Irresistible Homemade Honey Cornbread: Your New Go-To Sweet and Easy Recipe
There are some recipes that just capture your heart and become an instant classic in your kitchen. This **Sweet Honey Cornbread recipe** is undoubtedly one of them. With its perfectly moist texture, delightful natural sweetness from raw honey, and incredible ease of preparation, it truly stands out. Baked in a generous 9×13 baking dish, this recipe ensures there’s always enough to share and savor, whether as a comforting side dish or a delightful snack.
Cornbread is a staple in many households, enjoyed for its versatility and comforting appeal. Surprisingly, despite our frequent enjoyment of this golden-baked delight, a dedicated cornbread recipe has been missing from this blog – until today! I’m thrilled to finally share a recipe that will change the way you think about homemade cornbread.
For years, like many, I often relied on the convenience of a box mix, like Jiffy, believing that making cornbread from scratch was a complicated endeavor. I truly thought it would be a hassle, requiring too much effort for a simple side. However, discovering this particular **easy homemade cornbread recipe** completely shifted my perspective. Not only is it incredibly simple to whip up with basic pantry ingredients, but it also achieves that ideal level of sweetness and moistness that I adore. It’s a game-changer, proving that the best cornbread doesn’t have to come from a box.
The Charm of Honey Cornbread
When it comes to cornbread, the culinary landscape offers a vast array of variations. You’ll find recipes brimming with creamed corn for extra moisture, others spiced up with jalapeños, and some incorporating savory additions like sausage or bacon. There are even versions featuring different fruits and nuts for a more elaborate take. While I appreciate the creativity, I’ve always found myself drawn to the pure, unadorned simplicity of classic cornbread. For me, a warm slice of perfectly textured cornbread, perhaps with a touch of maple syrup, is absolute bliss.
My personal journey with cornbread started later in life. Growing up, it wasn’t a dish my family prepared, so it wasn’t until I met my husband that I truly began to appreciate its comforting qualities. His preferred method of enjoying it, drizzled with maple syrup, became my introduction and an enduring favorite. This simple yet satisfying tradition solidified my love for cornbread in its most authentic form.
Embracing the Sweet Cornbread Tradition (with a Twist)
In my culinary philosophy, cornbread is inherently meant to carry a touch of sweetness. I understand this preference isn’t universal, especially when considering regional variations. Hailing from Nebraska, not the deep South, gives me a playful excuse for my sweet inclination. Many Southerners traditionally frown upon adding sugar to cornbread, viewing it as an unnecessary deviation from the classic. However, my recipe sidesteps that debate beautifully by using **raw honey** as its primary sweetener.
The raw honey in this recipe provides a nuanced sweetness that is more complex and natural than refined sugar. It contributes to a moist, tender crumb and a golden hue, enhancing the overall flavor profile without being overtly sugary. So, while it’s a sweet cornbread, it’s sweetened with a wholesome ingredient. For those who enjoy a bit of savory contrast, I highly recommend these Cheesy Cornbread Drop Biscuits – they offer a delightful savory twist that balances beautifully with a sweet main course or hearty chili.
Celebrating Community with Freaky Friday
Today marks one of the most exciting days of the season for me: Freaky Friday! And no, I’m not talking about the popular movie. This is a much-loved tradition among a wonderful group of food bloggers and friends – a truly “good old fashioned blog hop” that brings us all together to share culinary inspiration.
Freaky Friday is a unique event that I have the pleasure of coordinating five times a year. In essence, a group of us bloggers are secretly assigned another blogger’s site from which to cook or bake. The beauty of it lies in the reveal: on a designated Friday, we all simultaneously publish our chosen recipes, excitedly discovering which blogger was assigned to us and what they decided to create. It’s always a thrill to see the diverse interpretations and to virtually hop from blog to blog, exploring all the delicious contributions.
For you, our wonderful readers, Freaky Friday offers a fantastic opportunity to discover a curated collection of seasonally themed recipes, all conveniently gathered in one place. For this particular edition, we’re focusing on delightful Fall-themed dishes. It’s an excellent way to broaden your culinary horizons, find innovative meal ideas, and even stumble upon new blogs to follow. I genuinely hope you enjoy exploring all the wonderful creations!
This round holds special significance as I’m fortunate enough to share recipes from two incredible bloggers. I’m presenting an Instant Pot Chicken & Rice Soup, which I prepared from Or Whatever You Do. Additionally, I’m delighted to bring you this very **Honey Cornbread Recipe** from The Speckled Palate! You might be wondering why I have two assignments this time. It’s quite simple: I stepped in to assist a fellow blogger who needed some time away for health reasons. It’s a testament to the supportive spirit of our blogging community, and I kindly ask that you keep this amazing woman in your thoughts and prayers.
A Culinary Journey with The Speckled Palate
It’s always a pleasure to dive into Erin’s blog, The Speckled Palate, for Freaky Friday. Each time, the sheer volume of enticing recipes makes it incredibly difficult to choose just one! Erin and I share a deep passion for the culinary world and blogging. We’ve both navigated the blogosphere for a considerable time, and our shared love for cooking, baking, and entertaining suggests we’d throw an absolutely fantastic party if we ever got the chance!
In the past, I’ve had the joy of making Erin’s delightful Funfetti Cookies and her clever Corn Dog Mini Muffins, both proving to be huge hits. For this Fall edition, my initial search for pumpkin-themed recipes led me to immediately add her Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread to my must-bake list and her festive Pumpkin Spice Mule to my must-drink list!
I thought I had finally settled on her hearty Spicy Sausage and Ground Turkey Pasta Sauce when I serendipitously stumbled upon her recipe for **Honey Cornbread**. That very evening, I was planning to make chili, and the idea of pairing it with fresh, sweet cornbread was simply irresistible. It was a perfect match, and I knew instantly that this was the recipe I had to make!
About Erin, The Speckled Palate Creator
Erin, the creative force behind The Speckled Palate, resides in Texas with her two lovely daughters, her husband, and their charming “speckled palate” dog, Lucy. One might naturally assume the blog’s unique name, “The Speckled Palate,” refers to a discerning sense of taste. However, the true origin is far more endearing and clever: it’s actually named after the roof of her beloved dog Lucy’s mouth! As a fellow dog lover, I deeply appreciate this personal touch and instantly connected with her. Dog people are definitely my kind of people!
Erin is an absolute delight to follow in the blogosphere. Her engaging personality shines through her content, making her recipes even more appealing. Her blog is a treasure trove of amazing recipes, complemented by gorgeous photography that truly brings each dish to life. Beyond the recipes, she offers wonderful glimpses into her daily life with her children, creating a warm, relatable, and inspiring space for her readers.
Unlocking the Secrets to Perfect Cornbread from Scratch
As I previously mentioned, for many years, my go-to was always a box of Jiffy cornbread mix. I harbored the misconception that crafting homemade cornbread would be an arduous and complicated task. I am here to tell you, that could not be further from the truth! Making **cornbread from scratch** is surprisingly simple, quick, and incredibly rewarding.
In fact, the beauty of this **best cornbread recipe** lies in its straightforward ingredients. You likely have most, if not all, of these pantry staples in your kitchen right now! This means you’re just a few steps away from enjoying warm, flavorful, **moist honey cornbread** without needing a special trip to the grocery store. It’s a testament to how easy and accessible truly delicious homemade food can be.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Honey Cornbread
- yellow cornmeal
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- sea salt
- raw honey
- egg
- butter
- milk
The process for creating this delicious cornbread is straightforward. You’ll begin by whisking together all your dry ingredients – the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt. In a separate bowl, the wet ingredients are combined: egg, raw honey, melted butter, and milk. The key is then to gently combine the two mixtures until just incorporated, spreading the batter evenly into a prepared 9×13 baking dish.
Bake until it achieves a beautiful golden-brown hue, indicating it’s perfectly cooked through. For the complete, detailed, and printable recipe with precise measurements and timings, please scroll down to the dedicated recipe card section at the bottom of this post.
Expert Tips: How to Keep Cornbread from Falling Apart
One common frustration for home bakers is ending up with crumbly cornbread that falls apart easily. Achieving a cohesive yet tender texture is key, and there are a few simple tips to ensure your **homemade honey cornbread** stays together beautifully:
- Mind Your Cornmeal to Flour Ratio: While cornmeal is the star, using too much can indeed lead to a dry, crumbly result. All-purpose flour plays a crucial role in providing structure and binding the ingredients together. Ensure you’re using the correct proportions of both as specified in the recipe to create a well-balanced crumb. The flour offers the necessary gluten structure that prevents excessive crumbling.
- Avoid Overbaking: Overbaking is a frequent culprit for dry, brittle cornbread. Keep a close eye on your cornbread as it bakes. You want it to reach a beautiful golden-brown color on top. To confirm doneness, perform the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, it’s ready. Pull it from the oven at this point to preserve its moisture and tenderness.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix them only until they are just incorporated. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in a tough, dense, and ultimately crumbly cornbread. It’s perfectly acceptable, and even desirable, for your batter to have a few small lumps. Gentle stirring is key to a tender, moist final product.
This **sweet honey cornbread** paired absolutely perfectly with our hearty chili that night! The subtle sweetness of the cornbread was a wonderful contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the chili. If you’re looking for an equally easy and delicious main dish to go with your cornbread, I highly recommend my Three Bean Chili Recipe – it’s incredibly simple to make and packed with fantastic flavor. Beyond chili, this cornbread is also fantastic with stews, barbecue, or even as a unique breakfast side!
Love it? Pin it!
Don’t let this delightful **honey cornbread recipe** slip away! Make sure to save it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave. It’s the perfect way to keep this easy, sweet, and comforting treat at your fingertips whenever a craving strikes!
Explore All Our 2020 Freaky Friday Fall Edition Recipes:
- An Affair from the Heart – Instant Pot Chicken & Rice Soup
- An Affair from the Heart – Honey Corn Bread
- Aunt Bee’s Recipes – Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
- Devour Dinner – Instant Pot French Onion Meatballs
- House of Nash Eats – Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
- Lemoine Family Kitchen – Turkey Cranberry Sliders
- Life Currents – Cheesy Shrimp Dip
- Life, Love & Good Food – Lemon Garlic Smashed Potatoes
- Or Whatever You Do –Traeger Grilled Parmesan Halibut
- Sugar Dish Me – Whipped Shortbread Cookies
- Take Two Tapas – Pork Tenderloin Sliders
- The Foodie Affair – Easy Greek Style Cauliflower Rice Salad
- The Speckled Palate – Upside Down Cranberry Cake
- West Via Midwest – Hawaiian Pulled Pork (Kalua Pork Recipe)
Discover ALL My Freaky Friday Recipes!
Now, let’s get right to the delightful recipe itself, shall we? You’re just a few steps away from enjoying this amazing honey cornbread! 
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Print Recipe
Homemade Honey Cornbread Recipe
Equipment
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Rubber Spatulas
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9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup honey
- 1 large egg
- 4 teaspoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 9×13” baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Or brush the dish with butter.
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In a large bowl, whisk together: cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt.
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In a smaller bowl, whisk together: honey, egg, melted butter and milk.
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Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients into it. Mix together until combined.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, and smooth out the top.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is a light golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Enjoy! We love it nice and warm out of the oven with a little more honey or maple syrup on top!