Dessert

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe

Bylina Carter July 5, 2025July 5, 2025

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds), look no further than these irresistible Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers. Imagine bite-sized morsels of golden, fluffy cornbread, finished with a sweet and salty honey butter glaze that melts into every warm nook. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a cozy dinner, or as a special treat just because, these poppers are guaranteed to brighten up any table and disappear in a flash.

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers comes from just how simple and fuss-free the ingredient list is. Each element has a role to play, from texture and lift to savory depth and that gorgeous, sweet finish.

Yellow cornmeal: This brings classic cornbread flavor and signature golden color to every bite.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and keeps the poppers light rather than crumbly.
Sugar: Lends just enough sweetness to balance the cornbread and prepare the stage for the honey butter glaze.
Baking powder: Ensures that each popper rises with a lovely fluffy texture.
Salt: Adds contrast and depth, heightening all the flavors together.
Buttermilk: The secret to moist, tender cornbread — plus it adds a slight tang.
Vegetable oil: Keeps things easy and the crumb extra soft.
Large egg: Binds everything while adding a boost of richness.
Melted unsalted butter: The backbone of the honey butter glaze, giving a luscious texture.
Honey: Adds that golden, floral sweetness which makes every mouthful pop.

How to Make Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Grab a mini muffin pan and give it a good coating of nonstick spray or a gentle swipe of oil. This ensures your poppers release effortlessly after baking and keeps their golden edges perfectly intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This simple step keeps your leavening and seasoning nice and even, so every popper bakes up with consistent flavor and height.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and large egg. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended — this helps your batter come together quickly, without overmixing later on.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon. Don’t be tempted to overwork it — just mix until the last streaks of flour disappear. This ensures your Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers stay tender.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spoon the batter evenly into the mini muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters of the way. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the tops spring back and a skewer comes out clean. The heavenly smell will let you know they’re just about ready!

Step 6: Glaze with Honey Butter

While the poppers bake, whisk together your honey, melted butter, and salt for a glossy, golden glaze. As soon as those warm poppers come out of the oven, brush them generously with the honey butter. Letting that glaze soak in takes these bite-sized cornbread treats to a whole new level.

How to Serve Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Garnishes

These poppers are perfection straight out of the oven, but if you want to dress them up, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dusting of finely chopped chives, or even a drizzle of extra honey makes them sparkle on the plate. If you have a herby butter on hand, a little dab goes a long way for flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers play well with pretty much any main. They’re fantastic alongside chili, barbecue, or roasted chicken and make a soulful addition to soups and stews. Set them out on a big platter at a holiday meal, and watch mouths water as the basket makes its way around the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, stack these gems pyramid-style on a cake stand, nestle them in a lined basket, or skewer them on toothpicks for easy grab-and-go bites. Try serving with little bowls of spicy honey or whipped maple butter for dipping — you’ll love seeing guests’ eyes light up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers left, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The glaze keeps them moist, and a quick reheat will bring them back to life.

Freezing

Want to bake ahead? These poppers freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a treat, let them thaw at room temp or rewarm gently.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked magic, reheat poppers in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through. You can brush with a bit of extra honey butter for a fresh-from-the-oven shine.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

You can absolutely substitute regular milk, but adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s tang will make the poppers extra flavorful. Simply add 1 tablespoon to your cup of milk, stir, and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How do I make these gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be a touch more tender, but the poppers will still be melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

What’s the best way to get the poppers out of the pan?

Letting the poppers cool in their pan for a few minutes helps them firm up, so they come out with perfect tops. Gently twist or use a small offset spatula to lift them if needed.

Can Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers be made ahead for a party?

Yes! Bake them a day ahead, store them airtight, and reheat just before serving. Brush on a little fresh honey butter right before serving to wow your guests.

Are these poppers good served cold?

While they’re at their best warm and fresh, Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers are still tasty at room temperature, making them a fantastic option for picnics, tailgates, or lunch boxes.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to wow your friends and family with Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers. With their irresistible blend of sweet, salty, and buttery goodness, these little bites never last long in my house — I think you’ll find the same! Try them out, play with the toppings, and get ready for rave reviews.