Experience the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly moist and deliciously sweet cornbread recipe, crafted with real honey and easily baked in your favorite cast iron skillet or baking pan. It’s truly a game-changer!
Discover the Delight of Sweet Homemade Cornbread
There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm slice of cornbread, and few things are as universally loved in home kitchens. However, when it comes to cornbread, culinary preferences can be surprisingly strong! Since first sharing this recipe back in January 2011, it’s become clear that people tend to fall into one of two camps: those who adore sweet cornbread and those who prefer a more savory profile. Personally, I believe there’s a place for every kind of cornbread on the table! This particular sweet cornbread recipe, enriched with natural honey, consistently ranks as the most cherished among all the cornbread variations I’ve shared on this site. Its perfectly balanced sweetness and tender crumb make it an absolute favorite.
It’s important to clarify from the outset: this recipe does not claim to be a traditional Southern cornbread. While some might argue it leans more towards a “corn cake,” we embrace its distinct sweetness. If your palate craves the classic, unsweetened Southern style, rest assured, I also offer a fantastic Southern Skillet Cornbread recipe. But the cornbread journey doesn’t stop there! For those seeking innovative flavors, you’ll also find recipes for Bacon Cornbread and Mexican Cornbread. This culinary versatility ensures there’s a perfect cornbread for every taste and occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Cornbread
In some Northern regions, sweet cornbread is affectionately known as a Johnny Cake or Sweet Corn Cake. While the name might differ depending on geographical location, the delicious essence remains the same: a delightful, often sweetened, corn-based bread. These regional variations highlight the rich culinary tapestry of cornbread across America.
This recipe specifically calls for both honey and sugar to achieve a wonderfully deep flavor profile and superior moistness. Honey contributes a unique floral sweetness and helps create that irresistible tender texture. While it’s certainly possible to substitute all the sugar with additional honey, be aware that this might alter the final consistency and sweetness level slightly. Honey is sweeter than sugar, so you might need to adjust the amount, and it also adds more liquid to the batter. Experimentation is part of the fun in baking!
The versatility of this sweet cornbread is one of its greatest assets. It perfectly complements a range of traditional savory meals, such as a hearty bowl of CrockPot Chili, flavorful Crock Pot BBQ Chicken, or classic Fried Chicken. Its subtle sweetness offers a delightful contrast to these robust dishes. Beyond savory pairings, its mild sweetness also makes it an excellent choice for a dessert. Serve it warm with a generous drizzle of extra honey, a dollop of creamy sweet cinnamon butter, or fresh sweetened strawberries topped with whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat.
If you lean towards a more traditional, savory cornbread, this particular recipe might not be your ideal match due to its inherent sweetness. However, I have a dedicated recipe for a classic Southern Cornbread, typically made in a cast iron skillet, which offers a rich, unsweetened flavor. This savory version is absolutely perfect when served alongside comforting dishes like Appalachian Soup Beans – a personal favorite and a truly wholesome meal!
Absolutely! While often pictured in a cast iron skillet for that classic golden crust, this versatile cornbread recipe can be successfully baked in various vessels. A similar size cast iron pan, a standard pie pan, or a square baking pan will all work wonderfully. The key is to ensure the pan is adequately greased to prevent sticking and promote an even bake. Adjust baking time slightly if your pan size significantly differs, as thinner or thicker batters will cook at different rates.
Proper storage is crucial for keeping your sweet cornbread fresh and moist. At room temperature, if stored in an airtight container, it will remain delicious for 2-3 days. For extended freshness, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. If you’ve baked a large batch or wish to enjoy it much later, cornbread freezes exceptionally well. Simply wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Sweet Cornbread
Crafting the perfect sweet cornbread begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after moist, tender, and subtly sweet crumb. Below is a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with helpful tips for preparation. (For exact measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this page).
- Honey: This natural sweetener is key to our cornbread’s unique flavor and incredible moistness. Measuring honey can sometimes be a sticky affair! Here’s a brilliant tip: lightly spray your measuring spoon or cup with a nonstick cooking spray before pouring in the honey. This simple trick will allow the honey to slide out effortlessly, leaving no sticky residue behind.
- Egg: The egg acts as a binder, adding structure and richness to the cornbread. For optimal incorporation into the batter and a smoother consistency, try to use a large egg that has come to room temperature. If you’re short on time, don’t worry, a cold egg will still work, but room temperature eggs generally emulsify better.
- Butter: For the richest flavor and most tender crumb, real salted butter is highly recommended. It contributes significantly to the cornbread’s delightful taste and texture. While margarine could be used as a substitute, the superior flavor of real butter truly makes a difference in this recipe. Ensure it’s melted for easy mixing.
- Milk: The fat content in milk is important for moisture and tenderness. Opt for milk with a higher fat content, such as 2% or whole milk. This contributes to a richer, more satisfying cornbread compared to skim milk.
- Water: A small amount of water helps achieve the perfect batter consistency, ensuring the cornbread is moist without being overly dense.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar works in harmony with the honey to create a balanced sweetness. While I haven’t personally tested it, a granulated sugar substitute could potentially be used if you are monitoring sugar intake. However, be mindful that different substitutes can affect texture and sweetness levels, so results may vary.
- Yellow Cornmeal: The cornerstone of any cornbread! It’s crucial to use plain yellow cornmeal, not self-rising cornmeal. Self-rising cornmeal already contains leavening agents and salt. Since we are adding baking powder separately in this recipe, using self-rising cornmeal would lead to an over-leavened product with a possibly metallic taste. If self-rising is all you have, simply omit the additional baking powder from the recipe.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour provides structure and helps create a tender, cake-like texture that distinguishes this sweet cornbread. Proper measurement is essential to avoid a dense or dry result. Do not pack the flour into your measuring cup. Instead, lightly spoon the flour into the cup and level it off with the flat side of a knife. For best accuracy, gently dump flour into a separate bowl, stir it to aerate, then scoop and level.
- Baking Powder: Our primary leavening agent, baking powder ensures the cornbread rises beautifully, resulting in a light and airy texture. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal results.
- Salt: A touch of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the cornbread. Don’t skip it, even in a sweet recipe!
Crafting Your Homemade Sweet Cornbread: A Simple Guide
Making this delightful sweet cornbread is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly moist and sweet treat that will quickly become a family favorite.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your baking dish. Whether you choose an 8-inch or 9-inch square, round, or cast iron pan, ensure it’s generously sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and helps achieve that lovely golden crust.
Next, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all your wet ingredients. Whisk together the honey, egg, melted salted butter, milk, and water until they are thoroughly blended and form a smooth, uniform mixture. Set this aside.
In a separate, larger bowl, it’s time to combine all the dry ingredients. Add the sugar, yellow cornmeal (remember, not self-rising!), all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Give these dry ingredients a good stir with a whisk or a fork until they are fully combined and evenly distributed. This ensures that the leavening agent and salt are spread throughout the batter for a consistent rise and flavor.
Now for the mixing! While continuously whisking the wet ingredients, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Continue to whisk gently until all the ingredients are just combined. It’s perfectly normal for the batter to appear a little lumpy – resist the urge to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cornbread. A few small lumps are a sign of a tender final product. Once combined, pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. The exact baking time can vary slightly depending on the size and material of your baking dish, as well as your oven’s calibration. You’ll know it’s perfectly baked when the center is set, and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. The top should also be a beautiful golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. My absolute favorite way to savor this sweet cornbread is warm, with a generous pat of butter melting on top and a final drizzle of extra honey – pure bliss!
Expert Baking Tips for Sweet Cornbread Success
Achieving the perfect sweet cornbread is easy with a few simple techniques. Beyond the recipe steps, these tips will help ensure your cornbread is consistently delicious, moist, and tender every time.
- Don’t Overmix: This is perhaps the most crucial rule for any quick bread, including cornbread. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, rubbery texture. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and often indicate a tender final product.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: As mentioned in the ingredient list, bringing your egg and milk to room temperature can help them incorporate more evenly into the batter. This creates a smoother emulsion and a more consistent texture in your baked cornbread.
- Proper Pan Preparation: Always preheat your oven and thoroughly grease your baking pan. A hot oven ensures a quick rise, and a well-greased pan prevents sticking, allowing for easy removal and a beautiful crust. For an even crispier crust, some bakers like to preheat their cast iron skillet with a tablespoon of butter or oil in it before pouring in the batter.
- Test for Doneness: The toothpick test is your best friend. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again. Overbaking can lead to dry cornbread.
- Adjusting Sweetness: While this is a sweet cornbread recipe, you can slightly adjust the sugar content to your preference. If you prefer it less sweet, you can reduce the granulated sugar by a tablespoon or two. Remember that honey contributes significantly to moisture, so don’t drastically alter its quantity without considering the impact on texture.
- Serve Warm: Cornbread, especially sweet cornbread, is best enjoyed warm. The flavors are more vibrant, and the texture is at its most tender. A quick reheat in the oven or microwave can revive leftovers beautifully.
Craving More Cornbread & Southern Comfort Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with this sweet cornbread, you’re in for a treat! The world of cornbread is vast and delicious, offering endless possibilities for every meal. From savory variations to delightful dessert applications and classic Southern pairings, explore these other fantastic recipes that celebrate the humble yet versatile cornmeal. Each recipe offers a unique twist, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to bake and enjoy!
- Cornbread Muffins
- Cornbread Salad
- Bacon Cornbread
- Mexican Cornbread
- Broccoli Cheese Cornbread
- Southern Cornbread
- Cornbread Waffles with Chili & Fixins
- Corn Fritters
- Southern Fried Chicken
- Chicken Fried Chicken
- Homemade Hush Puppies
- Red Beans and Rice
Originally published: January 2011
Updated photos & republished: July 2024
Sweet Cornbread
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Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 1 large egg
- 4 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup yellow corn meal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ Tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8-inch or 9-inch baking dish (square or round) or cast iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring all surfaces are covered to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 Tablespoons honey, 1 large egg, 4 Tablespoons melted salted butter, ½ cup milk, and ½ cup water until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- In a separate, larger bowl, combine all your dry ingredients: ½ cup sugar, 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ Tablespoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Give them a gentle stir with a whisk or fork until thoroughly combined and no clumps remain.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients while continuously whisking. Mix until just combined. The batter may have a few small lumps, which is perfectly fine; avoid overmixing to ensure a tender cornbread.
- Carefully pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased baking dish. Distribute it gently to ensure even baking.
- Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is set in the middle and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep in mind that baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and the specific size and material of your baking dish.
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Notes
- For additional tips, ingredient substitutions, and answers to common questions, please refer to the detailed FAQ section and ingredient list provided above this recipe card. These sections contain valuable information to help you achieve perfect results every time.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.