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Sweet Cornbread with Honey

This sweet cornbread is one of my favorites to make during the fall. It’s super moist, and fluffy, and pairs perfectly with a hot bowl of chili. 

Cornbread with honey and butter on top.
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Best Sweet Cornbread Recipe

One of my favorite meals to make this time of year is a big pot of homemade chili with this perfect cornbread. It’s comforting on a chilly day and a family favorite!

This homemade cornbread with honey is on the sweet side, but not overly sweet like cake. It not only pairs perfectly with savory soups like easy taco soup or hearty vegetable soup but also with mains like this honey baked ham recipe.

This is the best sweet cornbread recipe that is soft, tender and fluffy when served warm with butter and honey on top. You can even use it to make delicious side dishes like my easy cornbread stuffing.

Why This Recipe Works

Make the best cornbread recipe with a honey side dish for any of your favorite meals! It is easy to make and delicious in every bite. This homemade cornbread recipe is one that you will want to make over and over again!

  • So moist. Thanks to the addition of honey this sweet cornbread ends up being moist with a little sweetness.
  • Pantry staples. The recipe uses ingredients you more than likely have on hand, so can be made spur-of-the-moment.
  • Flexible. Bake into squares, make into mini muffins, or turn into a sweet cornbread stuffing, no problem.
  • Fan favorite. The sweet and savory cornbread is a hit with family and friends.
Cornbread stacked on top.

Recipe Ingredients

Less than 10 ingredients are needed to make this sweet cornbread recipe. Most of these are baking staples, which I bet you already have in your pantry! It is a quick and simple bread that kids to adults love!

Cornbread muffin ingredients on counter.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Baking staples: All-purpose flour, eggs, milk, granulated sugar, baking powder (leavener), and salt.
  • Cornmeal: A ground flour made from dried corn. Yellow cornmeal adds that distinct corn flavor without having to add in any fresh corn kernels.
  • Honey: Not only does it add the perfect sweetness, but it also helps to make the cornbread moist.
  • Butter: Use salted butter for more flavor and richness.

Variations

For a less sweet version, simply use half of the amount of granulated sugar. You can also give it a savory twist by cutting out the sugar and adding jalapeños, shredded cheddar cheese, and creamed corn to make Mexican cornbread.

You can also make it in a cast iron pan like I do in this skillet cornbread recipe!

How to Make Sweet Cornbread

Prepped in just 10 minutes, this easy recipe for sweet cornbread is one you’ll come back to again and again! It’s the perfect side dish for all your favorite comfort meals and is so easy to make. Follow the simple steps below to get started.

The process of making cornbread in a four step photo collage.
  1. Dry ingredients. Mix together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, honey, and eggs. Pour the milk mixture in with the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Then stir in the melted butter.
  3. Pour. Pour the batter into a buttered 9×9″ baking dish.
  4. Bake. Bake in oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes clean. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Sweet Cornbread Muffins

You can also make cornbread muffins with this batter. Pour batter into a 12-cup muffin tin and bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden. These corn muffins are always so cute!

Baked cornbread in a pan.

Expert Tips

Follow these helpful tips to learn the best way to make this sweet cornbread with honey even better! Learn how to mix, serve, and even make croutons with these simple tips. By using these tips you will have the best sweet cornbread cake ever!

  • Don’t overmix. Make sure not to over-mix the batter (or else the bread could get chewy). It’s okay if the batter still has a few small lumps.
  • Serving. Serve the bread warm with a slab of cinnamon butter or an extra drizzle of honey for the ultimate bite. Sweet cornbread at its finest!
  • More ideas. If you have leftover bread, try making cornbread croutons to top a fall salad or bowl of pumpkin chili.
Stacked cornbread on a white plate.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this cornbread in a cast iron skillet?

No reason why you can’t make skillet cornbread! Just make sure you butter the skillet really well before adding the batter. The baking time may be shorter, so I would keep a close eye on it and check it closely after 20 minutes.

Can I make this sweet cornbread recipe gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour and use gluten-free cornmeal.

Can you double this recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch baking dish?

Yes and no. This recipe doubles easily, but you might end up with more batter than you need for 1 9×13-inch dish. If this is the case, maybe make a few extra mini muffins and freeze them for a later date.

What would I serve with this cornbread with honey?

As I mentioned above, I love this sweet cornbread with homemade chili, but I also love it with BBQ chicken, turkey meatloafslow cooker ribs, and ham and bean soup.

What grain cornmeal is the best?

Cornmeal comes from grinding whole-grain corn and comes in different grain sizes. I like to use medium-grind cornmeal because it gives a nice texture without a lot of crumbs.

Why are there different colors of plain cornmeal?

You may see white, yellow, or even blue cornmeal and that is because the color depends on the type of corn being used. White cornmeal tends to be preferred for baking, but yellow is a little sweeter and the type I like for this recipe.

Sweet cornbread with honey drizzled on top.

5 star review

“Moist and delicious The perfect amount of sweetness. Easy to make. The perfect amount of sweetness. We doubled it for a 9×13 pan and it was gone in seconds. While it was warm we rubbed some butter and drizzled honey over it. Everyone kept asking for the recipe.”

-N.A

Storing + Freezing

Storing cornbread is super simple and makes the best side dish when needed! It is easy to keep in an airtight container or freeze it for a later time. REheating is simple and come be done overnight. These are all great options when making this easy cornbread recipe!

  • To store: This sweet cornbread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for about 1 to 2 days or in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Just make sure to wrap it in foil and store it in a zip-top bag (this keeps it nice and moist).
  • Freezing: Let the bread cool, then wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag. Add a freezer label so you easily know the expiration. Then store in the freezer (will last for a couple of months).
  • Reheating: To thaw, place cornbread in the refrigerator overnight or thaw at room temperature until soft and fluffy (no longer frozen). To reheat, re-wrap in aluminum foil and place in oven at 350°F until warmed throughout.

Looking for more cornbread recipes? Check out Mexican cornbread, cornbread stuffing, chili and cornbread skillet, and easy cornbread salad.

Favorite Soups to Serve With

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drizzling honey on top of a piece of sweet cornbread

Sweet Cornbread

4.97 from 148 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
This sweet cornbread is one of my favorites to make during the fall. It's super moist, fluffy and pairs perfectly with a hot bowl of chili. 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 16

Video

Ingredients 

  • ¾ cup milk
  • cup honey
  • 2 large eggs , whisked
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ cup salted butter , melted and cooled slightly

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×9-inch baking dish.
  • In a large measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together milk, honey, and eggs.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt with a wooden spoon. Add in the milk mixture and stir just until combined. Stir in the melted butter, being careful not to overmix.
  • Pour evenly into baking dish. Bake 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes clean from the center.
  • Let cool slightly before serving. Slice into 16 squares. Best served warm with a little butter and honey, if desired, on top.

Notes

To make into muffins: Make batter the exact same way, however pour into a 12-cup muffin tin instead of a baking pan (each cup should be about 3/4 full). Bake at 350°F for 17 to 20 minutes, or until muffin tops are nice and golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Freeze: Let cool completely, then wrap in aluminum foil or place in a freezer bag. Store in freezer for 1 to 2 months.
Thaw: Place in refrigerator overnight or thaw at room temp until soft and fluffy (no longer frozen).  
Reheat: Re-wrap in aluminum foil and place in oven at 350°F until warmed throughout.
Storage: Can be stored at room temp for 1 to 2 days. Wrap in foil and store in a zip-top bag.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 233IU | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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