Description
Bring rustic charm and fiery flair together with these Hot Honey Cornbread Cupcakes. Infused with creamed corn and a touch of heat from hot honey, each golden cupcake is crowned with a silky whipped honey buttercream. Perfect for Aries birthdays, these cupcakes blend Southern comfort with a bold zodiac twist—finished with a soft dusting of powdered sugar and optional floral accents.
Ingredients
For the Cornbread Cupcakes:
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3/4 cup cornmeal
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3/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp baking powder
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1/4 tsp baking soda
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/3 cup honey
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1 tbsp hot honey (adjust to taste)
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2 large eggs
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3/4 cup buttermilk
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1/2 cup creamed corn (optional, for extra moisture)
For the Whipped Honey Buttercream:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
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2 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp hot honey (or a pinch of cayenne)
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1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
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1-2 tbsp heavy cream (as needed for texture)
To Finish:
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
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Optional: Decorative butterfly cupcake tops or floral garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with white or neutral-toned cupcake liners.
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Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together melted butter, honey, hot honey, eggs, buttermilk, and creamed corn.
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Make the batter: Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir until just combined—do not overmix.
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Bake: Divide batter evenly among the liners. Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool: Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Optional: cut small “butterfly” tops for added rustic flair.
For the Frosting:
7. Whip butter until pale and fluffy. Add honey and hot honey, beating until combined.
8. Gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add cream, one tablespoon at a time, until light and spreadable.
9. Pipe or spread frosting over cooled cupcakes.
Finish:
10. Dust with powdered sugar and add decorative touches like floral garnish or elegant butterfly-cut tops.
Notes
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Adjust the hot honey for your preferred heat level.
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Creamed corn adds softness but can be omitted for a firmer crumb.
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These are best served the same day for ultimate softness and flavor.