Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease your 9-inch square baking pan with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Make sure everything is evenly combined for an even rise.
In a separate bowl, whisk 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, and 2 large eggs until smooth. Add 1/4 cup of the honey to the wet ingredients and whisk again to incorporate.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are totally fine and help keep the cornbread tender.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cornbread bakes, mix 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with the remaining 1/4 cup honey in a small bowl. Use a fork or a hand mixer to combine until smooth and creamy.
Once the cornbread is done, let it cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with generous dollops of honey butter that will melt right into the crumb. It’s pure bliss.