Fresh Corn Cupcakes with Brown Butter Honey Frosting

Ever wondered what summer tastes like in a cupcake? Look no further! These Fresh Corn Cupcakes with Brown Butter Honey Frosting are a delightful blend of sweet and savory, offering a unique and irresistible treat. Imagine biting into a moist, subtly sweet cupcake studded with fresh corn kernels, topped with a rich, nutty frosting that’s kissed with honey’s golden touch. Perfect for summer picnics, afternoon tea, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these cupcakes are guaranteed to become a new favorite. Inspired by the bounty of late-summer harvests, these cupcakes capture the essence of the season in every bite. Let’s unlock the magic of this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love These Fresh Corn Cupcakes (Beyond the Taste!)

These aren’t your average cupcakes; they’re a burst of sunshine in every bite! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll adore these Fresh Corn Cupcakes with Brown Butter Honey Frosting:

  • Unique Flavor Combination: The subtle sweetness of the corn perfectly complements the rich, nutty brown butter honey frosting.
  • Moist and Tender Texture: Buttermilk in the batter ensures a perfectly moist and tender crumb.
  • Seasonal Delight: Made with fresh corn kernels, these cupcakes are a delicious way to celebrate summer’s bounty.
  • Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated! This recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward, even for beginner bakers.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: These cupcakes are a guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
  • Irresistible Frosting: The brown butter honey frosting is the star of the show, adding a depth of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
  • Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The cornmeal adds a subtle savory note that balances the sweetness beautifully.
  • A Fun Baking Project: Get creative in the kitchen and impress your friends and family with these unique and delicious cupcakes. They will surely rekindle cozy summer memories.

Ingredients Needed for Your Corn Cupcake Masterpiece

Here’s a complete list of the ingredients you’ll need to bake these delightful Fresh Corn Cupcakes with Brown Butter Honey Frosting. Remember, using fresh, high-quality ingredients will elevate the flavor of your cupcakes.

Cupcakes:

  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s softened, not melted, for a light and airy batter.
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • 2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cupcakes.
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, contributing to a tender crumb.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcakes.
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cupcakes.
  • 1/2 cup (75g) cornmeal: Adds a subtle corn flavor and texture. Opt for finely ground cornmeal for a smoother cupcake.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn): The star of the show! Fresh corn adds a burst of sweetness and texture. Frozen corn can be used in a pinch, but fresh is best.

Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter: Forms the base of the luscious brown butter frosting.
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting.
  • 2 tablespoons honey: Adds a touch of honey flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the frosting. Start with 1 tablespoon and add more as needed until you reach your desired consistency.

For spices, look for organic ones to unlock richer flavors, you can find fresh corns at farmer’s markets.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Spiced Gingerbread Cupcakes with Dreamy Molasses Frosting – A delightful treat with a warm, spiced flavor profile.

Essential Equipment List

To ensure a smooth baking experience, make sure you have the following equipment on hand before you begin:

  • Muffin tin: Essential for baking the cupcakes in individual portions. A standard 12-cup muffin tin works perfectly.
  • Cupcake liners: Prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the muffin tin and make for easy removal.
  • Large mixing bowl: Used for creaming together the butter and sugar and combining the wet and dry ingredients.
  • Whisk: For whisking together the dry ingredients.
  • Saucepan: Needed for browning the butter for the frosting. A light-colored saucepan will help you see the butter as it browns.
  • Wire rack: For cooling the cupcakes completely after baking.
  • Electric mixer (optional): While not essential, an electric mixer can make creaming the butter and sugar much easier. A hand mixer works just fine.

While a stand mixer makes life easier, a good old-fashioned whisk will work too. Don’t have cupcake liners? Grease the muffin tin thoroughly.

Recipe Details: Fresh Corn Cupcakes with Brown Butter Honey Frosting

Here’s a quick overview of the recipe details:

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Servings: 12 cupcakes
  • Difficulty: Easy

This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to bake the perfect Fresh Corn Cupcakes with Brown Butter Honey Frosting. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch!

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. This will ensure that your cupcakes don’t stick and are easy to remove after baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a light and airy cupcake. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Buttermilk, and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients add moisture and flavor to the batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, resulting in a uniform rise.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cupcakes. Fold in the fresh corn kernels.

Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. This will prevent the cupcakes from overflowing during baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Keep a close eye on the cupcakes, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is essential before frosting.

Step 9: Brown the Butter

While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. This is the key to the irresistible brown butter flavor. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 10: Make the Frosting

In a medium bowl, combine the browned butter, powdered sugar, honey, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Beat until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of milk.

Step 11: Frost and Enjoy

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them with the brown butter honey frosting. Serve and enjoy!

Don’t have buttermilk? Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Fresh Corn Cupcakes with Brown Butter Honey Frosting

CHECK OUT: Easy Breakfast Egg Muffins – A simple and versatile recipe for a quick and nutritious breakfast.

Tips for Success: Baking the Best Corn Cupcakes

Here are some expert tips to help you bake the most delicious Fresh Corn Cupcakes with Brown Butter Honey Frosting:

  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to tough cupcakes. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smooth and even batter.
  • Brown the Butter Carefully: Keep a close eye on the butter as it browns. It can burn quickly, which will result in a bitter flavor.
  • Cool Cupcakes Completely Before Frosting: Frosting warm cupcakes will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
  • Adjust Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Burnt butter? Start over! It’s better to use fresh ingredients for this delicious recipe. Beginners: Pre-measure everything. A microplane zests citrus fast.

Variations & Substitutions

Want to customize your Fresh Corn Cupcakes with Brown Butter Honey Frosting? Here are some ideas:

  • Add Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter adds a warm, cozy flavor.
  • Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the frosting for a bright, citrusy twist.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these cupcakes gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and use almond milk instead of buttermilk.
  • Maple Syrup: Replace the honey in the frosting with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Honey for sugar—sweeter but stickier. Add cumin for an earthy kick.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Fresh Corn Cupcakes with Brown Butter Honey Frosting are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with other dishes:

  • Fresh Fruit Salad: The sweetness of the cupcakes complements the tartness of fresh fruit.
  • Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea is the perfect accompaniment to these cupcakes on a warm day.
  • Coffee: These cupcakes are a delicious treat to enjoy with your morning coffee.
  • Grilled Peaches: Serve alongside grilled peaches for a summery dessert platter.

A crisp salad or roasted roots also pairs well with this recipe. Mint lemonade cuts the richness. This is a fall feast stunner. Stack slices high; drizzle sauce artfully.

Health Benefits

While these cupcakes are a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits:

  • Corn: Provides fiber, which aids digestion.
  • Buttermilk: Contains calcium, which is important for bone health.
  • Honey: A natural sweetener with antioxidant properties.
Fresh Corn Cupcakes with Brown Butter Honey Frosting

Storage & Reheating

Here are some tips for storing and reheating your Fresh Corn Cupcakes with Brown Butter Honey Frosting:

  • Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating: If refrigerating, allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving.

Fridge in glass for 4 days. Oven at 350°F for 15 min retains crunch. Portion and wrap tightly; lasts 2 months. Cool fully before sealing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Fresh Corn Cupcakes with Brown Butter Honey Frosting:

How do I prevent the cupcakes from being dry?

Be sure not to overbake the cupcakes. Remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?

Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just be sure to thaw it and drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the batter.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes ahead of time and store them unfrosted in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving.

How do I avoid soggy results?

Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and making the cupcakes soggy.

Can I double it?

Yes, but watch cook time.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per cupcake:

  • Calories: 220
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 20g

Exact stats need a nutrition calculator. Carbs: 40g from wholesome grains.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more sweet treats? Try these gems!

Conclusion

These Fresh Corn Cupcakes with Brown Butter Honey Frosting are a delightful and unique treat that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re fast, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whip it up tonight—tag us with your masterpiece!

Share with friends and join us on Facebook and Pinterest for more tasty ideas! Let us know how it goes—comment below!

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Fresh Corn Cupcakes with Brown Butter Honey Frosting

Fresh Corn Cupcakes with Brown Butter Honey Frosting


  • Author: Lorena
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x

Description

Sweet and savory meet in these irresistible Fresh Corn Cupcakes! Topped with a nutty Brown Butter Honey Frosting, they are summer in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (75g) cornmeal
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears of corn)

Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 12 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in buttermilk and vanilla.
  4. Whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined. Fold in corn kernels.
  6. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full.
  7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. For the frosting: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until browned and nutty. Let cool slightly.
  10. Combine browned butter, powdered sugar, honey, and 1 tablespoon milk. Beat until smooth, adding more milk if needed.
  11. Frost cooled cupcakes.

Notes

  • Use fresh corn for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overmix the batter.
  • Cool cupcakes completely before frosting.

 

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert, Cupcakes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: corn cupcakes, brown butter frosting, honey frosting, summer cupcakes, sweet corn, cornmeal cupcakes, fresh corn recipe

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