Homemade Sweet Cornbread Recipe With Honey Drizzle

Name: Homemade Sweet Cornbread Recipe with Honey Drizzle
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cup yellow cornmeal; 1 ½ cup all-purpose flour; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 stick (1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled); 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 4 large eggs (at room temperature); 1 ½ cup buttermilk (at room temperature); Butter slices for topping (optional); Honey for drizzle (optional)

Making cornbread from scratch is one of those simple pleasures that can bring a little sunshine to any meal. Whether it’s part of a cozy Sunday dinner or a casual barbecue with friends, this sweet cornbread recipe will surely be a hit. Plus, it’s quick and easy to whip up, even for those who might not consider themselves seasoned bakers.

A wooden plate with sweet cornbreads topped with a slice of butter and drizzled with honey.

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The delightful drizzle of honey on top sets the best cornbread recipe apart. It adds just the right sweetness and pairs perfectly with that comforting, golden goodness. Trust me, once you try this easy recipe, you’ll want to make it repeatedly!

If you are looking for more corn recipes, I have a few more you might want to try. For something a little spicy, make our grilled chili lime Mexican street corn for your next taco night. Or you could make some black bean and corn salad to go with any main dish.

Still in the mood for more homemade bread? Why not try making my grandma’s Irish soda bread with raisins?

Table of Contents

Reasons You’ll Love This Sweet Cornbread

Quick and Easy: This family favorite cornbread comes together quickly, perfect for last-minute meals or gatherings.
Deliciously Sweet: The honey drizzle elevates the flavors, adding a delightful sweetness that complements the cornbread’s texture, making it the best homemade cornbread recipe.
Versatile Pairing: It pairs beautifully with various dishes, from barbeque to soups, making it a great addition to any meal.
Comforting and Satisfying: With its warm, golden crust and fluffy interior, this cornbread is the epitome of comfort food, sure to please everyone at the table.

What’s in This Sweet Cornbread Recipe?

Ingredients for sweet cornbread sitting on a white countertop.

Yellow Corn Meal: This coarsely ground flour is the show’s star, providing the distinctive texture and flavor that defines cornbread. Made from sun-ripened corn, it adds a natural sweetness and a lovely yellow hue to your dish.
All-Purpose Flour: A pantry staple, all-purpose flour helps provide structure and stability to the cornbread. Its fine texture allows the cornbread to rise perfectly, resulting in a light and fluffy interior.
Baking Powder: This helps the cornbread rise, creating that delightful crumb. It combines an acid and a base, which releases carbon dioxide when mixed with wet ingredients, giving your cornbread its airy texture.
Baking Soda: Often used in conjunction with baking powder, baking soda helps to enhance the rise and adds a bit of tenderness to the cornbread. It also neutralizes acidity, contributing to a balanced flavor.
Salt: A crucial ingredient in almost any recipe, salt enhances the overall flavor of the cornbread. It balances out the sweetness and brings out the natural aromas of the other ingredients.
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness and moisture to the cornbread. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in this great recipe for better flavor.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar’s molasses content gives this cornbread its deep, caramel-like flavor and moisture. It not only sweetens the bread but also helps to create a beautifully golden crust.
Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, providing structure and stability to the cornbread. They also contribute moisture and richness, helping to create that soft, fluffy texture.
Buttermilk: This tangy dairy product adds moisture and a slight acidity that helps activate the baking soda and baking powder for a nice rise. It also contributes a subtle flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cornmeal.
Butter Slices for Topping: Adding slices of butter on top before baking creates a luscious, golden crust and adds an extra layer of richness. As the butter melts, it seeps into the cornbread, infusing it with delicious flavor.
Honey for Drizzle: A natural sweetener, honey enhances the sweetness of cornbread and adds a unique floral flavor. Drizzling honey on top right before serving creates a beautiful presentation and enhances the overall taste.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Additions

Sweetener Change: If you prefer a different sweetener, you can substitute honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. However, this may slightly change the flavor.
Add Some Heat: To give this simple cornbread a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for added warmth .
Cheesy Delight: For a richer taste, fold in some shredded cheese—like cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack—before baking. This will create a cheesy, savory twist to the traditional sweet cornbread.
Herbs and Spices: To add an aromatic element to your cornbread, add herbs such as rosemary or thyme or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

How to Make Homemade Sweet Cornbread (step-by-step directions)

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, cake pan, or glass dish with cooking spray. Set it aside.
Combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Mix the dry ingredients and set aside. (Photos 1 & 2)
In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together. Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well blended. Then, add the buttermilk and stir with a wooden spoon until fully incorporated. (Photos 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7)

Collage of mixing the ingredients for sweet cornbread.

Next, add the cornmeal mix to the large bowl of wet ingredients and stir until everything is well combined. (Photos 8 & 9)

Pour the cornbread batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-45 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (Photos 10 & 11)
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes before slicing for the cleanest cuts. Serve with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. (Photo 12)

A spatula with a slice of sweet cornbread topped with a slice of butter.

Recipe Tips

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing.
Don’t Overmix: To preserve the light and fluffy texture, mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cornbread.
Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary, so check your cornbread a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.
Add a Touch of Vanilla: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
Experiment with Different Grains: Mix whole wheat or corn flour for a different texture and flavor profile.
Grease the Pan Well: Ensure your baking pan is well-greased to prevent sticking and ensure a smooth release after baking.
Let It Rest: After baking, allow the cornbread to rest for a few minutes before slicing; this helps improve the texture and makes for cleaner cuts.

Storing Tips

To store leftover cornbread, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. This will help retain its moisture and freshness. You can keep it at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate it for up to a week.

If you have more cornbread than you can consume, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Cornbread can be frozen for up to three months.

To reheat, remove a slice from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Then, warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave it for 20-30 seconds until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Chili: A classic combination, warm cornbread complements the spicy and hearty flavors of spicy chili, providing a perfect balance for a perfect side dish.
Barbecue: Serve this easy cornbread recipe with grilled meats, such as ribs or chicken, for a satisfying meal that captures Southern cuisine.
Soups and Stews: Cornbread’s moist texture is ideal for soaking up rich, hearty soups such as Tuscan sausage potato soup and a classic beef stew, enhancing your dining experience.
Salads: Pair cornbread with a fresh garden salad or coleslaw salad for a refreshing contrast that rounds out your meal.
Egg Dishes: Cornbread can also be served with breakfast dishes like eggs, omelets, or breakfast casseroles for a delightful morning treat.

A pile of sweet cornbreads on a white plate topped with a slice of butter and drizzled with honey.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make cornbread ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare cornbread in advance. It can be baked a day or two and stored at room temperature. Just keep it wrapped tightly to maintain its freshness.

What is the difference between sweet and savory cornbread?

Sweet cornbread typically includes sugar or sweeteners, giving it a slightly sweet taste that pairs well with butter or honey. In contrast, savory cornbread may include herbs, cheese, or spices, resulting in a more complex flavor without added sweetness.

Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use self-rising flour in place of all-purpose flour. If you do this, adjust the amount of baking powder and salt in the recipe accordingly, as self-rising flour already contains these leavening agents.

Can I incorporate other grains or flours?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in whole wheat flour, corn flour, or even gluten-free alternatives. Just be mindful that this may alter the texture and flavor, so adjustments may be needed for moisture and cooking times.