Introduction
Have you ever craved something that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors? If so, this moist Apple Cinnamon Cornbread recipe will definitely satisfy your taste buds. The combination of tender apple chunks, warm cinnamon, and traditional cornbread creates an irresistible treat that works wonderfully as a breakfast option, snack, or even dessert. Additionally, this versatile cornbread pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes, making it a must-have recipe in your collection.
Many people consider cornbread to be purely savory, but once you try this Apple Cinnamon Cornbread variation, you’ll understand why fruit and cornmeal make such a delightful pairing. Furthermore, this recipe creates a perfectly moist cornbread that avoids the common problem of dryness that plagues many traditional recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cinnamon Cornbread
What makes this Apple Cinnamon Cornbread so special? First of all, it combines the homey comfort of traditional cornbread with the warmth of cinnamon and the natural sweetness of fresh apples. As a result, you get a deliciously moist cornbread that doesn’t need extra butter to be enjoyable.
Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve it:
- Warm for breakfast with a drizzle of honey
- As an afternoon snack with tea or coffee
- Alongside savory dishes like chili or soup
- For dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
The contrast between the slightly gritty cornmeal texture and the soft apple pieces creates an interesting eating experience that will have you coming back for more. Consequently, you might want to make a double batch!
Key Ingredients
To make this mouthwatering Apple Cinnamon Cornbread, you’ll need:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 cups diced apples (preferably Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons honey (plus more for serving)
The star ingredients here are obviously the fresh apples and cinnamon. However, the buttermilk is equally important as it helps create that tender crumb we’re looking for in this Apple Cinnamon Cornbread.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down the process of making this delicious Apple Cinnamon Cornbread:
1. Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, grease a 9-inch square baking pan or a 10-inch cast-iron skillet.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs slightly. Next, add buttermilk, melted butter, and honey, then stir until everything is mixed thoroughly.
4. Bring It All Together: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. After that, stir just until combined – don’t overmix! Subsequently, fold in the diced apples gently.
5. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Then, bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool Slightly: Allow the cornbread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
The aroma of Apple Cinnamon Cornbread baking will fill your kitchen with the most wonderful fragrance. As a result, everyone will be eagerly waiting for it to come out of the oven!
Tips for the Perfect Apple Cinnamon Cornbread
To ensure your Apple Cinnamon Cornbread turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Choose the right apples: Firm, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best because they hold their shape during baking.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Too much mixing will develop gluten and make your cornbread tough.
- Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Serve it warm: This cornbread is most delicious when served warm, either fresh from the oven or reheated briefly.
If you like this recipe, you might also enjoy our coconut cornbread which brings a tropical twist to traditional cornbread!
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic Apple Cinnamon Cornbread recipe, you might want to experiment with these delicious variations:
- Nutty Apple Cinnamon Cornbread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
- Caramel Apple Version: Drizzle the top with caramel sauce before serving for an indulgent dessert option.
- Whole Grain Option: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutritional value.
- Maple Twist: Replace the honey with pure maple syrup in the batter for a different flavor profile.
These variations ensure you’ll never get bored with this versatile Apple Cinnamon Cornbread recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Cinnamon Cornbread is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Here are some delicious pairings to try:
- Serve warm with a pat of butter and an extra drizzle of honey for breakfast
- Pair with savory autumn soups like butternut squash or pumpkin
- Enjoy alongside roast pork or chicken for a dinner with fall flavors
- Crumble over vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for an easy dessert
Additionally, this cornbread stays moist for several days when stored properly, making it perfect for meal prep.
Storage Tips
To keep your Apple Cinnamon Cornbread fresh:
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Alternatively, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave individual pieces for 20-30 seconds.
This means you can enjoy your Apple Cinnamon Cornbread whenever a craving strikes!
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to this exceptional Apple Cinnamon Cornbread lies in the perfect balance of ingredients. The moisture from the apples keeps the cornbread from drying out, while the buttermilk creates a tender crumb. Furthermore, the cinnamon complements both the cornmeal and apple flavors beautifully.
Unlike traditional cornbread that’s often served exclusively with savory dishes, this Apple Cinnamon Cornbread crosses boundaries and works equally well as a breakfast treat or dessert. Therefore, it’s a truly versatile recipe worth adding to your regular rotation.
Conclusion
This Moist Apple Cinnamon Cornbread brings together the best of both worlds – the homey comfort of traditional cornbread with the sweet-spiced goodness of apple cinnamon treats. The result is a versatile baked good that’s perfect for any time of day.
Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as a side dish, or for dessert, this Apple Cinnamon Cornbread is sure to become a family favorite. After trying this recipe, be sure to check out our coconut cornbread for another delicious variation!
Why not bake a batch today? Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
Moist Apple Cinnamon Cornbread Recipe You’ll Love
Description
Craving something that hits just the right note between sweet and savory? This Moist Apple Cinnamon Cornbread is the answer. Bursting with tender apple chunks and infused with the comforting warmth of cinnamon, it transforms classic cornbread into a truly irresistible treat. Soft, moist, and perfectly balanced, it’s ideal for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Plus, its versatility shines when paired with both sweet toppings like honey butter or savory dishes like chili. Once you taste this fruity twist on traditional cornbread, you’ll never look at cornbread the same way again.
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, beat eggs lightly, then add buttermilk, melted butter, and honey. Stir until well combined.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
Fold in diced apples gently.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 9
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 225kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7g11%
- Total Carbohydrate 38g13%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 17g
- Protein 4g8%
- Calcium 70 mg
- Iron 1.2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
