Fall-Inspired Cornbread Needs Pumpkin Puree, Cinnamon, And 32 Minutes To Bake

When the leaves begin to fall and the air turns chilly, everyone starts craving autumnal baked goods to warm up with. With its hearty texture and wholesome flavor, cornbread is a perfect choice. But what if you could turn your basic recipe into a rich, nutty, warmly spiced treat that's even more suited for the season? That's what you get with our pumpkin brown butter cornbread recipe, which utilizes fall pantry staples and takes only 32 minutes to bake.

This scrumptious baked good is a hybrid between pumpkin bread and cornbread, and while it's ideal to serve alongside soups and stews, it's flavorful enough to enjoy all by itself. The rich profile comes from pumpkin puree, cinnamon, honey, and of course, brown butter. Recipe developer Miriam Hahn explains that "pumpkin puree plays double-duty here, providing optimal moisture and that distinct fall flavor". Meanwhile, browning your butter is an easy shortcut to make any dish taste more like fall, as the toasty, caramelized, sweet-and-savory taste is incredibly cozy and pairs well with warm spices.

So long as you cook the butter carefully and avoid common brown butter mistakes, our pumpkin-infused cornbread is easy. Just preheat a cast iron skillet in the oven, combine the wet and dry ingredients separately before folding them together, then add the batter to the hot skillet. After around half an hour in the oven and 15 minutes of cooling time, you get to dig into warm, buttery cornbread that's bursting with comforting flavor.

Our pumpkin brown butter cornbread will go deliciously with any dish you'd pair with plain cornbread, from fried chicken to a hearty soup, like chipotle turkey chili. Our recipe includes diced pumpkin, warm spices, cocoa powder, and molasses, creating the ultimate comforting fall meal. Plus, the lean turkey won't be overkill when combined with the rich, buttery cornbread. A good old-fashioned beef stew is another simple yet still delicious entree that lets the bread stand out.

For a stellar snack or dessert, pair our pumpkin cornbread with your favorite hot drinks. A classic pumpkin spice latte is an obvious choice, but hot apple cider or chai tea will be a nice contrast to the already pumpkin-forward bread. This baked treat also makes a hearty partner for fall cocktail recipes, from classic hot toddies to warming rum and ginger concoctions.

To make your cornbread fancy enough to end a multi-course meal, ramp it up with extra ingredients. A topping of cinnamon — or pumpkin-infused whipped cream; a scoop of maple or brown butter ice cream; or a drizzle of caramel sauce and chopped nuts would all be delightful. Not a fan of sweet cornbread? You don't have to miss out on the fun of customization — try mixing grated cheese, sliced jalapeños, or even crispy bacon into the cornbread batter to bake savory goodness into every bite.