Old-Fashioned Sweet Cornbread Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of old-fashioned sweet cornbread fresh from the oven. With its perfect balance of buttery richness, slight sweetness, and a tender crumb, this classic cornbread pairs beautifully with chili, barbecue, or a simple pat of butter and honey. Unlike dry, crumbly cornbreads, this version stays moist and fluffy while still having that delicious golden crust.

Cornbread has been a staple in Southern and American cooking for generations, and this sweet cornbread recipe is reminiscent of the old-fashioned version that brings comfort to every meal. Whether served alongside a hearty dinner or enjoyed as a snack, this cornbread is easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• 9-inch square or round baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Oven

Ingredients Overview

• Cornmeal & Flour: A perfect balance for a light yet hearty texture.
• Sugar & Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering.
• Buttermilk & Butter: Keeps the cornbread moist and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional for extra sweetness)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet with butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and honey.
3. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cornbread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool & Serve

1. Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite toppings!

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

Nutrition (per slice, ~9 servings)

• Calories: ~240
• Fat: ~10g
• Carbohydrates: ~34g
• Protein: ~4g

Expert Tips

• For a Golden Crust: Bake in a preheated cast-iron skillet.
• Make It Extra Moist: Add an extra tablespoon of honey or a splash of heavy cream.
• Cornbread Muffins: Pour batter into a muffin tin and bake for 15-18 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this cornbread ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap tightly and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use almond milk and vegan butter as substitutes.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep in an airtight container for 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.

Substitutions & Variations

• Savory Twist: Add shredded cheese or chopped jalapeños.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Maple Cornbread: Swap honey for maple syrup.

Old-Fashioned Sweet Cornbread Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of **old-fashioned sweet cornbread** fresh from the oven. With its perfect balance of **buttery richness, slight sweetness, and a tender crumb**, this classic cornbread pairs beautifully with chili, barbecue, or a simple pat of butter and honey. Unlike dry, crumbly cornbreads, this version stays **moist and fluffy** while still having that delicious golden crust.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• - 9-inch square or round baking dish
• - Wooden spoon or spatula
• - Oven

Ingredients

  

• - 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• - 1 cup all-purpose flour
• - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• - 1 tablespoon baking powder
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1 cup buttermilk or regular milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar
• - 2 large eggs
• - 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• - 2 tablespoons honey optional for extra sweetness

Instructions

 

• #### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
• Preheat oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
• Grease a **9-inch baking dish** or cast-iron skillet with butter.
• #### **Step 2: Prepare the Batter**
• In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and honey.
• Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
• #### **Step 3: Bake the Cornbread**
• Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
• Bake for **20-25 minutes**, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
• #### **Step 4: Cool & Serve**
• Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite toppings!