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Southern cornbread is an ancient recipe that dates back to early Native American settlements. Sweet cornbread made its first modern appearance when native American tribes provided food for the early settlers of the Americas in the south. Each region’s recipes vary greatly and reflect what’s in season or readily available, making it absolutely delicious.
What is Honey Cornbread?
Sweet honey cornbread is a delightful twist on the classic Southern sweet cornbread recipe. This version combines the traditional flavors of cornbread with the rich, caramel-like sweetness of honey, resulting in a moist and tender corn bread made in a cast iron skillet that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a family gathering, a picnic, or a barbecue, sweet honey cornbread is sure to be a hit. The addition of honey not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful golden hue to the bread, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. This honey cornbread recipe in a cast iron skillet is a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting taste of a homemade cornbread recipe with a sweet twist.
Cornbread is a “quickbread” primarily associated with South and Southwest regions.
Initially, corn bread was made with ground-dried corn, water, and salt. As time passed, recipes varied from region to region based on family customs, the type of corn prevalent, and preferred ingredients. In the southwest blue corn was the prevalent crop, while northern regions grew yellow corn, and white corn was prevalent in the south.
Cornbread is a beautiful go-along with spicy foods because it aids in resting the palette. Recipes for corn bread range from sweet to savory. We believe the best cornbread recipes are made in a cast iron skillet. Most southern recipes accompany spicy barbecue and chili dishes. Try any chili recipes to serve with this beautiful southern sweet cornbread recipe.
Serve this cornbread with our delicious White Chicken Chili!
The Importance of Sweet Cornbread in Southern Cuisine
Sweet cornbread holds a special place in Southern cuisine, serving as a beloved staple for generations. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a symbol of Southern hospitality and tradition. Often paired with classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and black-eyed peas, a good homemade cornbread recipe complements the rich and savory flavors of these meals. Beyond its role as a side, cornbread is a versatile ingredient in many Southern recipes, from cornbread dressing to cornbread pudding and even cornbread croutons. Its importance lies in its ability to bring people together, whether at a family dinner, a church potluck, or a community gathering. This homemade cornbread recipe is a comforting, communal food that embodies the spirit of Southern cooking.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Honey Cornbread
When it comes to making the perfect sweet honey cornbread, the quality of your ingredients can make all the difference. Start with high-quality, stone-ground cornmeal, which offers a fresh and textured base for your cornbread. For the flour, all-purpose is a reliable choice, but you can also experiment with bread flour or cake flour for a lighter texture. The honey you choose should be pure and free of additives, as it will impart a rich, sweet flavor to the bread. And, of course, don’t forget the baking powder—baking powder is essential for giving your cornbread that light and fluffy texture we all love. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking a delicious sweet honey cornbread.
Yellow Cornmeal Mix vs Cornbread Mix
In this recipe, we use yellow cornmeal to make our own cornbread mix. Premade cornbread mix already contains cornmeal, flour, leavening, salt, and other ingredients. You don't need cornbread mix since we are essential making our own mix!
Darker honeys, such as Buckwheat and Bamboo, are perfect for baking
How to make Honey Cornbread
It’s easy to make this sweet cornbread recipe. Let’s first take a look at cornbread ingredients:
- Eggs
- Creamed Corn
- Sour Cream
- Sunflower Oil
- Cornbread Mix
- Self-Rising Yellow Cornmeal Mix
- Flour
- Salt
- Baking Powder
- Chilis
- Eggs
- Butter
- Cooking Spray
This is a moist cornbread recipe that ensures a flavorful and tender texture.
These ingredients come together quickly and easily! Seriously as easy as gathering all the ingredients and following these easy steps. Once your ingredients are gathered, it’s time to make the Cornbread. It begins with preheating your oven to 425°F.
Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients, Dry Ingredients, & Combine
In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, creamed corn, sour cream, and oil. In a separate bowl, add the yellow cornmeal mix, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir to blend well. Pour in the batter.
Step 2: Get the Cast Iron Skillet Ready for the Cornbread Batter
Spray a 9-inch skillet with an ovenproof handle with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the mixed cornbread batter into it. Place the cast iron pan on the burner on medium-high heat for 1 minute. Then place it on a shelf in the upper third of the oven.
Note: If you don't have a cast iron pan, spray a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the batter into the pan and place it on a shelf in the upper third of the oven. Brown under the broiler as above and brush with melted butter. Turn the oven to 375°F (191°C) and bake for 40 minutes.
Step 3: Put the Cast Iron Skillet with the Cornbread Batter in the Oven
Turn the oven to 375°F (191°C) and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Slide under the broiler about 4 inches from the flame for 45 seconds to a minute to brown the top. Watch carefully. Brush the top with melted butter for a shiny finish. Alternatively, you can use a 9 or 10 inch square baking pan for optimal results.
Baking and Cooking Tips
Baking sweet honey cornbread to perfection involves a few key tips and tricks. First, consider using a cast iron skillet. This trusty kitchen tool distributes heat evenly, ensuring your cornbread has a crispy, golden crust. Baking powder is essential, as it will help your sweet cornbread from collapsing. When mixing your batter, be careful not to overmix; doing so can result in a dense and tough bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture. The right amount of liquid is crucial, too—if your batter is too dry, add a bit more buttermilk; if it’s too wet, a little more flour will do the trick. Finally, keep an eye on your cornbread as it bakes. It’s best when it’s lightly golden brown and still slightly tender in the center. Overbaking can lead to a dry, crumbly texture, so aim for that perfect balance.
Adapting this Southern Cornbread Recipe
We see sweet cornbread recipes as inspiration. Please don’t feel like you have to make this Southern Cornbread Recipe precisely the way our recipe shows. Get creative. Experiment. Try something different. Here are some ideas in case you need a little boost with adapting this recipe:
- Replace the chopped chilies with dried cranberries and orange zest for a sweeter result - if you end up doing this, try using our Cranberry or Orange Blossom Honey as well!
- Swap the creamed corn with cheddar cheese and chopped cooked bacon.
- Try this recipe with some added roasted red peppers.
- Experiment with different types of honey, like our Sunflower Honey, for different flavor profiles.
Storing and Reheating Cornbread
To keep your sweet honey cornbread fresh and delicious, proper storage and reheating are key. Store your corn bread in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating in the oven is the best way to restore its crispy crust and warm, tender texture. Simply wrap the cornbread in aluminum foil and heat it in a preheated oven until warmed through. If you have leftovers, cornbread can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing. For a quick reheat, the microwave works too—just wrap the cornbread in a damp paper towel and heat it for 20-30 seconds. With these tips, you can enjoy your sweet honey cornbread anytime, just as fresh as the day it was baked.
What to Eat with Sweet Honey Cornbread
This Sweet and Spicy Chili is made with honey and beer! It’s delicious. You can enjoy it with this Southern Cornbread, or give it a try with our Beer Bread recipe!
This Turkey Chili Recipe is for our friends who indulge in eating poultry but skip the red meat. It’s loaded with protein and supremely satisfying. Of course, it tastes delicious with our honey cornbread recipe. For another protein-filled recipe, check out our Gluten-Free High Protein Cheesecake for dessert.
If you prefer beanless and meatless chili, we have you covered as a companion to this Southern Cornbread; give this Sweet Potato Chili a try!
This honey cornbread recipe efficiently completes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and we serve this recipe with a specialty homemade honey almond butter. Try making this homemade companion butter, also. For an extra creamy and rich addition, serve your finished honey cornbread recipe with honey butter to elevate the overall dining experience.
Making Almond Honey Butter
The almond honey butter we share in this recipe by Chef Jerry Edwards of Baltimore includes our Orange Blossom Honey, toasted almonds, and sweet butter. I kept this around a while after the cornbread was gone, as we realized it pairs nicely with toast.
To make this almond honey butter, you’ll need Blanched almonds, butter, honey, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. In a food processor, purée almonds and lime juice. Add butter and honey and whip till fully incorporated. Spread on warm Cornbread.
Consider a little jam with this almond butter! This honey strawberry jam is a delicious treat and goes beautifully well with this cornbread if all you’re after is satisfying the sweet tooth!
A Honey Cornbread Recipe You Can't Beat
Personally, we think that this honey cornbread recipe is the best cornbread recipe - no wonder our recipe ratings show 5 stars! Save this recipe for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holidays that could use some cornbread recipes. We promise this skillet cornbread is absolutely delicious - you probably won't have leftover cornbread! You could also easily make cornbread muffins by using a prepared pan for muffins. If you try this fantastic recipe, take a photo and share it with us using #beeinspired on Instagram. We love seeing your photos!
