Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe

Golden, bite-sized, and dripping with honeyed goodness—Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are the perfect blend of sweet and savory in a compact form. These warm, fluffy morsels boast a beautifully caramelized crust and a tender cornbread center, making them irresistible right out of the oven. Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch, a festive gathering, or just need a satisfying snack, these poppers check every box for comfort food lovers.

What sets this dish apart is the rich layer of honey butter that seeps into each popper, amplifying its flavor and adding that gorgeous glaze you see glistening on top. Served warm, they melt in your mouth and bring a sense of homemade southern charm to your table. Best part? They’re super easy to make and perfect for sharing!

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Ingredients for Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of lemon juice)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup honey
• Extra butter and honey for topping (optional but recommended)
• Nonstick spray or butter for greasing muffin tin

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking and a beautiful golden crust. While it’s heating, generously grease a mini muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray—this is key for easy release and that crispy edge we love in cornbread.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed, giving your poppers a light and airy texture.

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Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and honey. Whisk until smooth and fully integrated. The honey adds natural sweetness, while the buttermilk keeps the crumb moist and tender.

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Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing—this can lead to dense poppers rather than soft, fluffy bites.

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Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. This allows enough room for the poppers to rise beautifully without overflowing.

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Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of warm honey and cornbread will fill your kitchen!

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Step 7: Glaze and Serve

While still warm, brush the tops of the poppers with a mixture of melted butter and honey. This final touch creates a glossy, irresistible finish and boosts their sweet-savory flavor.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per popper, approx.)

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 150mg

These values may vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cornmeal is best for this recipe?

Medium-ground yellow cornmeal works best. It gives the poppers a balanced texture—not too gritty, not too soft.

Can I use a regular muffin tin?

Yes, but the cooking time will be a few minutes longer—about 18–20 minutes. Just be sure to fill each cavity about 3/4 full.

Is it okay to skip the honey?

You can skip it, but the honey adds a lovely depth of flavor and moistness. If avoiding sugar, try maple syrup or agave nectar.

How do I make them extra moist?

Use buttermilk and don’t overbake. Brushing them with honey butter right out of the oven locks in moisture.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your cornmeal is gluten-free too.

What’s a good topping besides honey butter?

Try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dab of fruit preserves, or even a small cube of cheese baked inside for a surprise!

Do I need to use eggs?

Eggs help with structure and moisture. If allergic or vegan, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg).

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately in advance, but combine them just before baking for best results.

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