If you’re craving a slice of comfort, look no further than this Golden Sweet Cornbread. Imagine biting into a warm, buttery piece with just the right amount of sweetness. It’s slightly crumbly, perfectly golden on top, and pairs wonderfully with everything from chili to fried chicken—or just a dollop of honey if you’re in the mood for something simple. This cornbread is a showstopper that brings joy to any table. Trust me, it’s everything you’ve been craving!
Why You’ll Love Golden Sweet Cornbread
Here’s why this cornbread is the perfect sidekick to any meal:
Soft and Tender
The texture of this cornbread is perfectly light and tender, thanks to the perfect balance of cornmeal and flour. It’s not too dense, so each bite practically melts in your mouth.
Sweet, But Not Too Sweet
It has just the right amount of sweetness. Sweet enough to bring a smile to your face but not so much that it feels like dessert. It’s the perfect balance to savory dishes like chili or barbecue.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Made with pantry staples like cornmeal, butter, and milk, this cornbread proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something extraordinary.
Versatile for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday gathering, or weekend barbecue, this cornbread can be dressed up or served as is. It’s great with any dish that needs a sidekick!

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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this golden cornbread:
For the Cornbread:
- Cornmeal: The base of this cornbread, giving it that signature flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour: Helps to create a lighter, fluffier crumb.
- Baking powder: Provides lift and ensures the cornbread rises perfectly.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors.
- Sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness.
- Milk: To make the batter smooth and moist.
- Eggs: To bind everything together and provide structure.
- Butter: For richness and that melt-in-your-mouth taste.
Optional for Topping:
- Honey or maple syrup: For drizzling on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Butter: To spread on top of the warm cornbread right after it comes out of the oven.
Instructions
Let’s dive in and make this golden cornbread!
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch square or round baking dish, or you can use a cast-iron skillet for that perfect crispy edge.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Once combined, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should still have a few lumps.
4. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish or skillet, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Let It Cool (or Not!)
Once the cornbread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some honey or maple syrup over the top, or spread with a little butter for that melt-in-your-mouth moment.
6. Slice and Serve
Cut the cornbread into squares (or wedges if using a round pan), and serve it warm alongside your favorite dishes. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 piece (1/8 of the recipe)
Calories per serving: ~200
Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 230mg
Total Carbohydrates: 25g - Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 6g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 6%
Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Golden Sweet Cornbread
This cornbread pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to make the most of it:
With Chili
Nothing beats a warm slice of cornbread alongside a bowl of chili. The sweetness balances out the spiciness, creating the perfect combination.
At a Barbecue
Serve this alongside your favorite grilled meats, like pulled pork or ribs, for a comforting addition to your BBQ spread.
For Breakfast
Top a warm slice of cornbread with a dollop of butter and a drizzle of honey for a simple but delicious breakfast treat.
As a Side Dish
This cornbread also works wonderfully with hearty soups or stews. Its texture and flavor complement the richness of those dishes perfectly.
Additional Tips
Can I make this cornbread ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cornbread a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and warm it up in the oven before serving.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure the baking powder you use is gluten-free.
Can I add extra flavors?
Of course! Try stirring in cheddar cheese, jalapeños, or corn kernels for a savory twist. You could even add cranberries for a festive touch around the holidays.
How can I store leftover cornbread?
Store any leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?
Yes, you can use buttermilk in place of regular milk for a tangy twist and extra tenderness in the cornbread.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A1: Yes! You can swap the granulated sugar for brown sugar for a deeper flavor or honey for a natural sweetener.
Q2: How do I know when the cornbread is done?
A2: The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs. If it’s still wet, bake for a few more minutes.
Q3: Can I make this cornbread in a cast-iron skillet?
A3: Yes! A cast-iron skillet will give the cornbread a nice crispy crust, so it’s a great choice for baking.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan (like a 9×13-inch dish). You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q5: Can I freeze this cornbread?
A5: Yes! Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Q6: Can I make this cornbread without eggs?
A6: Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water) or unsweetened applesauce (¼ cup per egg).
Q7: Can I add cheese to the batter?
A7: Yes! Stir in about 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a cheesy cornbread.
Q8: How do I prevent the cornbread from being too dry?
A8: Make sure you don’t overbake it. Check it a few minutes before the suggested baking time and remove it when it’s golden and set in the center.
Q9: Can I serve cornbread with dessert?
A9: Yes! Cornbread pairs wonderfully with a variety of desserts, especially when drizzled with a little honey or served with fruit preserves.
Q10: Can I make cornbread muffins instead of a loaf?
A10: Yes! Spoon the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Conclusion
This Golden Sweet Cornbread is everything you want in a comfort food—soft, sweet, buttery, and just begging to be paired with your favorite savory dishes. It’s easy to make, and the perfect side to any meal. Whether it’s chili night, a barbecue, or just a cozy dinner at home, this cornbread will always make you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm hug. Enjoy!
Print
Golden Sweet Cornbread
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 9 squares 1x
Description
This Golden Sweet Cornbread is the perfect combination of soft, moist, and slightly sweet. With a golden crust and tender crumb, it’s a classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with soups, chili, or a holiday meal. Its sweetness is just right, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup cornmeal (preferably yellow)
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup milk
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2 large eggs
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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1. Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Grease an 8×8-inch square baking dish or a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are okay.
5. Bake the Cornbread:
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish or pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve:
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Allow the cornbread to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, honey, or jam if desired.
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Notes
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If you prefer a more moist cornbread, you can add an additional 1/4 cup of milk or a few tablespoons of sour cream to the batter.
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You can make this cornbread ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It can also be frozen for up to a month—just reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg