Moist Sweet Cornbread
A moist, fluffy, and slightly sweet cornbread made with honey, cornmeal, and simple pantry ingredients. Perfect as a side dish for soups, chili, or weeknight dinners. Quick to prepare, easy to bake, and satisfying for the whole family.
Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking dish (1)
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Wooden spoon (1)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Whisk (1)
- Toothpick (1)
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 and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the batter. This ensures even baking and a moist interior. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish generously with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. You can also lightly dust the dish with flour for an extra layer of release. Set aside while preparing the batter.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl or large measuring cup, combine ¾ cup of milk, ⅓ cup of honey, and two large eggs. Use a whisk to beat them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step helps incorporate air, ensuring your cornbread will be light and fluffy. Whisking also evenly distributes the sweetness of honey and moisture from the milk.
- Combine Dry Ingredients Thoroughly: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of yellow cornmeal, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Use a wooden spoon or a spatula to stir until the dry mixture is uniform and well-blended. This step is crucial to ensure even leavening and consistent flavor throughout your cornbread.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the whisked wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Gently fold the ingredients together using a wooden spoon or spatula. Stir just until all the flour and cornmeal are moistened — avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread tender and light. Overmixing can develop gluten, which may make the cornbread dense.
- Incorporate Melted Butter: Measure ½ cup of salted butter and melt it until it is warm but not boiling. Allow it to cool slightly before adding to avoid scrambling the eggs. Pour the melted butter into the batter and gently fold until fully incorporated. This step enriches the cornbread with a buttery flavor and moist texture while adding a subtle richness.
- Transfer Batter to Baking Dish: Pour the cornbread batter evenly into your prepared 9×9-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the surface so it bakes evenly. This ensures a uniform texture and an appealing golden-brown crust. The batter should fill the pan evenly, so your cornbread cooks at the same rate throughout.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so check for doneness starting at 28 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack or countertop for about 10 minutes. Cooling slightly allows the cornbread to set, making it easier to cut and serve. This also enhances flavor as the honey and butter meld together during resting.
- Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, cut the cornbread into 16 equal squares for easy serving. Serve warm with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or your favorite spread. This cornbread pairs beautifully with soups, stews, chili, or as a comforting side to any meal.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and milk for better mixing and improved texture.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cornbread tender and fluffy.
- Honey sweetness can be adjusted — add more for a sweeter cornbread or less for a milder flavor.
- For a richer taste, substitute half of the milk with buttermilk.
- Always grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking and create a golden crust.
- Check doneness a few minutes before the recommended time, as oven temperatures vary.
