Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Pumpkin Cornbread with Cinnamon Honey Butter, you’ll love these other cozy bread and baked favorites:

Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread – Sweet, buttery, and irresistibly nutty.
Amish Applesauce Cake – Packed with old-fashioned fall flavor.
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake – A dessert mashup perfect for any occasion.
Moist and Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake – Bright citrus meets velvety texture.
Winter Brittle – A crunchy seasonal snack to pair with coffee or cocoa.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest fall baking board so you can come back to it any time. Follow me on Pinterest for daily cozy recipes and sweet inspirations straight from Kitchen by Kate.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use fresh pumpkin? Add a bit of maple syrup to the butter? I love hearing your delicious twists. Questions are always welcome—let’s keep baking better, together!