Spicy Pumpkin Cornbread with Maple Chili Butter - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

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)

If your autumn baking routine needs a little something to shake it up, let me introduce you to my Spicy Pumpkin Cornbread with Maple Chili Butter. It’s not your typical cornbread, oh no. This dish is like a cozy fall sweater that somehow also knows how to throw a fantastic party! Sweet pumpkin, a hint of spice, and that fluffy, golden texture all come together to create a cornbread that feels like it should be served at both family dinners and your next block party. And then there’s the Maple Chili Butter—a silky, sweet, and spicy drape of deliciousness that takes things to a whole new level. Trust me, this recipe is about to become your kitchen’s new cool-weather superstar.

Spicy Pumpkin Cornbread with Maple Chili Butter Recipe

This cornbread isn’t just flavorful; it’s full of personality—just like me! The pumpkin adds a natural earthiness and moisture, while a little cayenne and smoked paprika bring the slightest kick, balancing the sweetness perfectly. Cornmeal teams up with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for that cozy fall vibe, while a splash of buttermilk keeps everything soft and dreamy. Then, add the Maple Chili Butter, and wow! Fresh maple syrup gives it sweetness, with just enough chili powder to tickle your taste buds. It’s a pairing that sounds unexpected but works so beautifully—you’ll wonder why you haven’t been putting chili butter on everything.

So, are you ready to level up your cornbread game? This dish is perfect alongside chili or roasted veggies, or you can let it steal the spotlight on its own. Feeling adventurous? Try adding some shredded cheddar or diced jalapeños for extra pizzazz! You could even whip it up in a cast-iron skillet if you’re feeling old-school. However you choose to bake and serve it, I guarantee this recipe is going to light up your kitchen (without burning it down!). Let’s get baking, and remember, the Maple Chili Butter is your new best friend—don’t skimp on it!

Keywords: spicy pumpkin cornbread recipe, maple chili butter topping, fall-inspired cornbread ideas, unique cornbread flavors, pumpkin spice cornbread with butter, holiday cornbread recipe ideas, homemade butter with chili flavor

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 5

    Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Smooth the top for even baking.

  6. 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. 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. 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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