Rustic Pumpkin Cornbread Recipe

Cozy Autumn Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cornbread Recipe Magic

Pumpkin cornbread emerges as a delectable autumnal treasure, transforming humble ingredients into pure comfort.

This golden-hued delicacy weaves together rustic charm and seasonal magic with surprising elegance.

Warm spices dance through soft, tender crumbs, creating a sensory symphony that whispers of cozy evenings.

Every bite carries the essence of fall, blending sweet pumpkin nuances with hearty cornmeal’s robust character.

Southern kitchens rejoice in this soulful interpretation of a classic bread, elevating simple ingredients to extraordinary heights.

Rich, moist, and utterly irresistible, this cornbread invites you to savor autumn’s most delightful moments.

Grab your skillet and let the kitchen magic begin, deliciousness awaits!

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients That Make Up Pumpkin Cornbread

For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for richer flavor and better texture.
  • Cornmeal: Select stone-ground cornmeal for more authentic, rustic taste.
  • Baking Powder: Fresh baking powder ensures perfect rising and fluffy texture.
  • Fine Sea Salt: Opt for fine sea salt for even distribution and clean mineral taste.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Use freshly ground cinnamon for more vibrant, warm aroma.
  • Ground Cloves: Select whole cloves and grind for intense, robust spice profile.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Grate whole nutmeg for brighter, more complex flavor.
For Wet Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Pick neutral-flavored oil for smooth, consistent moisture.
  • Melted Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for rich, creamy undertones.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Choose soft, fresh brown sugar for deep caramel notes.
  • Eggs: Select large, room-temperature eggs for better ingredient integration.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling, for authentic taste.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkle premium flaky salt for delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
  • Butter: Select creamy, European-style butter for serving.
  • Honey: Choose raw, local honey for complex, natural sweetness.

Equipment You’ll Use for Pumpkin Cornbread

  • Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for perfect baking.
  • 10-inch ovenproof skillet: Coated with nonstick cooking spray for easy release.
  • Medium mixing bowls: Two needed for separating dry and wet ingredients.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly and eliminating lumps.
  • Toothpick: Used to check cornbread doneness by testing center.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure recipe success.
  • Cooking spray: Helps prevent cornbread from sticking to the skillet.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Useful for folding and mixing ingredients.

How to Bake Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cornbread

How to Bake Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cornbread
  • Warm Up Your Cooking Space

Fire up the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a trusty skillet and give it a quick spray of nonstick magic.

  • Create Dry Ingredient Harmony

In a mixing bowl, dance together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Whisk until they’re perfectly blended and singing in unison.

  • Craft Wet Ingredient Symphony

In another bowl, blend vegetable oil, melted butter, and brown sugar into a silky smooth mixture. Gently introduce eggs one by one, whisking with care. Fold in pumpkin puree until everything becomes a harmonious blend.

  • Bring the Batter to Life

Marry the dry and wet ingredients, whisking until the batter becomes smooth and free of lumpy rebels. Pour the mixture into the skillet, spreading it evenly like a warm blanket. Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt for an unexpected flavor twist.

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the skillet into the oven’s warm embrace. Let it bake for 25-30 minutes. Check its readiness with a toothpick – a clean exit means cornbread victory.

  • Rest and Indulge

Let the cornbread relax in the skillet for 20 minutes. This allows it to settle and become slice-friendly. Serve while warm, topped with a pat of butter and a drizzle of golden honey for a mouthwatering finale.

Flavor Add-Ins for Pumpkin Cornbread

  • Customize the Spice Blend: Experiment with warming spices like cardamom or ginger to create a unique flavor profile that elevates your cornbread from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Swap Ingredients Creatively: Substitute half the vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter texture, or replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness.
  • Add Texture Boosters: Fold in chopped pecans, diced jalapeños, or crumbled crispy bacon to introduce exciting crunch and unexpected flavor dimensions to your cornbread.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing the rich, comforting taste of traditional cornbread.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cornbread with Meals

  • Savor Alongside Comfort Classics: Pair this warm, spiced cornbread with hearty chili or rich beef stew for a cozy meal that hugs your soul.
  • Elevate Breakfast Moments: Crumble this cornbread over greek yogurt, top with fresh berries, and create a delightful morning treat that transforms your breakfast routine.
  • Create Stunning Party Appetizers: Slice into small squares, top with whipped herbed goat cheese, and garnish with a sprinkle of chives for elegant party nibbles that will impress guests.
  • Transform Leftover Magic: Cube cooled cornbread, toast in a skillet with butter, and use as a crunchy salad topping or stuffing base for an innovative way to enjoy every last crumb.

Storing Pumpkin Cornbread the Smart Way

  • Meal Planning & Storage Advice
  • Slice and Stash Smart: Cut cornbread into individual portions and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap each slice separately for easy grab-and-go snacking.
  • Freeze for Future Feasts: Tightly wrap cooled cornbread in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
  • Revive and Refresh: Bring refrigerated or frozen cornbread back to life by warming it in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes. Brush with melted butter for extra moisture and flavor.
  • Sidekick Storage: Pair leftover cornbread with chili, soups, or salads for quick and delicious meals. Crumble into a salad topping or use as a base for a savory bread pudding.
Print
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Rustic Pumpkin Cornbread Recipe

Rustic Pumpkin Cornbread Recipe


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4.9 from 35 reviews

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

Description

Harvest-inspired Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Cornbread blends warmth of autumn spices with classic Southern comfort. Hearty textures and rich flavors invite you to savor rustic comfort in each comforting slice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup canola or vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt
  • Pinch of ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • A few gratings of fresh nutmeg
  • Nonstick cooking spray
  • Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
  • Butter, for serving
  • Honey, for serving

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Calibrate oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 10-inch ovenproof skillet with nonstick spray.
  2. Dry Ingredient Assembly: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sea salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until thoroughly combined, creating an aromatic dry foundation.
  3. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Vigorously blend vegetable oil, melted butter, and light brown sugar until smooth. Integrate eggs one at a time, ensuring complete incorporation, then fold in pumpkin puree until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
  4. Batter Creation: Gradually introduce dry ingredients into wet mixture, whisking carefully to eliminate lumps. Transfer batter to prepared skillet, spreading evenly and sprinkling flaky sea salt across the surface for enhanced flavor complexity.
  5. Baking and Finishing: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden-brown, testing doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean. Allow cornbread to rest in skillet for 20 minutes, then slice into wedges and serve warm with butter and honey.

Notes

  • Prep Pan Perfectly: Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for crispy, golden edges and enhanced flavor depth.
  • Balance Spice Blend: Freshly ground spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dramatically elevate the cornbread’s aromatic profile compared to pre-ground alternatives.
  • Moisture Control Technique: Pumpkin puree adds incredible moisture, so avoid overmixing to prevent dense, tough texture – gentle folding ensures light, tender results.
  • Temperature Timing: Let cornbread rest 20 minutes post-baking to allow structural setting and prevent crumbling when slicing, ensuring clean, beautiful wedges.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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