The Coziest Homemade Pumpkin Cornbread Recipe for Fall Nights

Pumpkin cornbread elevates ordinary comfort food into a seasonal sensation that tantalizes taste buds with its warm, inviting essence.

Autumn’s vibrant colors inspire this delightful twist on a classic Southern staple, blending rustic charm with unexpected flavors.

Soft, moist textures emerge from the careful combination of traditional cornmeal and luxurious pumpkin puree.

Fragrant spices dance through each crumbly bite, creating a sensory experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Rich, golden hues promise a delectable companion to hearty soups, stews, and fall gatherings.

Subtle sweetness and earthy undertones make this recipe a perfect addition to your seasonal menu.

Grab your mixing bowl and get ready to elevate your cornbread game with this irresistible autumn-inspired creation.

Pumpkin Cornbread That’s Moist, Sweet, and Savory

• Elevate Autumn Comfort: This pumpkin cornbread transforms a classic side dish into a seasonal delight, blending warm spices like pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon with traditional cornbread texture.
• Quick and Easy Baking: Prepare this delicious bread in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks craving a homemade treat.
• Versatile Flavor Companion: Serve this cornbread alongside hearty soups, chilis, or roasted meats, or enjoy it as a sweet breakfast option with a drizzle of honey and butter for a comforting morning indulgence.

Ingredients for Baking Pumpkin Cornbread

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornmeal: Provides the base structure and hearty texture of the cornbread, with cornmeal adding a classic southern touch.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cornbread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bread.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice, Cinnamon: Warm spices that bring a cozy autumn flavor and aromatic depth to the cornbread.

• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and ensures a tender crumb in the cornbread.
• Pumpkin Puree: Introduces a rich, seasonal flavor and contributes to the bread's moisture and color.
• Milk: Helps bind ingredients and creates a soft texture.
• Sugar, Honey: Provide natural sweetness and help with browning.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the structure of the cornbread.

• Honey: Perfect for drizzling over warm cornbread for extra sweetness.
• Salted Butter: Adds richness and complements the bread's warm spices.

Pumpkin Cornbread Instructions for Easy Results

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Set the dish aside.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cornmeal
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Ground cinnamon

Whisk the ingredients together until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Mix Wet Components

• Vegetable oil
• Pumpkin puree
• Whole milk
• Granulated sugar
• Honey
• Eggs

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl. Gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Bake the Cornbread

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bread is ready. The top should have a light golden color.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the cornbread to cool for 10 minutes. Slice into squares. Serve warm with a pat of salted butter and a drizzle of honey.

Top Tips for a Tender Pumpkin Cornbread Crumb

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently until ingredients are just combined to keep the cornbread tender and avoid a tough texture.
• Check Moisture Level: Use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor and consistent moisture in your cornbread.
• Master the Spice Balance: Adjust pumpkin pie spice to your taste, but don't overdo it- the subtle warmth should complement the cornbread's sweetness.
• Perfect Baking Timing: Watch the cornbread closely during the last few minutes of baking to ensure a golden top without drying out the edges.
• Serve with Style: Warm the cornbread slightly before serving and add a pat of salted butter or drizzle of honey to enhance its rich, autumn-inspired flavors.

How to Keep Pumpkin Cornbread Fresh Longer

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pumpkin cornbread in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag to preserve for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, restoring the cornbread's original soft and tender quality.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Cornbread

• Pair with Spiced Cider: Warm, fragrant apple cider with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg perfectly complements the pumpkin cornbread's sweet and earthy flavors. The spices echo the warm notes in the bread, creating a cozy autumn experience.
• Match with Chili's Comfort: Serve alongside a hearty beef or vegetarian chili. The cornbread's slightly sweet profile and tender texture balance the rich, spicy soup, making each bite more satisfying and adding a delightful contrast.
• Enhance with Maple Butter: Whip softened butter with pure maple syrup for a luxurious spread. The maple's deep sweetness amplifies the pumpkin and honey notes in the cornbread, elevating the simple dish to a gourmet treat that melts in your mouth.
• Pair with Creamy Goat Cheese: Crumble tangy goat cheese over warm slices of pumpkin cornbread. The cheese's sharp, creamy texture cuts through the bread's sweetness, creating a sophisticated and balanced flavor combination.

Pumpkin Cornbread Flavor Tweaks to Try

• Savory Herb Pumpkin Cornbread: Add chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage to create a fragrant herbal version that pairs perfectly with roasted meats and autumn soups.
• Spicy Jalapeño Pumpkin Cornbread: Mix in finely diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a kick of heat that elevates the classic recipe with bold southwestern flavors.
• Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cornbread: Fold in chopped pecans and replace honey with pure maple syrup, creating a nutty, sweet version that's ideal for breakfast or dessert.
• Cheesy Cheddar Pumpkin Cornbread: Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a handful of green onions to transform the bread into a savory side dish that complements chili or stews.

Pumpkin Cornbread Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pumpkin cornbread blends Southern comfort with autumn’s warmth, creating a golden-hued side dish that marries rustic charm and seasonal spice. Moist crumbs and subtle pumpkin notes invite home cooks to savor this simple yet memorable companion to chili, soups, or hearty meals.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup yellow cornmeal (not coarse ground)
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¾ cup milk
• 2 large eggs

Leavening and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Sweeteners and Fat:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ cup vegetable oil, mild olive oil, or melted refined coconut oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350°F. Lovingly coat a 9×9-inch baking vessel with a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Create a dry foundation by whisking together flour, cornmeal, rising agents, salt, aromatic pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly integrated.
3. In a separate container, transform liquid ingredients into a harmonious blend. Vigorously whisk vegetable oil, velvety pumpkin puree, milk, granulated sweetener, golden honey, and farm-fresh eggs until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Gently marry the liquid and dry components by pouring wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Stir with a delicate hand, ensuring ingredients are just combined without aggressive mixing that could toughen the batter.
5. Transfer the pillowy batter into the prepared baking pan, distributing evenly with a soft spatula. Slide into the preheated oven and bake until a slender wooden pick emerges clean and the surface radiates a gentle golden hue, approximately 25 minutes.
6. Allow the cornbread to rest and settle for a few moments after emerging from the oven. Slice into inviting squares and serve while still warm, complemented by a luxurious drizzle of honey and a pat of salted butter.

Notes

• Warm, moist cornbread with a delightful pumpkin twist that transforms a classic comfort food into a seasonal sensation.
• Perfectly spiced with pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon, creating a cozy autumn-inspired flavor profile that complements both sweet and savory dishes.
• Quick and easy one-bowl recipe that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with chili, soups, stews, or can be enjoyed as a standalone snack with a dollop of butter.
• Use fresh pumpkin puree for the most vibrant flavor, but canned works wonderfully if you’re short on time.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg