Arrange oven shelf in the bottom third of the oven cavity. Preheat oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Butter, or grease with bacon fat an 8-inch square baking dish; set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour (1 1/2 cups), sugar (1/3 cup), cornmeal (1/2 cup), baking powder (1 tablespoon), and salt (1/2 teaspoon).
In a small bowl, combine honey (1/4 cup), milk (1 1/4 cups), eggs (2), vegetable oil (1/3 cup), melted butter (3 tablespoons), and vanilla (2 teaspoons) mix well. Add to flour mixture and stir just until combined.
Using a wooden spoon stir in the flour mixture until combined, just enough to blend and moisten them. There should be some small lumps and not completely smooth.
Pour into prepared baking pan. Bake in preheated oven for 32-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Meanwhile Make Topping:
While cornbread is baking, whisk together butter (1/4 cup) and honey (1/4 cup) until evenly combined.
When cornbread comes out of the oven, spread a layer of honey butter over hot cornbread. As soon as the honey butter absorbs into the cornbread, spread another layer. Continue if necessary, until all of the honey butter has been applied.
Notes
Bacon: If you ever fry bacon, keep the fat! I can’t tell you how many times I have used bacon fat for my recipes. Just a little adds so much flavor. Grease your pan with a little melted bacon fat for extra cornbread goodness.
Mix-It: Do not overmix the batter. If you want a tender crumb, leave the lumps.
Slow It Down! When applying the honey butter topping, go slow. Let the golden syrup soak in before adding more. You will see how deliciously buttery and moist your cornbread will be!