Sticky Hot Honey Bliss

This sticky hot honey bliss bombs recipe creates the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crispy treats that will disappear from your table in minutes. These golden orbs of deliciousness combine the homey flavor of cornmeal with a kick of heat and the lusciousness of honey for an irresistible snack or dessert.

The first time I made these bliss bombs was for an impromptu gathering with friends, and they created such a sensation that I now keep the ingredients on hand at all times. Something about the combination of honey heat and cornmeal comfort makes them completely addictive.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour provides the structure for these little treats
• Cornmeal adds that distinctive texture and slight sweetness
• Granulated sugar enhances the sweetness without overpowering
• Baking powder and baking soda work together for the perfect rise
• Salt balances all the flavors and enhances sweetness
• Buttermilk creates tenderness and that slight tang
• Egg binds everything together and adds richness
• Unsalted butter brings richness and helps with browning
• Hot honey provides that signature sweet heat element
• Chili flakes amplify the spiciness for those who love heat
• Fresh lemon zest brightens all the flavors with citrus notes
• Vegetable oil for frying creates that perfect crispy exterior
• Optional crushed corn chips for an extra textural element

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dry Mixture

Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until completely combined. Take care to break up any lumps in the flour or cornmeal for a smooth batter. This mixture creates the foundation for your bliss bombs.

Create the Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, beat the egg thoroughly until slightly frothy, then mix in the buttermilk and melted butter until well combined. The buttermilk reacts with the baking soda for extra lift, while the butter adds richness and helps with browning.

Combine for Perfect Batter

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Stop mixing when you no longer see dry flour. Overmixing will develop gluten and make your bliss bombs tough rather than tender.

Heat Your Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet to a depth of about 2 inches and heat to exactly 350°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy as oil that is too cool will make greasy bombs and oil that is too hot will burn the outside before cooking the inside. Maintain this temperature throughout frying.

Form and Fry the Bliss Bombs

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, working in batches of 4 or 5 to avoid crowding. The bombs should immediately begin to bubble around the edges and gradually rise to the surface. Fry until deeply golden brown on one side, about 2 minutes, then gently flip and cook the other side until equally golden, about 1 to 2 minutes more.

Drain and Prepare for Finishing

Remove the fried bliss bombs with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Allow them to drain for about 30 seconds before moving to the next step. The residual heat will continue cooking them slightly.

Apply the Flavor Finish

While the bliss bombs are still hot, drizzle generously with additional hot honey, allowing it to seep into the crispy exterior. Immediately sprinkle with chili flakes and fresh lemon zest while the honey is still sticky so these flavorings adhere properly.

Add Optional Crunch Element

For textural contrast, sprinkle crushed corn chips over the top while the honey is still tacky. This adds an unexpected crunch that complements the soft interior and creates a memorable textural experience.

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment when the hot honey hits the warm bliss bombs. The sizzle and the aroma that rises up is almost as satisfying as the first bite. My family now requests these whenever we have movie nights, and honestly, I never mind whipping up a batch.

Temperature Matters

The oil temperature is critical for perfect bliss bombs. Too cold, and they absorb excess oil becoming greasy. Too hot, and they burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. A candy or deep fry thermometer is an excellent investment if you plan to make these regularly. Maintain 350°F throughout the frying process, adjusting your heat as needed. If you notice your oil smoking or the bliss bombs browning too quickly, reduce the heat immediately.

Make It Your Own

These bliss bombs welcome adaptation based on your taste preferences. For a more dessert like version, omit the chili flakes and add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar while still hot. For a savory twist, add 1/4 cup of finely grated parmesan to the batter and finish with flaky sea salt instead of the sweet drizzle. You can also fold in 1/4 cup of corn kernels to the batter for little pops of sweetness and texture throughout each bite.

The Perfect Honey Choice

The type of honey you choose dramatically impacts the final flavor profile. Traditional hot honey provides the classic experience, but you can make your own by warming 1/2 cup of local honey with 1 tablespoon of red pepper flakes until fragrant, then straining. For a sophisticated twist, try sourwood or tupelo honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne and a splash of bourbon. The floral notes create a wonderful counterpoint to the heat.

Serving Suggestions

These bliss bombs shine when served as part of a larger spread. Pair them with fresh fruit for breakfast, or serve alongside grilled meats for dinner where they can soak up savory juices. For an impressive dessert, place a warm bliss bomb atop vanilla ice cream and watch the honey melt into the cold cream. They also pair beautifully with bourbon or spiced rum for an adult treat.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I make these Sticky Hot Honey Bliss Bombs ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can make the batter up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it. For the cooked bombs, reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness before adding the honey drizzle and toppings.

→ What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a quick substitute by adding 1½ teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to ½ cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Alternatively, plain yogurt thinned with a bit of milk works well too.

→ How do I make hot honey at home?

To make hot honey, warm ¼ cup of regular honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes (adjust to taste), stir, and let infuse for 5-10 minutes. Strain if desired or leave the flakes in for extra heat. Store leftover hot honey in an airtight container at room temperature.

→ Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, though the texture will be different. Place rounded tablespoons of batter on a lined baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through. They won't be as crispy but will still taste delicious with the honey drizzle.

→ What can I serve with Sticky Hot Honey Bliss Bombs?

These versatile treats pair wonderfully with cooling dips like Greek yogurt mixed with herbs, a side of fresh fruit, or even alongside crispy fried chicken for a complete meal. They're also perfect on their own as an appetizer or snack.

→ How spicy are these?

The spice level is customizable. For a milder version, reduce or omit the chili flakes and use regular honey instead of hot honey. For extra heat, increase the chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.