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.
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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.
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!
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.
- Dry ingredients. Mix together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- 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.
- Pour. Pour the batter into a buttered 9×9″ baking dish.
- 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!
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.
Recipe FAQs
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.
Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour and use gluten-free cornmeal.
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.
As I mentioned above, I love this sweet cornbread with homemade chili, but I also love it with BBQ chicken, turkey meatloaf, slow cooker ribs, and ham and bean soup.
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.
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.
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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Sweet Cornbread
Video
Ingredients
- ¾ cup milk
- ⅓ 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
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
This is not the usual “run of the mill” recipe. How delicious and outstanding–standing out above the others that I’ve tried over the years. Thanks.
So So yummy! Made this one tonight. Was specifically looking for a sweet corn bread that was moist (the last few we tried were too dry or too savory) and this recipe was perfect! The whole family loved it. It didn’t even need the honey butter I made, it was super delicious as is. Will be making your recipe from now on! Thank you for sharing!
I made this yesterday with my chili. It’s GONE! My family says it’s the best cornbread ever! I did, however, use maple syrup instead of honey, and I only used about half of the sugar. It was still sweet enough. Thanks for the recipe! They want more!!
Maple syrup would be yummy too! Glad you enjoyed :)
This is my go-to cornbread recipe. I even have it memorized now! Stop searching and go make tbis one! Perfectly moist.
I’m so glad you love this recipe! Thanks so much for leaving a comment Jenna! :)
Perfect amount of sweetness and loved it as muffins!
I’m so glad you enjoyed them! :)
This Sweet Cornbread recipe is a total game-changer! I’ve made this cornbread more than a dozen times, and it always turns out perfectly. It’s moist and sweet, and it pairs perfectly with a heaping bowl of chili. I seriously can’t get enough! I love how quick and easy this cornbread is to make…you literally mix all of the ingredients together, pour it in a pan, and toss it in the oven. A half-hour later…you’ve got a pan of perfectly golden, and incredibly delectable cornbread! I doubt that I will ever make another cornbread recipe in my life…it’s that good. ?
This is truly the best cornbread recipe. If you haven’t try it you really should. It is a lttle sweet and is moist. I have tried many recipes but usually were too dry.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for leaving a comment and review Melissa! :)
This looks absolutely delicious! Yummy! This looks totally awesome!
I love the texture of this corn bread. I should try it!
This corn bread look so inviting. The perfect fall treat!
I LOVE cornbread! Have to try your recipe!!
Such a great recipe for this chili weather! Hope you enjoy! :)
That’s cornbread perfection right there!
Well now I need a big slice of cornbread! I love this sweet version!
It’s chili season so cornbread is such a MUST right now!
Yes!! My favorite side to chili! :)
I have made this several times and it is always a hit! My son has recently had to go off of dairy and gluten, so I tried it again with gluten free flour, almond milk, and dairy free butter. It still turned out great and froze really well! My family couldn’t tell the difference!
I’m so glad this recipe turned out well for your with the gluten and dairy substitutions! Thanks for leaving a comment. I know that will be helpful for others that have the same dietary restrictions. :)
I am making this tonight to go alone with my chili, thanks for sharing!!
Hope you enjoy! :)
Pinning this frugal dish to inspire the others :-) Thank you !
I’ve been looking for a good corn bread recipe and this looks so delicious! I can’t wait to try it! I love fall too…and it always seems like the perfect time of year for corn bread. :) Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Corn bread is perfect for the Fall! Hope you enjoy this recipe! :)