
Spicy Pumpkin Cornbread with Maple Chili Butter
Cozy up with this Spicy Pumpkin Cornbread! It’s fluffy, flavorful, and brings just the right amount of heat. Oh, and the maple chili butter? A sweet 'n' spicy topper you’ll want to slather on everything. Let’s mix, bake, and spice up your kitchen—it’s cornbread like never before!
4.5 out of 5 (4 ratings)

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
- •1 cup pumpkin puree
- •1 cup fine cornmeal
- •1 cup all-purpose flour
- •1/4 cup granulated sugar
- •1 tablespoon baking powder
- •1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- •1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- •1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- •2 large eggs
- •1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- •1 cup buttermilk
- •1/4 cup honey
- •1/4 cup maple syrup
- •1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- •1/2 cup butter, softened
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cayenne pepper.
- 3
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, buttermilk, honey, and 2 tablespoons of the maple syrup until smooth and well combined.
- 4
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cornbread dense.
- 5
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Smooth the top for even baking.
- 6
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are golden brown. Allow the cornbread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- 7
While the cornbread is baking, prepare the Maple Chili Butter by combining the softened butter, remaining maple syrup, and chili powder in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
- 8
Serve the warm pumpkin cornbread with a generous dollop of Maple Chili Butter on top. Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of extra chili powder for garnish. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Calories
320 calories
Protein
5g
Carbs
40g
Fat
15g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute the pumpkin puree with another ingredient?
A: Yes, you can substitute pumpkin puree with sweet potato puree or butternut squash puree in equal amounts. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture, but it will still result in a delicious cornbread.
Q: What can I use instead of buttermilk?
A: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup of milk. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe. This will provide the same acidity needed for the baking soda to react.
Q: How do I prevent the cornbread from becoming too dense?
A: To avoid dense cornbread, make sure not to overmix the batter after combining the wet and dry ingredients. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can make the texture heavier.
Q: How should I store leftovers and for how long?
A: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Q: Can I make the Maple Chili Butter in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Maple Chili Butter up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, let it come to room temperature to make it spreadable.
Q: Can I adjust the spiciness level of the cornbread?
A: Absolutely! To make the cornbread less spicy, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the batter and the chili powder in the butter. For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper slightly or sprinkle additional chili powder on top when serving.
Q: What are some serving suggestions for this cornbread?
A: This Spicy Pumpkin Cornbread pairs well with hearty soups, stews, and chili. It’s also a great side dish for roasted meats or as part of a holiday spread. For a sweeter variation, drizzle extra maple syrup on top or serve it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
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