Name: Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1/4 cup honey; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for drizzling)

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Sweet, buttery, and perfectly moist, these Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are little bites of comfort with a delicious honey butter drizzle. They make a fantastic appetizer or snack that I love to whip up when I want something easy yet satisfying.

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup melted butter

1/4 cup honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for drizzling)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners.

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined — I’m careful not to overmix to keep the poppers tender.

Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops turn lightly golden.

While baking, melt the butter and honey together over low heat, stirring until smooth and combined.

Once the poppers come out of the oven, drizzle them with the warm honey butter mixture.

Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 poppers. Prep time is 10 minutes, cooking time is 15 minutes, and total time is around 25 minutes.

Variations

I like to switch things up by adding a pinch of cinnamon or a little finely chopped jalapeño for a sweet-and-spicy twist. You can also fold in some shredded cheddar cheese for a savory contrast. If I want a gluten-free option, I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover poppers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes or warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. The honey butter drizzle tastes best when fresh, so I usually prepare a quick batch when reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these poppers ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the batter ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a gentle stir before spooning it into the tin.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

I mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk.

Can I freeze the poppers?

Absolutely. I freeze baked poppers in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. I thaw and reheat before serving.

Are these poppers suitable for a vegan diet?

This recipe contains eggs, butter, and honey, so it’s not vegan as is. However, I’ve experimented with vegan substitutes like flax eggs, plant-based butter, and maple syrup instead of honey, with decent results.

How can I make these poppers less sweet?

I reduce the sugar and honey slightly or omit the honey drizzle to tone down the sweetness. Adding a bit of cornmeal texture helps balance the flavors.

Conclusion

I find these Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers to be a perfect mix of sweet and buttery flavors wrapped in a soft, moist bite. They’re easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser whether for a casual snack or a party appetizer. I enjoy experimenting with variations and reheating leftovers, but honestly, they’re best enjoyed fresh and warm straight from the oven with that lovely honey butter drizzle.

Recipe:

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 poppers
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Sweet, buttery, and perfectly moist mini cornbread poppers with a warm honey butter drizzle, ideal as a cozy snack or appetizer.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined — avoid overmixing for tender poppers.
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about ¾ full.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops turn lightly golden.
While baking, melt the butter and honey together over low heat, stirring until smooth and combined.
Once the poppers come out of the oven, drizzle them with the warm honey butter mixture.
Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.