Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delightful **Quick and Easy Honey Cornbread** from scratch! This recipe promises a homemade treat that’s not just sweet and incredibly moist, but also serves as a versatile side dish, perfect for any meal or gathering. Prepared in a classic cast-iron skillet and enriched with the tangy goodness of buttermilk, each slice is then generously drizzled with warm, melted butter, elevating its irresistible flavor and texture. Get ready to bake a batch of cornbread that will become an instant family favorite!
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Cornbread holds a special place in the hearts of many, revered for its comforting warmth and hearty texture. It boasts a unique adaptability, capable of being enjoyed in both sweet and savory forms. While many traditional Southerners might argue that authentic Southern cornbread is inherently savory, devoid of any added sugar, there’s absolutely a time and a place for a sweet rendition. And that’s precisely what we’re celebrating with this luscious honey cornbread recipe!
While the debate between sweet and savory cornbread continues to simmer, this recipe proudly leans into the sweeter side, offering a delightful twist on a classic. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a touch of golden sweetness alongside their favorite savory dishes, or even as a standalone snack. The addition of honey not only sweetens the loaf but also contributes to its wonderfully moist crumb and rich, golden hue. This recipe is an invitation to explore a different facet of cornbread, one that is truly indulgent and comforting.
Table of Contents
How to Make Honey Cornbread
Making this homemade honey cornbread is a straightforward process, even for beginner bakers. The key to its irresistible texture lies in careful mixing and the right baking environment. Follow these steps for a perfect golden loaf every time:
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures your oven is at the optimal temperature for even baking and a beautiful crust.
- Prepare the Skillet: Generously coat your cast-iron skillet (or baking dish) with half of the melted butter. This not only prevents sticking but also contributes to that coveted crispy crust. For an extra crispy bottom, place the buttered skillet on the stove over medium heat while you prepare the batter. This preheating step is crucial for achieving a truly golden, crunchy exterior.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-rising cornmeal mix, salt, and your chosen sweetener (or sugar). Ensure these are well combined before adding any wet ingredients. This helps distribute the leavening agents and flavor evenly.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the beaten eggs, the remaining melted butter, buttermilk, and honey to the dry mixture. Stir everything together gently.
- Avoid Overmixing: This is a critical step! Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, dense cornbread with large cracks in the crust. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Pour and Bake: Pour the prepared batter into your hot, buttered cast-iron skillet, filling it about an inch from the top. If using a smaller wedge pan, you may need to bake in two batches to avoid overfilling. The cornbread will rise during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
- Cool Before Slicing: For the best results and to prevent crumbling, allow the cornbread to cool in the skillet for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the internal structure to set.
When Do You Add the Honey
The beauty of this honey cornbread recipe lies in its simplicity, especially when it comes to incorporating the star ingredient. The honey is added to the batter along with all the other wet ingredients – specifically, after you’ve combined your dry ingredients and are ready to introduce the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter. This ensures that the honey is evenly distributed throughout the batter, providing consistent sweetness and moisture in every bite. There’s no need for any special steps; just pour it in with the liquids and give it a gentle stir!
Can You Use Jiffy?
While this recipe focuses on a scratch-made approach to achieve the best flavor and texture, you can certainly adapt it if you’re in a pinch and prefer to use a cornbread mix like Jiffy. However, keep in mind that doing so will mean it’s no longer entirely “homemade from scratch.” If you choose to use Jiffy or a similar brand, follow the package instructions for preparing the mix, and then simply stir in the recommended amount of honey from our recipe with the wet ingredients. This will give your store-bought mix a lovely honey-infused twist, adding extra sweetness and moisture. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly different from our homemade version, which uses self-rising cornmeal for a specific light and fluffy crumb.
Can You Make Them into Muffins
Absolutely! This honey cornbread batter is wonderfully versatile and translates beautifully into individual cornbread muffins. Muffins are a fantastic option for portion control, grab-and-go snacks, or serving a crowd. We particularly love using silicone muffin liners, as they ensure easy release and perfectly shaped muffins every time. Simply grease your muffin tin or place silicone liners, then fill each cup about two-thirds full with the batter.
When baking cornbread muffins in a conventional oven, they will need to bake for approximately 15-17 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius), or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and muffin size.
For an alternative cooking method, you can also make these delightful honey cornbread muffins in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 330 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Place your silicone muffin molds directly into the air fryer basket (you might need to cook them in batches, depending on your air fryer’s capacity). Air fry for 11-15 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. Air fryer muffins often achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior with a tender interior, adding another dimension to this delicious treat.
What Kind of Cornmeal to Use
The type of cornmeal you choose significantly impacts the texture and flavor of your cornbread. For this particular recipe, **self-rising cornmeal** is our preferred choice, and for good reason! Self-rising cornmeal is a convenient blend that already includes all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This pre-mixed combination ensures a consistent, light, and tender crumb, which perfectly complements the sweetness of the honey. The added flour in the mix contributes to a less crumbly, more cake-like cornbread that many people adore.
If you don’t have self-rising cornmeal on hand, don’t worry – you can easily make your own! Simply combine 2 cups of regular cornmeal (medium or fine grind works best), 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed before using. This homemade self-rising cornmeal will yield results very similar to the store-bought version, providing the ideal base for our honey cornbread.
For those interested in exploring further, you can find self-rising cornmeal readily available, often in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. We also recommend purchasing it online for convenience, it’s available here on Amazon. Understanding the difference between various cornmeal types, such as fine, medium, and coarse grind, can further enhance your cornbread baking adventures. Fine-ground cornmeal typically results in a smoother, more cake-like texture, while a coarser grind offers a more rustic and crumbly result. For this sweet and moist honey cornbread, a fine to medium grind of self-rising cornmeal is ideal.
Do You Have to Use a Cast Iron Skillet?
While not strictly mandatory, using a cast-iron skillet for your honey cornbread can truly elevate the experience and results. The primary benefit of baking in cast iron is its superior heat retention and even heat distribution. This translates directly to a **crispy, golden-brown crust** that is simply unparalleled, especially if you preheat the skillet on the stovetop before pouring in the batter. The hot metal instantly sears the batter, creating that desirable crunchy exterior while keeping the inside beautifully moist.
However, if a cast-iron skillet isn’t available, don’t let that stop you from enjoying this delicious recipe! You can certainly use an 8×8 inch baking dish, a pie plate, or even a standard cake pan. While these alternatives won’t provide the same level of crispy crust as cast iron, your cornbread will still be incredibly flavorful and moist. Just be sure to grease your pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. The key is to choose a pan that allows the cornbread to cook evenly without being too thick or too thin.
Another fantastic option for baking this cornbread, especially if you’re making individual portions, is your air fryer. As mentioned in the muffin section, the air fryer can produce wonderfully golden results. No matter your chosen vessel, the heart of this recipe – the sweet and moist honey cornbread – will shine through!
How to Store It
Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade honey cornbread fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Once your cornbread has completely cooled to room temperature (this is important to prevent condensation and sogginess), you can store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Kept this way, it will stay wonderfully moist and flavorful in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you plan to enjoy it within a day or two, it can also be stored at room temperature, again in an airtight container, to maintain its freshness and prevent it from drying out.
Freezer Tips
Honey cornbread freezes beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep or saving for future cravings. To freeze, ensure the cornbread is completely cooled. Then, wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in aluminum foil, followed by an additional layer of plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. This double-layer protection is crucial for maintaining its quality. Label with the date, and it will keep well in the freezer for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the oven or microwave until warm. Freezing allows you to savor that homemade taste whenever the mood strikes!
What to Pair With it
Honey cornbread, with its delicate sweetness and moist crumb, is an incredibly versatile side dish that complements a wide array of meals, particularly hearty, comforting Southern-inspired dishes. The slight sweetness of the cornbread offers a wonderful contrast to savory flavors, creating a balanced and satisfying dining experience. Here are some fantastic pairing ideas:
- Classic Butter Beans Recipe: The creamy, earthy flavor of butter beans is a match made in heaven with sweet cornbread. Use the cornbread to soak up all the delicious broth.
- Southern Collard Greens: The slightly bitter, savory notes of well-seasoned collard greens are beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the cornbread. It’s a classic Southern combination for a reason!
- Southern Cabbage: Similar to collard greens, tender Southern cabbage offers a comforting counterpoint to the honey cornbread.
- Southern Green Beans: Stewed with smoked meat, these savory green beans are a perfect partner, allowing the cornbread to act as a sweet sop.
- Oven Baked Roasted Corn: Double down on the corn goodness! The roasted sweetness of corn on the cob enhances the flavor profile of the cornbread.
- Sweet Potato Beef Chili: A bowl of warm, robust chili is often served with cornbread, and our honey version adds an extra layer of flavor that’s simply divine. The sweetness cuts through the richness of the chili.
- Easy Keto Low Carb Chili: Even if you’re watching your carbs, a sweet honey cornbread (perhaps a smaller portion or a keto-friendly alternative with a honey drizzle) can be a delightful accompaniment to a hearty chili.
More Cornbread and Biscuit Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed this honey cornbread, you’ll love exploring other variations of these beloved Southern staples. Each recipe brings its unique twist to the table, offering a range of flavors and textures to suit any preference:
- Homemade Southern Style Cornbread: For those who prefer the traditional, savory approach to cornbread.
- Air Fryer Cornbread: A quick and efficient way to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior.
- Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread: A spicy and cheesy delight for those who like a little kick.
- Keto Low Carb Cornbread: A fantastic option for those following a low-carb lifestyle, without sacrificing flavor.
- Southern Cornbread Dressing: A holiday favorite, essential for Thanksgiving and other festive meals.
- Sweet Potato Biscuits: A tender, subtly sweet biscuit that’s perfect for breakfast or with dinner.
- Homemade Blueberry Cornbread: A fruity and sweet variation, ideal for brunch or a dessert.
- Cornbread Muffins: The classic individual portion, great for quick snacks or packed lunches.
- Pumpkin Cornbread: A seasonal twist, perfect for autumn flavors.
- Cornbread Casserole: A hearty, comforting dish that transforms cornbread into a main course or substantial side.
- Sweet Potato Cornbread: Another delightful sweet potato infusion, adding moisture and flavor.
More Southern Soul Food Recipes
Beyond cornbread, Southern soul food offers a rich tapestry of flavors and comforting dishes that have been passed down through generations. These recipes embody warmth, hospitality, and a unique culinary heritage, making them perfect companions to your honey cornbread or delightful meals in their own right:
- Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes: A luscious, sweet side dish that’s a staple for holiday tables.
- Southern Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese: The ultimate comfort food, creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible.
- Southern Mustard Greens: Flavorful and tender, these greens are often cooked with smoked meats for depth of flavor.
- Okra and Tomatoes: A vibrant, flavorful stew that celebrates fresh produce.
- Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas: A quick and easy way to prepare this traditional, lucky dish.
- Southern Baked Ham With Pineapple: A classic holiday centerpiece, sweet and savory.
For a comprehensive guide to planning your holiday feast, get a full listing of Soul Food Thanksgiving Recipes here.
Quick and Easy Honey Cornbread
By Brandi Crawford
This Quick and Easy Honey Cornbread is homemade from scratch and is the best sweet and moist treat or side dish to add to any spread. It’s made in a cast-iron skillet with buttermilk and drizzled in warm butter.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars from 5 votes.
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Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Cooling Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 1 hr
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Servings: 16 slices
Calories: 144 kcal
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Equipment
- Cast Iron Cornbread Skillet
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Silicone Muffin Mold
Ingredients
- 2 cups self-rising cornmeal mix
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sweetener or sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
Instructions
Oven Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- You can use a cast iron wedge pan or 10-inch cast iron skillet for this recipe. Pour half of the melted butter throughout the cast iron skillet pan. Reserve ½ of the butter for the cornbread mix. If you would like cornbread with a really crispy crust, place the skillet on the stove on medium heat while you mix the batter in the steps below. Adding the batter to a hot skillet will produce really crispy cornbread.
- Add the cornmeal mix, salt, and sweetener to a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
- Next add in the eggs, remaining butter, buttermilk, and honey. Stir to combine.
- Be sure not to overmix the batter. Over-mixing will lead to large cracks in the crust and a lot of crumble. Only mix well enough to combine the ingredients.
- Pour the mixture into the cast iron skillet, reserving about an inch from the top. There is enough batter to prepare 2 batches using the cast iron wedge pan. Don’t overfill, the cornbread will rise. Reserve leftover batter.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted and return clean.
- I like to cool the cornbread completely prior to slicing and let it cool for at least 20 minutes.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Follow the instructions above for the batter.
- Place silicone baking molds in the air fryer. Pour the batter into each of the silicone muffin molds. Fill each mold ¾ full. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to cook in batches.
- Cook the cornbread muffins for 11-15 minutes on 330 degrees. Mine were ready at 11 minutes. Test if the cornbread has finished by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin and ensure the toothpick returns clean.
Notes
- You can make your own buttermilk using 1 ½ cups of milk and 1 tablespoon of lemon. Read more about How to Make Buttermilk here.
- You can make your own self-rising cornmeal by combining 2 cups of cornmeal, 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. You can read more about How to Make Self Rising Cornmeal here.
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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