There’s something about homemade cornbread that just feels like a warm hug. It’s golden, slightly crisp on the edges, and perfectly soft inside with a hint of sweetness. Whether you’re pairing it with a hearty bowl of chili, serving it alongside BBQ, or just enjoying a slice with a drizzle of honey, this cornbread is the ultimate comfort food. Trust me, once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
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Why You’ll Love Golden Sweet Cornbread
This isn’t just any cornbread—it’s the kind that brings people together. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
Perfectly Balanced: Just the right amount of sweetness without being overly sugary.
Moist and Tender: No dry, crumbly cornbread here—this stays soft and delicious.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Versatile: Pairs beautifully with savory dishes or stands alone as a tasty snack.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at potlucks, family dinners, and holidays.
Ingredients in Golden Sweet Cornbread
Here’s what makes this cornbread so special:
Cornmeal: The star ingredient that gives it that classic texture and flavor.
Flour: Helps create a light and tender crumb.
Sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
Baking Powder: Ensures a fluffy, well-risen cornbread.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture.
Butter: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Eggs: Bind everything together for the perfect consistency.
Honey (Optional): A drizzle takes the sweetness up a notch.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the milk, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.
Mix the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are okay!
Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm with butter, honey, or your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Golden Sweet Cornbread
This cornbread is amazing on its own, but here are some ways to elevate it:
With Butter and Honey: Classic and absolutely irresistible.
Alongside Chili or Soup: Perfect for soaking up hearty flavors.
With BBQ: A staple side dish for ribs, pulled pork, or brisket.
Topped with Jam: A sweet twist for breakfast or brunch.
Crumpled into Stuffing: Great for holiday meals!
Additional Tips
Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: For crispy edges and a rustic touch.
Don’t Overmix: Keeps the texture light and fluffy.
Make It Dairy-Free: Swap milk and butter for plant-based alternatives.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Reheat Like a Pro: Warm in the oven for a just-baked taste.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Bake it in advance and reheat before serving for fresh flavor.
Q2: How do I make this cornbread extra moist?
A2: Adding a little sour cream or buttermilk can enhance moisture.
Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.
Q4: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A4: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Q5: Can I freeze cornbread?
A5: Absolutely! Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q6: Can I reduce the sugar?
A6: Yes! Adjust to your taste or replace with honey for a natural sweetness.
Q7: Can I add mix-ins like cheese or jalapeños?
A7: Definitely! Sharp cheddar, fresh corn kernels, or diced jalapeños make great additions.
Q8: How do I reheat it without drying it out?
A8: Wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
Q9: Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
A9: Yes! Any non-dairy milk works as a substitute.
Q10: What’s the best pan to use?
A10: A cast-iron skillet gives crispy edges, while a baking dish works well for a soft texture.
Final Thoughts
Golden Sweet Cornbread is the ultimate comfort food—warm, slightly sweet, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or sharing it at a gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy every bite!
PrintGolden Sweet Cornbread
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a warm slice of Golden Sweet Cornbread, perfectly moist, tender, and lightly sweetened with honey and brown sugar. This buttermilk-infused cornbread bakes up with a soft, fluffy crumb and a golden crust, making it the perfect side dish for BBQ, chili, or a comforting meal. Top it with melted butter and a drizzle of honey for the ultimate indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup cornmeal
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda
Wet Ingredients
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1 cup buttermilk
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3/4 cup sugar
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/4 cup whole milk
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1/4 cup dark brown sugar
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1/4 cup honey
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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2 large eggs
Garnish
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Melted butter, for brushing
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Honey, optional
Instructions
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, sugar, melted butter, whole milk, brown sugar, honey, vegetable oil, and eggs until fully combined.
Combine & Bake
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—do not overmix.
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Pour the batter into a greased 8×8 or 9×9 square baking pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Finish & Serve
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As soon as the cornbread is out of the oven, brush with melted butter for extra richness.
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Serve warm with extra butter and a drizzle of honey. Enjoy!
Notes
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For extra moisture, swap buttermilk with full-fat Greek yogurt.
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For a savory twist, reduce the sugar and add ½ cup shredded cheddar and diced jalapeños.
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Want a crispier edge? Bake in a cast-iron skillet instead of a square pan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg