Maple-Infused Cornbread

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 9
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Maple-Infused Cornbread is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, bringing a subtle sweetness and richness to a beloved comfort food. This recipe is perfect for cozy evenings and gatherings, offering a warm, inviting aroma and flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients for Maple-Infused Cornbread

Cornmeal provides the essential texture and flavor for traditional cornbread, giving it that distinctive crumbly and slightly gritty feel.

All-purpose flour helps balance out the texture, ensuring the cornbread is not too dense and adds a bit of structural integrity.

Baking powder is the leavening agent that helps the cornbread rise, making it light and fluffy.

Salt enhances the flavors and keeps the balance between sweet and savory.

Unsalted butter, when melted and mixed in, adds richness and moistness to the cornbread.

Granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness, complementing the maple syrup and balancing the flavor profile.

Large eggs act as a binder and help provide structure and a tender crumb.

Buttermilk brings a slight tanginess and helps keep the cornbread moist, while also reacting with the baking powder for extra fluffiness.

Pure maple syrup is the star element, infusing the cornbread with its unique sweetness and flavor without being overpowering.

Vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor and complements the sweetness of the maple syrup.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • For an extra maple kick, drizzle a little warmed maple syrup over the top before serving.
  • Ensure the butter is fully melted but not too hot when mixing with the eggs to prevent curdling.

Serving Suggestions

This maple-infused cornbread pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes like chili, roasted chicken, or even as a side for a Thanksgiving feast. It also makes a great breakfast treat when served with a pat of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can try using whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste, but it might slightly alter the texture.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use a non-dairy milk with lemon juice instead of buttermilk.

Maple-Infused Cornbread Recipe Walkthrough

First, you'll want to get your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, go ahead and grease a 9-inch square baking pan to prevent sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they’re thoroughly mixed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined and smooth.

Now, gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ones. Stir gently until just combined; overmixing can make the cornbread tough.

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, let the cornbread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing it up and serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the hearty texture of cornbread with the subtle sweetness of maple syrup.
  • Quick and easy to make with just a few simple steps.
  • Perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
  • Uses everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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