Pumpkin Honey Cornbread Cake

In Southern kitchens, cornbread often leans sweet enough to finish a meal when honey and pumpkin join the mix. This bakery-style cake folds puree and warm spices into a tender cornmeal crumb perfect for weekend gatherings.

Serves 8 · 15 min prep · 30 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 310 cal
• 5g protein
• 48g carbs
• 12g fat
• 3g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/3 cup neutral oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter for greasing

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously butter an 8-inch square baking pan, then line the bottom with parchment for clean release.
2. 2In a medium bowl whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger until the dry ingredients look uniform.
3. 3In a larger bowl whisk the pumpkin puree, honey, brown sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
4. 4Pour the dry ingredients into the wet bowl and fold gently with a spatula just until no flour streaks remain; a few small lumps are fine and keep the crumb tender.
5. 5Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top so it bakes evenly without doming too much.
6. 6Bake for 28 to 32 minutes until the center springs back lightly when touched, a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, and the edges pull slightly from the pan.
7. 7Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes so the honey-sweetened crumb sets without collapsing.
8. 8Run a knife the edges, invert onto the rack, peel off the parchment, and flip right-side up.
9. 9Let cool another 10 minutes, then cut into generous squares that show the golden pumpkin-flecked interior.
10. 10Arrange the squares on a wooden board or platter for easy grabbing at a weekend table; a light honey drizzle is optional but photogenic.