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This is the last cornbread recipe you’ll ever need. It makes subtly sweet, light, fluffy, crumbly cornbread every time. Smother a slice with some honey butter and you’ll be in cornbread heaven.
Cornbread is one of those classic comfort food staples that I can’t live without and this recipe really does it right. Crumbly and just the right amount of fluffy (but not cakey), this cornbread strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory and is an unbeatable companion to endless savory mains and sides. No need to serve it with anything aside from butter and maybe just a tiny bit of honey, though. It’s a total treat in and of itself.
Why This Is The Best Cornbread Recipe
It’s pretty hard not to love everything about this cornbread recipe. Just in case you were looking for a little push to hop in the kitchen and make it before dinner time, though, here are a few of my favorite things about it to get you inspired.
- Beginner friendly. This is the perfect recipe for those of you who are newer to baking. The batter is super quick and easy to throw together and the recipe is practically foolproof.
- Perfect texture. Light and fluffy but just dense enough to keep you satisfied, this cornbread really does have the perfect texture. I love how it crumbles ever so slightly when you bite into it, falling into your steaming bowl of chili to be scooped up moments later.
- Subtle sweetness. This cornbread has the perfect amount of sweetness to it. Not too much, but just enough to keep things interesting. It makes for the perfect complement to a hearty, savory main.
What You’ll Need
You won’t need much to bring this cornbread recipe to life. Here’s an ingredient list for you. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card below for precise measurements.
- Unsalted butter – Allow the butter to soften at room temperature before using. It will not cream properly with the sugar if it is too cold (or melted).
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Milk – I recommend using whole milk or 2% milk. You need a little fat to add richness.
- All-purpose flour – A 1:1 gluten-free flour would also work here.
- Cornmeal – There are lots of different kinds of cornmeal out there. I tend to prefer a yellow cornmeal that’s somewhere smack in the middle of coarse and fine.
- Baking powder – Make sure your baking powder is still good! An opened box of baking powder should be used within 6 months. Anything past that and it will lose its leavening power.
- Salt
How to Make Cornbread
Here comes a basic overview of how to make cornbread. Don’t forget to scroll to the recipe card below for more thorough instructions.
- Prep. Preheat oven to 400 °F and grease a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
- Combine the wet ingredients. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs and then the milk.
- Combine the dry ingredients. Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
- Put it all together. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry.
- Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes.
- Cool. Allow the cornbread to cool in the pan for 30 minutes.
Tips for Success
When done right, this is the best cornbread recipe I have ever encountered. Pay attention to these simple tips and tricks if you want to achieve perfect results.
- Room temperature butter. Allow the butter to soften at room temperature before beginning. If it is too cold or melted, it will not cream properly with the sugar (see my next point).
- Don’t skimp on creaming time. When creaming together the butter and sugar, do so until the mixture has significantly lightened in color and become fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter. ending you with a lighter, fluffier cornbread.
- Don’t over-mix. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, it is important not to over-mix. Otherwise, the glutens in the flour will overdevelop, ending you with tough, dense cornbread.
- Let the batter rest. If you have time, allow the batter to rest for 15 minutes or so before you pop it in the oven. During this time, the flour and cornmeal will hydrate, ending you with a softer, fluffier end result.
- Cool. You want to let the cornbread cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. If you skip this step, your cornbread is likely to fall apart.
What to Serve with Homemade Cornbread
Enjoy this savory-sweet side with a flavorful bowl of beef and bean Chili or any other hearty soup or stew such as this Slow Cooker Guiness Beef Stew or my Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup. Round out your meal with a nice Vegan Caesar Salad or a side of cooked veggies such as this insanely delicious Cheesy Creamed Spinach.
On a simpler note, I love serving a slice of homemade cornbread smothered in butter and drizzled with honey. It makes for the perfect breakfast, snack, or side dish.
Proper Storage
- To store. Allow the cornbread to cool to room temperature before sealing it in an airtight container. You can store it on the counter for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. I do not recommend storing leftover cornbread in the fridge. It will dry out.
- To reheat. Thaw the cornbread on the counter (if applicable) before arranging slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, covering with foil, and baking at 350°F in the oven for 5-10 minutes or until heated through. You could also wrap a slice in a damp paper towel and microwave it for 40 seconds or until warm.
More Side Dish Recipes To Try
The right side/s has a way of bringing a meal together, don’t you think? This cornbread certainly does. Check out some of these other fun ideas too!
- Simple Lion’s Mane Mushroom Recipe
- Air Fryer Smashed Brussels Sprouts
- Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
- Grilled Cabbage with Tahini-Soy Drizzle
- Crazy Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
- How to Make Homemade Kimchi
Cornbread Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup (151 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 ⅔ cup (394 ml) milk
- 2 ⅓ cup (292 g) all purpose flour
- 1 cup (159 g) cornmeal
- 4 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 °F (204 °C) and grease a 9×13 inch pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and milk and beat until incorporated.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Gently pour into wet ingredients and mix until just incorporated.
- Pour batter into prepared baking pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let cool for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Keep in airtight container for up to 3 days.
The perfect cornbread recipe. The sugar made it a deliciously sweet cornbread that we all enjoyed.
Delicious cornbread and it was super simple to bake. Served it drizzled with honey and everyone loved it.
Finally found cornbread that is better than a box. This is just sweet enough!
This really is the best cornbread recipe- so good!