The Best Ever Sweet Cornbread Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Southern kitchens have elevated sweet cornbread into a culinary art form that transcends simple side dishes.

Butter-rich and gloriously golden, this cornbread represents comfort and warmth in every delectable bite.

Families have long cherished the magical combination of sweet and savory ingredients that revamp ordinary cornmeal into something extraordinary.

Soft, tender crumbs melt effortlessly on your tongue, creating a sensory experience that connects generations of home cooks.

Traditional recipes honor cultural heritage while inviting personal creativity and spontaneous kitchen adventures.

Dense yet delicate textures promise a mouthwatering journey through Southern baking traditions.

Regional variations add unique character to this beloved staple that sparks memories of shared meals and cherished conversations.

Why Sweet Cornbread Deserves a Spot on Every Table

• Elevate Comfort with Skillet Cornbread: This recipe transforms a classic side dish into a golden, crispy delight that will make your taste buds dance with joy. The cast iron skillet creates a perfectly crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and moist.
• Foolproof Flavor Fusion: Blending melted butter, honey, and sugar creates a sweet profile that elevates traditional cornbread. Even novice bakers can nail this recipe with simple mixing techniques and straightforward instructions.
• Quick and Crowd-Pleasing Performance: Ready in under 45 minutes, this cornbread serves as a versatile companion to soups, chili, or as a standalone treat. Its universal appeal makes it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weekend comfort food cravings.
• Texture Triumph: The combination of cornmeal and flour delivers a delightful balance between crumbly and soft textures. Each bite offers a satisfying blend of grainy cornmeal and smooth, rich butter that melts in your mouth.

What You Need to Make the Best Cornbread Ever

• Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cornbread together, all-purpose works best.
• Yellow Cornmeal: Gives the classic cornbread texture and authentic corn flavor, stone-ground varieties offer richer taste.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help cornbread rise and become fluffy.

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender crumb, unsalted preferred for better control of saltiness.
• Vegetable Oil: Contributes to moisture and softness of the cornbread.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with golden brown coloration.
• Honey: Adds depth of flavor and extra moisture, local honey brings unique taste.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure, room temperature eggs mix more easily.
• Buttermilk: Creates tender texture and adds tangy flavor, can be substituted with milk and vinegar if needed.

How to Bake Sweet Cornbread That’s Moist and Fluffy

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to roast at 375°F (190°C). Slide a 9-inch cast iron skillet inside to get toasty while you prep the batter.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Magic

• All-purpose flour
• Yellow cornmeal
• Kosher salt
• Baking soda
• Baking powder

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Craft Wet Ingredient Symphony

• Melted butter
• Vegetable oil
• Granulated sugar
• Honey

Whisk these ingredients until they dance together smoothly. Crack in eggs and splash buttermilk, then mix until everything looks silky.

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture using a wooden spoon. Stir just enough to combine- some tiny lumps are totally okay and add character to your cornbread.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking Brilliance

Pull out the scorching hot skillet using thick oven mitts. Quickly brush remaining butter across the surface. Pour batter into skillet, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide skillet back into the oven. Bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. The top should be golden and slightly crispy.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove skillet from oven and let cornbread rest for 10 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm with a dollop of butter or honey.

Tips for Getting That Perfect Golden Crust

• Customize Sweetness: Adjust sugar levels to match your taste preference, adding more honey or reducing granulated sugar for a less sweet version.
• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently and minimally to keep cornbread tender, stopping when dry ingredients are just incorporated to avoid tough texture.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for smoother blending and more consistent baking results.
• Check Skillet Temperature: Heating the cast iron skillet beforehand creates a crispy, golden exterior that adds delicious texture and flavor to the cornbread.
• Moisture Matters: Don't overbake; remove from oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs to maintain a soft, delectable interior.

Storing and Reheating Cornbread Without Drying It Out

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the entire cornbread in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated cornbread in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds until heated through. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

What to Eat with Cornbread, from Chili to Honey Butter

• Pair with Hearty Chili: Serve this sweet cornbread alongside a robust, spicy chili. The cornbread's sweetness perfectly balances the heat and adds a comforting texture to the meal.
• Complement with Tangy Barbecue: Match the cornbread with smoky pulled pork or tangy barbecue chicken. The sweet notes of the bread enhance the rich, savory flavors of grilled meats.
• Enjoy with Creamy Beverages: Sip on cold milk, buttermilk, or a smooth bourbon-based cocktail. These drinks cut through the cornbread's sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Create a Dessert Twist: Transform the cornbread into a light dessert by topping it with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey butter. This unexpected treat elevates the simple cornbread to a delightful sweet finale.

Easy Add-Ins to Customize Your Cornbread

• Jalapeño Corn Cornbread: Spice up the classic recipe by adding 2-3 finely chopped jalapeños to the batter for a zesty kick. The peppers introduce a warm heat that complements the sweet cornbread perfectly.
• Mexican-Style Cornbread: Enhance the flavor by mixing in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of diced green chiles. This version brings a southwestern flair to the traditional cornbread.
• Bacon and Cheese Cornbread: Crumble 4-5 cooked bacon strips and fold them into the batter along with 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. The smoky bacon adds a rich, savory dimension to the sweet cornbread.
• Herb-Infused Cornbread: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives into the dry ingredients. These herbs provide a subtle, aromatic complexity to the classic cornbread recipe.

Best Ever Sweet Cornbread Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern-style sweet cornbread brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending rich buttery notes with subtle honey sweetness. Golden crumbs melt in your mouth, promising a delightful companion to chili, barbecue, or enjoyed solo with a warm cup of coffee.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 grams) flour, spooned and leveled
• ¾ cup (90 grams) yellow cornmeal
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 & ¼ cups (300 milliliters) buttermilk
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) vegetable oil
• ⅓ cup (113 grams) honey

Fat and Sweeteners:

• ½ cup (113 grams) butter (1 stick), reserve ½ tablespoon for greasing
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare your kitchen workspace by positioning the oven rack in the middle position and heating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a 9-inch cast iron skillet inside to warm and create a crispy exterior for the cornbread.
2. Sift together the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of flour, yellow cornmeal, kosher salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Set the mixture aside while preparing the wet ingredients.
3. Transform the butter into a liquid state, reserving a small portion for skillet greasing. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and golden honey until the mixture achieves a smooth, consistent texture.
4. Introduce eggs and buttermilk to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly with a whisk to create a uniform liquid base. Ensure all components are fully incorporated and no streaks remain.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, using gentle folding motions with a wooden spoon. Mix until just combined, allowing a few small lumps to remain for optimal texture.
6. Protect your hands with oven mitts and carefully extract the heated skillet from the oven. Quickly brush the remaining butter across the skillet’s surface to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared skillet, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface. Carefully return the skillet to the oven’s center rack.
8. Bake for 28-32 minutes, monitoring the cornbread’s golden-brown surface. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with no wet batter clinging to it.

Notes

• Heating the cast iron skillet before adding batter creates a crispy, crackling exterior that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
• Resist the urge to overmix the batter, letting those delightful lumps ensure a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg