Have a single bowl of chili left? Then this is the recipe for you! This Microwave Cornbread Muffin delivers that warm, comforting, cozy cornbread flavor and is easy to make in under 90 seconds. Plus, want a second? Just mix, zap and it’s yours in no time!

Why This Microwave Cornbread Muffin Works
If you’re thinking why would I ever make just one serving, trust me, that’s a completely rational thought! But, this microwave cornbread recipe is for those nights that you have just a single-serving left of that chili or soup that needs a quick and delicious bread to soak up the broth!
If you do need to make a big batch, then head on over and checkout my Hatch Chile Cornbread Recipe here!
What You Need to Make this Recipe
Ingredients Tips + Swaps
Yellow Cornmeal + All Purpose Flour: I prefer these over a standard mix because it’s a blend made with ingredients you can pronounce. If you don’t have this, feel free to swap in a pre-made cornbread mix.
Honey: Out of this? Swap in cane sugar for a little sweetness. Choose an organic cane sugar if you are looking for a vegan option.
Milk/Butter: You can modify these based on your dietary needs, but note the flavor will change with use of a nut/seed beverage option. Using a plant-based option (like soymilk and avocado oil butter) alongside the organic cane sugar above will classify this as vegan too.
How to Make this Individual Cornbread Recipe
(1) Start by whisking the flour, cornmeal, and baking powder in a small bowl.
(2) Then add in the other ingredients and whisk until combined.
(3) Spray a microwave safe ramekin or mug with cooking spray.
(4) Pour the batter into the container. Then heat for 30 seconds in the microwave, check it, and heat remaining 20 to 25 seconds.
Pull it out of the microwave and let cool 2 to 3 minutes before topping with butter and honey.
Or, use a knife to gently help remove the batter from the sides and place on top of your bowl of chili!
Recipe Notes + Expert Tips
Here are a few swaps I’ve tried to help modify this based on what you have on hand:
- Swap a cornbread mix for the flour and cornmeal. Three tablespoons is still the amount you will need.
- If you’re out of butter, use 2 teaspoons of canola oil.
Here are a few ideas to consider if you have a special dietary need:
To make this recipe gluten-free:
- Use a gluten-free all purpose flour blend in place of all purpose flour.
To make this recipe vegan:
- Use a vegan butter (I used an avocado oil blend by Country Crock)
- Swap cane sugar for honey
- Use a vegan milk (soy works great in here)
FAQs
Yes. You will find a million different blog posts out there that will debate this topic left and right. The point is to date there is no evidence that cooking in the microwave causes harm! Healthline does a great job stating the facts, so I’d highly recommend you check out this post if you need a little more clarity.
As a dietitian and mother, I can tell you I feel 100% safe and confident preparing meals that incorporate the microwave on the regular like this simple Microwave Cornbread.
It may (or may not.) It really depends on the power of your microwave and size. I recommend starting with the 60-70 seconds with checking every 30 seconds to ensure it is cooking evenly.
What to Serve this Recipe With
Here are a few ways to enjoy this recipe for breakfast, lunch or a snack!
Or, toss in a few chocolate chips to the mix and satisfy that late night sweet treat! Oh, and of course, top with peanut butter! See, I told you, the possibilities are endless!
Microwave Cornbread Muffin
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 4 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- In a small bowl or mug, mix flour, cornmeal, and baking powder.
- Stir in the melted butter, honey and milk. Stir until combined.
- Spray a small mug or microwave safe dish with cooking spray.
- Microwave for 30 seconds, then check it to make sure it's not bubbling over, then microwave another 20 to 30 seconds (this will vary depending on the power of your microwave. Mine took 22 more seconds.)
- Remove with a kitchen towel (it will be hot).
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Swap a cornbread mix for the flour and cornmeal. Three tablespoons is still the amount you will need.
- If you’re out of butter, use 2 teaspoons of canola oil.
- Use a gluten-free all purpose flour blend in place of all purpose flour.
- Use a vegan butter (I used an avocado oil blend by Country Crock)
- Swap cane sugar for honey
- Use a vegan milk (soy works great in here)
Nutrition Per Serving
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Connie says
Can anyone please tell me what size (in ounces) microwavable mug I need to make this. I’ve never made any recipes in a mug because of the thought of boiling them over….uck! Now I’m living on my own and this would be a perfect size serving. Thanks in advance 🙂
Elizabeth Shaw says
This will be the perfect recipe for you then! Using a standard 8-12 oz mug should work just fine! Let me know how it goes!
Marie says
Last minute dinner of canned chili and wanted some cornbread but it was 5 degrees out. A google search brought up this recipe, I had all the ingredients to make the vegan version and it was perfect! Thanks for sharing the magic!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thank you so much Marie, I’m so happy to hear it was a success! You made my day!
Lara says
Great for a microwave option. I can cook this at work. Just FYI, I also added apple sauce and reduced the milk some in case someone else wanted to play around with your recipe.
Elizabeth Shaw says
Let me know how it turned out!
MILDRED says
Haven’t made this yea but really want to try it. Can I replace the honey with something else as I don’t sweet cornbread
Elizabeth Shaw says
You can definitely try it! I haven’t tried it with anything else!
Angelica says
I had a late night sweet tooth and found this recipe on Google. Tried it and it worked out well. Perfect portion for one. Thank you!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Thank you so much for sharing! I’m so glad you enjoyed this!
misty says
I just added extra milk
Elizabeth Shaw says
Sounds perfect, the great part of this recipe is you can easily customize it for your texture preference!
linda ehikhamen says
Just made this to have a dessert with strawberries and whipped cream. So good!
Elizabeth Shaw says
This makes me so happy! Thanks for sharing!
Dana P says
This cornbread muffin is fantastic. I paired it with some leftover veggie chili today and it was phenomal! You have to try it!!!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Yay! I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Shannon says
Quick & easy! I’ll be making this one again.
Elizabeth Shaw says
So glad you enjoyed this!
Robert says
Saving this one. I like the idea of a single serve portion. I shall be adding some vegan cheese and jalapeño as I love them!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Yay! Great! I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Elizabeth Shaw says
Oh how exciting! I hope you enjoyed it, let me know what they thought!
Lorie says
Anthony is going to be the happiest person on the planet with this one!!! Saved!
Tawnie Kroll says
How fun is this?! Pinning now!
Meme says
When I want a quick yet tasty cornbread with my dinner I always make this!
Lindsey says
Love this microwave recipe!!
Emily Kyle says
I can’t believe this cute little muffin is ready in less than 2 minutes! Love that it is gluten-free, I can’t wait to make this on a chilly winter day with some chili 🙂