Sweet Corn Arepas with Cinnamon Butter Glaze

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

Soft sweet corn arepas glazed with a warm cinnamon butter sauce, offering a delightful Latin American twist on a comforting breakfast treat. This latin american (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs pre-cooked white corn flour (masarepa), warm water, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 6, 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: 15 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups pre-cooked white corn flour, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar; gradually pour in 1 1/4 cups warm water, mixing with your hands until a smooth dough forms; let rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and form each into a 4-inch diameter, 1/2-inch thick patty.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat; add arepas and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: In a small saucepan, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter over low heat, then stir in 1 tsp ground cinnamon and 2 tbsp honey; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and blended.
  5. Step 5: Remove arepas from skillet and brush generously with the warm cinnamon butter glaze before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Corn Arepas with Cinnamon Butter Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Sweet Corn Arepas with Cinnamon Butter Glaze?

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 warm water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet Corn Arepas with Cinnamon Butter Glaze?

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 Sweet Corn Arepas with Cinnamon Butter Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Sweet Corn Arepas with Cinnamon Butter Glaze vegetarian?

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

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