Monument Circle Spiced Cornbread with Maple Butter

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

A moist and tender cornbread enriched with warm spices and served with a sweet maple butter, inspired by the iconic Monument Circle's enduring spirit. This american-inspired comfort food ready in about 40 minutes pairs yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, tablespoon baking powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 30 min Serves 8 American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until evenly combined.
  3. Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk 1 cup buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter until smooth and slightly frothy.
  4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix to keep the cornbread tender.
  5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
  6. Step 6: While baking, prepare the maple butter by combining 1/4 cup room temperature unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup in a small bowl; beat with a fork until creamy and fluffy.
  7. Step 7: Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving warm with a generous spread of the maple butter.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Monument Circle Spiced Cornbread with Maple Butter take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Monument Circle Spiced Cornbread with Maple Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep yellow cornmeal from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Monument Circle Spiced Cornbread with Maple Butter?

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 Monument Circle Spiced Cornbread with Maple Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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.

What goes well with Monument Circle Spiced Cornbread with Maple Butter?

American comfort food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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