Baked Maize Meal Porridge with Honey and Cinnamon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warm, comforting baked porridge made from maize meal, sweetened with honey and spiced with cinnamon for a wholesome breakfast. This african-inspired breakfast (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes combines maize meal (cornmeal), milk, salt into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 African cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large saucepan, heat 4 cups milk over medium heat until just warm (about 3-4 minutes).
  2. Step 2: Slowly whisk in 1 cup maize meal and 1/4 tsp salt to prevent lumps. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 3 tbsp honey, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour the mixture into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes until the top is set and golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm, optionally drizzling with extra honey.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Maize Meal Porridge with Honey and Cinnamon take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (10 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Baked Maize Meal Porridge with Honey and Cinnamon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Maize Meal Porridge with Honey and Cinnamon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Maize Meal Porridge with Honey and Cinnamon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Baked Maize Meal Porridge with Honey and Cinnamon vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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