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This homemade cornbread stands out for its perfectly balanced flavor and texture—lightly sweet, subtly buttery, and delightfully moist.
The addition of honey and sugar gives it just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering its rustic corn flavor.
Nutritionally, this recipe offers a modest dose of complex carbohydrates and protein from the egg and milk, while using healthier fat sources like unsalted butter or neutral oils.
It’s also lower in saturated fat than many traditional recipes that rely heavily on shortening or heavy cream.
Versatile enough to serve with chili, soup, or a hearty salad, this cornbread is quick to whip up with basic pantry staples and bakes in under 35 minutes—making it a practical, crowd-pleasing option for everyday meals, potlucks, or even holiday spreads.
It’s ideal for meal prep too—simply slice and freeze individual portions for later.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
USA Pan 8×8-Inch Square Baking Pan
This durable, nonstick pan ensures even browning and easy release, so your cornbread doesn’t stick or crumble. Its heavy-gauge aluminized steel construction also resists warping and promotes consistent heat distribution—perfect for all your baking needs.
OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set
Ideal for mixing wet and dry ingredients separately, these non-slip bowls provide stability on the counter and come with pour spouts for mess-free transfers. Great for everything from baking to pancake prep.
Balloon Whisk by OXO
This whisk is essential for smoothly combining eggs, milk, and butter without clumps. Its ergonomic handle and flexible wires make it a go-to for mixing batters, sauces, and dressings with ease.
KitchenAid Classic Measuring Cups and Spoons Set
Accurate measuring is key in baking, and this set includes all the standard sizes to ensure perfect proportions every time. Durable and easy to store, these are kitchen staples you’ll reach for daily.
Nordic Ware Silicone Pastry Brush
Use this for greasing your baking dish efficiently and evenly with melted butter or oil. Its heat-resistant bristles also make it excellent for glazing and basting in other recipes.
Cornbread
Equipment
- 1 8×8 inch baking dish
- (2) Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
- 1 Balloon Whisk
- (1) Measuring cups and spoons set
- (1) Pastry brush (for greasing the pan)
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour measured with the spoon-and-level method
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal measured with the spoon-and-level method
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk at room temperature
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted (or use a neutral oil like avocado or vegetable), plus extra for greasing
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or oil to prevent sticking and help the edges crisp up nicely.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until evenly combined. This dry base will give your cornbread its classic texture and structure.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk (or buttermilk), egg, melted butter, sugar, and honey until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. The honey and sugar give the cornbread its hint of sweetness.
- Create the Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Bake the Cornbread: Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and springs back when lightly touched. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Once baked, allow the cornbread to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This resting time helps the texture set, making it easier to cut clean slices. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use buttermilk instead of regular milk. It adds a pleasant tang and helps tenderize the crumb.
- Want extra moisture? Add 2 tablespoons of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients.
- Make it your own: Mix in corn kernels, shredded cheddar cheese, or chopped jalapeños for a savory twist.
- Freezer-friendly: Once completely cooled, slice and freeze portions in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to revive texture.
- Double batch tip: For larger crowds, double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Increase bake time slightly and check for doneness after 35 minutes.
Chef’s Secrets for Moist Cornbread
Achieving the perfect homemade cornbread is all about balance—moisture, sweetness, and texture.
One key secret is using both granulated sugar and honey; the sugar adds structure, while the honey lends a deep, subtle sweetness that enhances the cornmeal without making the bread taste like dessert.
Buttermilk, when used in place of regular milk, adds both moisture and a gentle tang that complements savory dishes beautifully.
Another tip is to avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour and can lead to a tough, dry loaf.
Lastly, let the cornbread cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
This resting period helps set the crumb and makes for cleaner, more satisfying slices.
Serving Suggestions to Complement Flavor
This classic cornbread is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes.
For a cozy, comforting meal, serve it warm alongside a hearty bowl of chili, beef stew, or chicken tortilla soup.
It’s also excellent with BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or crispy fried chicken.
Add a pat of butter or drizzle of honey on top for extra indulgence.
For a brunch twist, try pairing it with scrambled eggs and fruit salad.
You can also cube leftover cornbread and toast it to use as croutons in salads or soups.
Whether served as a savory side or a slightly sweet treat, cornbread brings warmth and texture to any meal.
Storage Tips to Keep It Fresh
To keep your cornbread tasting its best, allow it to cool completely before storing.
Once cooled, wrap the cornbread tightly in foil or transfer it to an airtight container.
It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days, though refrigeration may slightly dry it out—revive with a quick warm-up in the oven or microwave.
Cornbread also freezes well: wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or reheat from frozen in the oven at 300°F until warm.
Avoid storing it while still warm, as that can lead to sogginess or mold.
Frequently Asked Questions and Helpful Answers
1. Can I make this cornbread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious and moist.
2. What type of cornmeal should I use?
Use medium-grind yellow cornmeal for classic texture and color. Finely ground cornmeal can result in a smoother, more cake-like crumb, while coarse grind gives a denser, rustic finish.
3. Can I substitute honey or sugar?
Absolutely! You can use all honey or all sugar if needed, or replace both with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Just note that liquid sweeteners may slightly alter the texture.
4. Why didn’t my cornbread rise properly?
This could be due to expired baking powder or baking soda. Always check freshness before baking. Also, make sure not to overmix the batter, as that can limit rise.
5. How can I make it more savory?
Reduce the sugar and honey slightly, and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, or cooked crumbled bacon for a savory spin. Serve with a touch of herb butter for extra flavor.
This recipe is inspired by loveandlemons and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
