Autumn Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cornbread Recipe

Pumpkin cornbread transforms ordinary bread into a seasonal sensation that whispers autumn’s warmth.

Rustic and comforting, this recipe blends sweet and savory notes with unexpected depth.

Soft crumbs mingle with rich spices, creating a sensory experience that feels like a culinary embrace.

Dense yet tender, the bread carries subtle hints of earthy pumpkin and warming spices.

Southern kitchens and fall gatherings welcome this delightful twist on traditional cornbread.

Each slice promises a moment of pure, nostalgic pleasure that connects you to cherished memories.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive side dish: prepare to delight your taste buds.

Why Pumpkin Cornbread Tastes Like Fall

• Spice Up Your Comfort: Dive into a delightful blend of warm autumn spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg that transform traditional cornbread into a cozy seasonal treat.
• Perfectly Textured Delight: Enjoy a magical combination of crispy edges and moist, tender interior that creates a mouthwatering contrast with every single bite.
• Quick and Easy Autumn Magic: Whip up this incredible cornbread in just one hour, making it an effortless recipe for busy home cooks craving a delicious seasonal side dish that impresses without complicated techniques.

What Goes Into Pumpkin Cornbread Bliss

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cornbread together, choose unbleached flour for better texture.
• Cornmeal: Gives the classic cornbread flavor and golden color, stone-ground varieties offer more intense corn taste.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cornbread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Fine Sea Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves, Ground Nutmeg: Warm autumn spices that add depth and complementary flavor to the pumpkin.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cornbread moist and tender, neutral flavor works best.
• Melted Butter: Adds rich flavor and contributes to a soft texture.
• Light Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and moisture, creates a deeper flavor profile.
• Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the cornbread.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings moisture, autumnal flavor, and natural sweetness to the recipe.

• Flaky Sea Salt: Adds a crunchy texture and enhances the final flavor when sprinkled on top.
• Butter: Optional serving accompaniment for extra richness.
• Honey: Optional sweet drizzle to complement the pumpkin cornbread.

How to Make This Cozy Cornbread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Skillet

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 10-inch ovenproof skillet and coat it generously with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cornmeal
• Baking powder
• Fine sea salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves
• Ground nutmeg

Whisk these ingredients together until perfectly combined and set aside.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Melted butter
• Light brown sugar

Whisk these ingredients until smooth and well incorporated. Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Fold in the pumpkin puree and mix until fully blended.

Step 4: Combine and Prepare for Baking

Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Transfer the batter to the prepared skillet, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle flaky sea salt across the top for an extra flavor boost.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cornbread is ready.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cornbread to rest in the skillet for 20 minutes. This helps it set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm with a pat of butter and a generous drizzle of honey for a truly indulgent experience.

Tips for Soft, Moist Pumpkin Cornbread

• Prevent Crumbly Texture: Avoid overmixing ingredients to keep cornbread soft and tender, stopping when just combined for the perfect crumbly-yet-moist result.
• Nail Accurate Measurements: Gently spoon flour and cornmeal into measuring cups, leveling off with a straight edge to ensure precise ingredient proportions.
• Verify Oven Temperature: Double-check your oven reaches exactly 350 degrees F using an oven thermometer for consistent baking performance.
• Boost Moisture Levels: Incorporate canned pumpkin puree for smooth, creamy texture that keeps cornbread rich and delightful.
• Patience Matters: Allow cornbread to cool completely for at least 20 minutes, enabling it to set and hold together when slicing.

Best Ways to Store Pumpkin Cornbread

• Cool Down: Let the pumpkin cornbread reach room temperature completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup and soggy texture. Condensation can make your delicious bread turn mushy and lose its delightful crumbly consistency.
• Container Magic: Slide the cornbread into an airtight glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Sealed containers protect the bread from absorbing random refrigerator odors and keep the cornbread fresh and moist.
• Freezer Preservation: Wrap individual slices or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil for extra protection. Freeze your pumpkin cornbread for up to 2 months, ensuring a delectable treat is always ready when hunger strikes. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat in the oven to restore its original warmth and texture.

Flavor Variations for Your Pumpkin Bake

• Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cornbread: Swap light brown sugar with pure maple syrup and fold in chopped pecans for a nutty, sweet crunch. Sprinkle extra pecans on top before baking for added texture.
• Savory Herb Pumpkin Cornbread: Mix in fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage to transform the cornbread into a more savory side dish. Serve alongside roasted meats or hearty soups for a rustic touch.
• Spicy Jalapeño Pumpkin Cornbread: Dice fresh jalapeños and fold into the batter for a spicy kick. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking to create a melty, zesty version.
• Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Cornbread: Add dried cranberries and orange zest to the batter for a bright, tangy flavor profile. Drizzle with an orange glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice after cooling.

Pumpkin Cornbread That Brings Autumn to the Table

Pioneer Woman’s pumpkin cornbread emerges as autumn’s quintessential comfort companion, blending rustic southern charm with seasonal warmth.

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg whisper nostalgic memories of harvest celebrations.

Hearty cornmeal provides robust texture while pumpkin adds silky complexity to each delectable slice.

Skillet baking ensures crisp edges and tender centerpieces that invite lingering conversations around dinner tables.

Flaky sea salt elevates subtle sweetness, creating balanced flavor profiles that dance between savory and delicate notes.

Success awaits when following this irresistible recipe – so snap a photo, share with friends, sprinkle enthusiasm across social platforms, and let culinary magic inspire connections through delicious moments.

Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cornbread Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cornbread brings autumn’s warmth to your kitchen with rich seasonal spices and tender crumb. Rustic Southern comfort mingles with sweet pumpkin notes, creating a delightful side dish you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• Pinch of ground cinnamon
• Pinch of ground cloves
• A few gratings of fresh nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup canola or vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree

Additional Ingredients:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
• Butter, for serving
• Honey, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Thoroughly coat a 10-inch ovenproof skillet with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy release.
2. Create a dry ingredient foundation by thoroughly whisking flour, cornmeal, baking powder, fine sea salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a medium mixing bowl. Set this fragrant mixture aside for later incorporation.
3. Develop the wet ingredient blend by vigorously whisking vegetable oil, melted butter, and light brown sugar until smoothly integrated. Incorporate eggs individually, whisking thoroughly after each addition to maintain a consistent texture. Gently fold in the pumpkin puree until the mixture becomes uniform.
4. Merge the dry and wet ingredients by gradually adding the flour mixture to the liquid components. Whisk carefully until a smooth, lump-free batter forms. Transfer the mixture into the prepared skillet, spreading evenly with a spatula to create an consistent surface. Delicately sprinkle flaky sea salt across the top for an enhanced flavor profile.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown exterior and checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and free of raw batter.
6. Allow the cornbread to rest and settle in the skillet for a minimum of 20 minutes, enabling it to cool and set properly. Slice into wedges and serve while still warm, accompanied by a pat of butter and a luxurious drizzle of honey.

Notes

• Cooling Matters: Letting the cornbread rest prevents crumbling and helps it hold its shape perfectly after coming out of the hot oven.
• Precision Counts: Accurate flour and cornmeal measurements ensure the perfect texture, so gently spoon ingredients into measuring cups and level with a straight edge.
• Mixing Magic: Combine wet and dry ingredients just until they blend, stopping the moment no flour streaks remain to keep the cornbread tender and light.
• Temperature Check: Verify your oven reaches exactly 350 degrees F before baking, using an oven thermometer for reliable results every single time.
• Pumpkin Perfection: Canned pumpkin puree delivers consistent moisture and rich flavor, with a smooth texture that blends seamlessly into the cornbread batter.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg