Buttery Sweet Cornbread Recipe

Honey-Kissed Cornbread Recipe: A Golden Delight for All

Golden cornbread with a melt-in-your-mouth buttery sweet cornbread recipe promises pure comfort on a plate.

Southern kitchens have long treasured this delectable side dish that pairs perfectly with soups and stews.

Generous amounts of butter and a touch of sweetness create a magical culinary experience that delights every palate.

Each bite offers a warm, tender crumb that whispers of home-cooked goodness.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms into a magical accompaniment that elevates any meal.

Soft, rich, and utterly irresistible, this cornbread brings warmth to your table with its delightful golden-brown crust.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this classic Southern favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 9

Golden Sweet Cornbread Ingredient List

For Dry Base:
  • Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for classic cornbread texture.
  • Cornmeal: Delivers authentic golden color and characteristic grainy mouthfeel.
  • Sugar: Balances flavors and helps achieve beautiful golden-brown crust.
  • Baking Powder: Ensures light, fluffy rise and soft interior.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and complements sweet cornbread.
For Moisture And Binding:
  • Milk: Adds richness and helps create smooth, creamy batter consistency.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to tender, soft texture.
  • Oil: Keeps cornbread moist and prevents dryness during baking.
For Optional Sweetness:
  • Honey: Introduces natural sweetness and deeper flavor complexity.

Tools For Golden Sweet Cornbread

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending flour, cornmeal, and other dry ingredients without lumps.
  • 8×8-inch baking pan: Ideal size for creating golden, perfectly shaped cornbread.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Parchment paper or cooking spray: Ensures easy cornbread removal and prevents sticking.
  • Toothpick: Helps check cornbread doneness by testing center for moist crumbs.

Instructions To Make Golden Sweet Cornbread

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F and get your baking dish ready by giving it a light coating of grease or laying down a sheet of parchment paper.

  • Whip Together Dry Ingredients

Grab a roomy mixing bowl and toss in your flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give them a quick dance with a whisk to get everything mingling.

  • Welcome the Wet Team

Pour in the milk, crack those eggs, splash some oil, and drizzle honey if you’re feeling fancy. Stir everything just until it comes together – no need for an arm workout here!

  • Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer your sunshine-colored batter into the waiting pan. Slide it into the hot oven and let it transform for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top looks like a golden sunset and a toothpick comes out clean when poked in the center.

Helpful Cornbread Tips & Variations

  • Moisture Magic: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra richness and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
  • Flavor Boost: Sprinkle in some chopped jalapeños or diced green chiles for a spicy kick that transforms the classic cornbread into a zesty side dish.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cornbread safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Twist: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk to create a completely dairy-free version.
  • Cheesy Upgrade: Fold in shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled feta before baking to create a savory, cheesy cornbread that pairs perfectly with chili or soups.

How To Serve Golden Sweet Cornbread

  • Southern Comfort Pairing: Serve warm alongside slow-cooked pulled pork or crispy fried chicken for a classic southern-style meal that celebrates comfort food traditions.
  • Breakfast Delight: Top thick slices with butter and drizzle honey or maple syrup for a sweet morning treat that pairs perfectly with scrambled eggs and bacon.
  • Chili's Best Friend: Crumble this golden cornbread into hearty beef chili or vegetarian bean stew to add texture and soak up rich, spicy flavors, enhancing your main dish.
  • Potluck Crowd-Pleaser: Cut into small squares for easy sharing at family gatherings, picnics, or community events, making it a versatile side that everyone will love.

Storage Tips For Golden Sweet Cornbread

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for maximum freshness, keeping it tasty for 3-4 days without losing its delightful texture.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual slices or the entire cornbread in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer bag to maintain quality for up to 2 months – perfect for future meal planning.
  • Room Temperature Trick: When serving same-day, leave cornbread covered at room temperature for optimal softness, consuming within 24 hours for best taste and moisture retention.
  • Reheating Wonder: Revive cold cornbread by warming slightly in the oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes, which helps restore its original tender crumb and brings back that just-baked warmth.
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Buttery Sweet Cornbread Recipe

Buttery Sweet Cornbread Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Southern cornbread brings warm memories of homemade comfort at family gatherings. Rich buttermilk and golden cornmeal create a perfect side dish you’ll savor with hearty meals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) yellow cornmeal
  • ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) baking powder
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Calibrate oven to 400°F (200°C) with rack positioned centrally. Generously lubricate an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent adhesion.
  2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Merge cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously to eliminate potential clumps and ensure uniform distribution.
  3. Liquid Integration: Gently incorporate milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and honey into the dry mixture. Stir with a delicate touch, blending until ingredients are just combined – overmixing compromises the cornbread’s delicate structure.
  4. Batter Transformation: Smoothly pour the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to create an even surface. Tap the pan lightly to disperse any trapped air pockets.
  5. Baking and Verification: Slide the pan into the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a rich golden-brown exterior and a center that springs back when touched. Confirm doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean and devoid of raw batter.
  6. Cooling and Serving: Allow the cornbread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, facilitating proper setting and easier slicing. Serve while warm to maximize flavor and textural enjoyment.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently until ingredients are just combined to maintain a tender, soft cornbread texture without developing tough gluten strands.
  • Check Moisture Balance: Add an extra tablespoon of milk if batter seems too thick, ensuring a moist and delicate final product that doesn’t become dry or crumbly.
  • Customize Sweetness Levels: Reduce sugar for a more savory version or increase honey for enhanced sweetness, adapting the recipe to personal taste preferences.
  • Enhance Dietary Adaptability: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the cornbread’s classic golden texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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