The BEST Honey Butter Cornbread

The BEST Honey Butter Cornbread is a easy American (Southern) recipe that serves 8. 700 calories per serving. Recipe by Kimmy’s Kreations on YouTube.

Prep: 26 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 6 min

Cost: $8.80 total, $1.10 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (Lightly spooned into measuring cup; do not pack)
  • 1.5 cups Self‑Rising Yellow Cornmeal (Light‑skin cornmeal; if using regular cornmeal add 1 tbsp baking powder)
  • 1.75 cups Granulated Sugar (Heaping half‑cup; adds sweetness)
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Melted; used in batter)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk (Room temperature)
  • 3 large Large Eggs (Room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons Honey (For batter; adds subtle floral sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Gel (Optional, for extra vanilla flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (Only if using regular cornmeal; helps rise)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Melted; for greasing pan)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Melted; for honey‑butter topping)
  • 2 tablespoons Honey (Equal part to butter for topping)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients

    Measure 1.5 cups all‑purpose flour, 1.5 cups self‑rising yellow cornmeal, and 1.75 cups heaping sugar into a large mixing bowl. If using regular cornmeal, add 1 tablespoon baking powder. Whisk until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Melt Butter for Batter

    Place 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter in a microwave‑safe bowl and melt in 30‑second intervals, stirring between bursts, until fully liquid.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Mix Wet Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup whole milk, 3 large eggs, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla bean gel, and the melted butter from step 2 until smooth.

    Time: PT4M

  4. Combine Wet and Dry

    Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a silicone spatula until just combined; a few small lumps are okay.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Rest the Batter

    Let the batter sit for 4 minutes. This allows the flour and cornmeal to hydrate fully.

    Time: PT4M

  6. Prepare the Baking Pan

    Melt 2 tablespoons butter and brush it over the bottom and sides of a 9×13‑inch baking pan, ensuring an even coating.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Preheat Oven

    Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  8. Bake the Cornbread

    Pour the rested batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Prepare Honey‑Butter Topping

    While the cornbread bakes, melt 2 tablespoons butter in the microwave (about 30 seconds) and stir in 2 tablespoons honey until smooth.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Poke Holes in the Baked Cornbread

    Remove the pan from the oven and use a toothpick to poke holes evenly across the surface.

    Time: PT1M

  11. Add Honey‑Butter Glaze

    Drizzle the honey‑butter mixture over the hot cornbread, letting it melt into the holes. Let the cornbread rest for 2 minutes before slicing.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
700
Protein
6.5 g
Carbohydrates
85 g
Fat
26 g
Fiber
1.5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten, Corn

Last updated: May 28, 2026

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The BEST Honey Butter Cornbread

Recipe by Kimmy’s Kreations

A sweet, buttery Southern‑style cornbread drizzled with honey‑butter glaze. Perfect for brunch, dinner sides, or a comforting snack, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and a few extra touches like vanilla bean gel for extra flavor.

EasyAmerican (Southern)Serves 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
27m
Prep
34m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 11m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.80
Total cost
$1.10
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not overmix the batter after adding wet ingredients.
  • Coat the pan thoroughly with melted butter to prevent sticking.
  • Poke holes in the hot cornbread before adding the honey‑butter glaze.

Safety Warnings

  • Melted butter is hot; handle with care to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot pan from the oven.
  • Do not over‑heat honey in the microwave; it can scorch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of honey butter cornbread in Southern American cuisine?

A

Cornbread has roots in Native American cooking and became a staple in the Southern United States. Adding honey and butter creates a sweet, indulgent version that is often served at holiday meals and family gatherings, reflecting the Southern love for comfort foods.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of cornbread exist in Southern cuisine?

A

In the Deep South, cornbread is often made with buttermilk and served savory. In the Upper South, sweeter versions with sugar or honey are common. Some regions add corn kernels, jalapeños, or cheese for extra texture and flavor.

cultural
Q

How is honey butter cornbread traditionally served in the Southern United States?

A

It is typically served warm, sliced into squares, and drizzled with additional honey‑butter glaze. It often accompanies fried chicken, barbecue, or is enjoyed as a breakfast side with coffee.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is honey butter cornbread traditionally associated with in Southern culture?

A

Honey butter cornbread is popular at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family reunions, as well as casual weekend brunches. Its sweet profile makes it a crowd‑pleaser for both holiday feasts and everyday meals.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Southern honey butter cornbread versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include self‑rising yellow cornmeal, all‑purpose flour, butter, whole milk, eggs, and honey. Acceptable substitutes are regular cornmeal with baking powder, unsalted butter with margarine, and plant‑based milks, though they may slightly alter flavor and texture.

cultural
Q

What other Southern dishes pair well with honey butter cornbread?

A

Honey butter cornbread pairs beautifully with fried chicken, pulled pork, collard greens, black‑eyed peas, and a hearty bowl of gumbo or chili. The sweet glaze complements savory, spicy, and smoky flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making honey butter cornbread?

A

Common mistakes include overmixing the batter, not coating the pan well enough, and skipping the hole‑poking step, which prevents the glaze from soaking in. Also, using old baking powder can result in a flat cornbread.

technical
Q

Why does this honey butter cornbread recipe use melted butter in the batter instead of softened butter?

A

Melted butter incorporates more evenly into the batter, giving the cornbread a uniform, moist crumb. Softened butter can leave pockets of unmixed fat, leading to uneven texture.

technical
Q

Can I make honey butter cornbread ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Cool the cornbread completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 10‑12 minutes or microwave individual slices for quick serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when my honey butter cornbread is done?

A

The top should be golden‑brown and slightly crisp, while the interior is moist and cake‑like. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, and the edges should pull away easily from the pan.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Kimmy’s Kreations specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Kimmy’s Kreations specializes in fun, approachable home‑cooking videos that blend classic comfort foods with playful twists, often featuring Southern and American comfort dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Kimmy’s Kreations' approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Kimmy’s Kreations focuses on casual, personality‑driven tutorials with humor and real‑world kitchen tips, whereas many other channels emphasize polished production. Kimmy often shares personal anecdotes and encourages improvisation, making Southern recipes feel accessible to everyday cooks.

channel

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