Monument Circle Spiced Cornbread with Maple Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-01 · Updated 2026-05-01

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.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 8 American cuisine 210 cal/serving

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Ingredients

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
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

What others are saying

★★★★★Chloe B.
Loved it! The spiced cornbread was moist and the maple butter was the perfect touch.
★★★★★Maria G.
This cornbread was perfect with the maple butter! My whole family devoured it at Sunday dinner.
★★★★☆Elena V.
Good, but the cornbread was a little dry. Would add a touch more butter next time.