Best Homemade Sweet Cornbread Recipe – Moist & Fluffy!
on Nov 20, 2024
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This is the perfect sweet cornbread recipe that results in perfectly moist, fluffy, and irresistibly golden homemade sweet bread. This foolproof recipe combines Southern tradition with modern techniques for amazing results!
Creating the perfect sweet cornbread doesn’t have to be complicated! With this tried-and-true recipe, you’ll be enjoying warm, golden slices of heaven in no time. Your family will thank you, and your kitchen will smell amazing!
Whether you’re serving it alongside chili on a cozy winter evening or enjoying it with honey butter at a summer barbecue, this recipe hits all the right notes. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll never go back to the box mix again. Don’t forget to save this recipe – it’s sure to become your new go-to cornbread favorite!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Cornbread Recipe
- Pantry Staples: You’ll appreciate how fool-proof this recipe is, using simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
- Super Quick: It takes just 10 minutes to prep, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
- Easy Peasy: Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying cornbread for the first time, this recipe delivers consistent, crave-worthy results that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a cozy Southern bakery.
- Goes With Anything: It’s incredibly versatile – enjoy it warm from the oven with a drizzle of honey, serve it alongside your favorite chili, or save the leftovers for breakfast (if there are any!).
🌽 I may be addicted to cornbread recipes, but that’s just because they are so quick and easy to prep, bake up quickly for even a last minute meal, and are just so yum!
Recipe Ingredients
- Yellow cornmeal
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Eggs
- Milk – I used whole milk and recommend it for this recipe.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Popular Variations
The beauty of this sweet cornbread recipe lies in its incredible versatility!
Nothing beats a thick slice of warm cornbread slathered with creamy butter and drizzled with locally sourced honey.
But don’t stop there! Get creative with flavor additions that’ll transform your cornbread into something extraordinary.
Try folding in diced jalapeños and cheddar cheese for a sweet-and-spicy kick, or stir in fresh corn kernels and crispy bacon bits for added texture and smoky goodness.
Don’t forget to embrace seasonal variations:
- Stir in fresh blueberries in summer
- Add pumpkin puree and warming spices in fall
- Mix in fresh herbs and sun-dried tomatoes for a spring-inspired version
With so many possibilities, you’ll never get bored with this versatile recipe!
How to Make Sweet Cornbread
Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 2: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the melted butter, beaten eggs, and milk.
Step 3: Stir just until combined.
Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula if needed.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Allow the cornbread to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe FAQs
This recipe creates a moderately sweet cornbread that’s more Northern-style than traditional Southern cornbread. If you prefer it less sweet, you can reduce the sugar by up to half without affecting the texture.
I really like the moistness that using whole milk provides, but you can always use a milk with a different fat content, or even a non-dairy milk. You can also use sour cream thinned with a little milk, or plain yogurt as alternatives.
Dry, crumbly cornbread usually comes down to three common issues: overmixing the batter, overbaking, or incorrect measurements. Remember to mix just until the ingredients are combined (a few lumps are okay!), check your cornbread 5 minutes before the recommended baking time, and use the spoon-and-level method when measuring your flour and cornmeal.
Expert Tips
- Make Ahead: You can bake this cornbread up to 2 days in advance. Once completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw frozen cornbread overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Wrap the cornbread in foil while reheating to prevent it from drying out!
- Masterful Mixing: Mix just until you see a few small streaks of flour remaining – then STOP. Those last few lumps will work themselves out during baking, and overmixing is the number one cause of tough, dense cornbread. Think of it like pancake batter – a few lumps are your friends!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your cornbread during the last 5 minutes of baking. The difference between perfectly moist and slightly dry cornbread can be just a matter of minutes. It’s done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter) and the top springs back when lightly pressed!
Can You Freeze Cooked Cornbread?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze cooked cornbread, and it freezes beautifully when done correctly! Here’s your complete guide to freezing, storing, and thawing cornbread:
Freezing Instructions:
- Let the cornbread cool completely to room temperature (this is crucial to prevent ice crystals from forming)
- Cut into individual portions if desired (makes thawing easier later)
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection
- Place wrapped cornbread in a freezer-safe zip-top bag, squeezing out as much air as possible
- Label with the date (cornbread stays fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months)
Thawing & Reheating Tips:
- Room Temperature Thawing: Remove from freezer and unwrap from foil (keep plastic wrap on). Let thaw on counter for 1-2 hours. Perfect for using in stuffing or when texture isn’t crucial
- Refrigerator Method (Best Method): Transfer frozen cornbread to refrigerator the night before. Allow 8-12 hours to thaw completely. Results in the best texture retention
- Reheating Instructions: Preheat oven to 300°F. Wrap thawed cornbread in foil to prevent drying. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For extra moisture, brush with melted butter before reheating
Pro Tips:
- Avoid microwaving frozen cornbread as it can become tough and rubbery
- If freezing an entire batch, consider cutting into portions first for easier thawing
- Double-wrapping prevents freezer burn and keeps the flavor fresh
- Always date your frozen cornbread – while it can last up to 3 months, best quality is within the first month
The Best Cornbread Recipes Ever!
I have a bit of an obsession with cornbread, so I feel like I have the best cornbread recipe collection ever created! Here are a few of my very favorite recipes that you should definitely try.
- My classic no-fail 5-minutes-to-oven cornbread recipe
- Homemade cornbread with cheese & green onions
- Sour cream cornbread
- Easy skillet cornbread
More Quick Bread Recipes to Consider
Cornbread Recipes
The Best Gluten Free Cornbread Recipe (Easy & Moist!)
Cornbread Recipes
Easy Jalapeño Cornbread Recipe – Ready in 30 Minutes!
Pumpkin
40 Fall Pumpkin Recipes
Homemade Bread
Soda Bread
Did you make this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ review and share it on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!
Sweet Cornbread Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup melted butter, plus extra for greasing the dish
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/4 cup milk, I use whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a 9-inch round dish or 9×9 square baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the melted butter, beaten eggs, and milk. Stir just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula if needed. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cornbread to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy it warm with butter, honey, or your favorite spread!
Notes
- You can substitute the milk with buttermilk if you’d like.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Mix just until you see a few small streaks of flour remaining – then STOP. Those last few lumps will work themselves out during baking
- You can also bake this cornbread in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for a rustic presentation.
