Autumn’s arrival brings a longing for warm, comforting flavors, and this pumpkin cornbread perfectly captures that seasonal essence. Blending the traditional crumbly texture of cornbread with the rich sweetness of pumpkin puree, it’s a delightful side dish for any fall feast.

Infused with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this cornbread transforms a classic favorite into a festive treat. Its buttery, crumbly texture pairs beautifully with hearty meals or can be enjoyed as a comforting snack any time of day.

To elevate your experience, serve it alongside whipped honey butter for an indulgent touch. This simple yet flavorful recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your autumn gatherings, bringing everyone together around the table.

Pumpkin Cornbread Ingredients

The heart of pumpkin cornbread lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting this seasonal delight.

• Yellow Cornmeal: This staple provides the classic cornbread texture, delivering a subtle sweetness and rustic flavor that forms the dish’s foundation.
• Pumpkin Puree: The star of the recipe, pumpkin puree infuses moisture and a natural sweetness, enhancing the cornbread’s flavor profile while embodying the essence of fall.
• Sour Cream: Adding a creamy richness, sour cream elevates the cornbread’s tenderness, balancing flavors and contributing to its delightful crumb.
• Spices (Cinnamon and Nutmeg): These warming spices create a cozy, aromatic experience, evoking the flavors of autumn and enriching the overall taste.
• Butter: Essential for moisture and richness, melted butter ensures a beautifully crumbly texture while adding depth to each bite.
• Brown Sugar: This sweetener introduces a hint of caramel-like flavor, perfectly complementing the earthiness of the pumpkin and balancing the dish.

Pumpkin Cornbread

Cornbread is a crumbly, savory side we love year-round, but when we’re craving fall flavors, we turn to this delightful pumpkin cornbread. With its autumn-inspired ingredients, it’s an ideal addition to any seasonal meal or a comforting late-night snack. Buttery and crumbly, with a hint of sweetness from the pumpkin, this dish is perfect for pairing with a wide variety of meals.

Recipe Tips

1. Mixing Techniques: To achieve a perfectly moist cornbread, avoid overmixing the batter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so be gentle and swift!
2. Pumpkin Puree: For the best flavor, use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added spices and sweeteners that can alter the intended flavor of your cornbread. If you want an extra flavor boost, consider roasting your own pumpkin to make fresh puree.
3. Storage and Reheating: To keep your pumpkin cornbread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore its texture, or microwave for a quick warm-up.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Cornbread

1. Chili: A hearty bowl of chili is the perfect companion for pumpkin cornbread. The cornbread’s sweetness contrasts beautifully with the spicy, savory notes of the chili, creating a comforting, satisfying meal. Whether you choose vegetarian or classic beef chili, this pairing is sure to warm you up on a chilly evening.
2. Roast Chicken: Pair your pumpkin cornbread with a succulent roast chicken. The cornbread adds a delightful twist to a traditional meal, complementing the savory flavors of the chicken while the pumpkin and spices enhance the overall autumn experience.
3. Fall Salads: Consider serving pumpkin cornbread alongside a fresh fall salad, featuring roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and goat cheese. The salad’s earthy flavors and vibrant colors provide a beautiful contrast to the rich, buttery cornbread, making for a balanced and visually appealing plate.

FAQ

1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but be mindful that it may alter the texture, making the cornbread denser. You might also want to reduce the amount slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
2. Can I make this cornbread vegan?
   Absolutely! Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, replace the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt, and use vegan butter for the whipped honey butter. Ensure the honey is replaced with maple syrup or agave for a fully vegan option.
3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   To create a gluten-free version of pumpkin cornbread, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as baking powder and cornmeal, are certified gluten-free.
4. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
   Yes! Feel free to customize your pumpkin cornbread by adding chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans. Fold in about half a cup of your chosen mix-ins just before pouring the batter into the baking dish for added texture and flavor.

Pumpkin Cornbread

Cornbread is a delightful, crumbly side dish enjoyed throughout the year, but during the fall season, we crave the rich flavors of pumpkin cornbread. This updated version of classic cornbread incorporates pumpkin puree and aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a perfect accompaniment for autumn meals or a comforting late-night snack. With its buttery texture and subtle sweetness from the pumpkin, this dish beautifully marries savory and sweet, making it a versatile addition to any dining occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course cake

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• For the cornbread
• Cooking spray for greasing the pan
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 eggs
• For the whipped honey butter
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

 

• Step 1
• Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 9-inch square baking dish by greasing it generously with cooking spray.
• Step 2
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even blend.
• Step 3
• In a separate medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sour cream, brown sugar, and melted butter. Whisk the mixture until smooth, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour this wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
• Step 4
• Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cornbread to cool before cutting it into squares.
• Step 5
• To prepare the whipped honey butter, beat the softened butter, honey, salt, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl until fluffy. Serve this delightful butter alongside the warm cornbread for an enhanced flavor experience.

Keyword Pumpkin Cornbread