Here’s the best homemade cornbread recipe out there. Perfectly moist, tender and fluffy, it has a beautiful crumb with just the right amount of sweetness. Serve warm, with butter and honey for extra flavors!

Here's the best homemade cornbread recipe. It has a beautiful crumb, perfectly moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness.

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I have a little obsession with cornbread, and it goes way back. I remember having the best cornbread in New Orleans for Thanksgiving once, and I was obsessed with the one they served in my local grocery store in Chicago. It had the perfect crumb, was moist and fluffy inside, slightly crispy on top, with just the right amount of sweetness. It was just perfect with a warm bowl of chili!

Here's the best homemade cornbread recipe. It has a beautiful crumb, perfectly moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness.

I since looked for the best homemade cornbread recipe and I finally found the recipe that ticks all the boxes – at least according to me! During my many recipe tests, I tried with butter only, with canola oil, and settled with the use of both for a buttery yet moist texture. I also used buttermilk in the recipe and balanced it all with just the right amount of leavening. This cornbread has everything you love about cornbread and is ready within 30 minutes. P.e.r.f.e.c.t.i.o.n.

Why this is the BEST Homemade Cornbread

  • A perfectly moist crumb with slightly crunchy edges
  • Just the right amount of sweetness
  • Easy to make and to customize too!
Here's the best homemade cornbread recipe. It has a beautiful crumb, perfectly moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness.

Key recipe ingredients

  • Yellow cornmeal + flour. I used equal parts of cornmeal and flour to provide the best texture with crispy edges.
  • Leavening agents + salt. It’s very important to use the right amount of baking powder and baking soda to achieve the perfect lift. You want it fluffy, but still moist in the inside, and in no way dense or dry in texture.
  • Butter + vegetable oil. While many cornbread recipes call for butter only, I found that using a mix of melted butter and canola oil enables the cornbread to stay moist longer while still being perfectly buttery. The best of both worlds.
  • Buttermilk. I love using buttermilk to bring moistness in my baked goods, and this cornbread recipe is no exception.
  • Sugar + honey. I recommend using both sugar and honey for best flavor and texture. The cornbread is slightly sweet, but not overly sweet either.

Yellow cornmeal: A must for cornbread! Yellow cornmeal is made from dried and ground corn kernels, and it has a coarse texture. It gives the bread its beautiful golden-brown color and grainy, delicious consistency.

Here's the best homemade cornbread recipe. It has a beautiful crumb, perfectly moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness.

How to make the best homemade cornbread

Cornbread from scratch? Is that even a thing? Well believe me, it doesn’t require much effort to make and it’s delicious eaten almost right out from the oven. To make the best cornbread, simply whisk all the dry ingredients together in one bowl, all the wet ingredients in a separate bowl, and combine together. And most importantly, enjoy while still warm, with some butter and honey drizzled on top. Try it too, you’ll thank me later!

Here's the best homemade cornbread recipe. It has a beautiful crumb, perfectly moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Here's the best homemade cornbread recipe. It has a beautiful crumb, perfectly moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Here's the best homemade cornbread recipe. It has a beautiful crumb, perfectly moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Here's the best homemade cornbread recipe. It has a beautiful crumb, perfectly moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Here's the best homemade cornbread recipe. It has a beautiful crumb, perfectly moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Here's the best homemade cornbread recipe. It has a beautiful crumb, perfectly moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness.

Cornbread variations and mixed ins

I like my cornbread plain or with mix-ins. You can for instance add some corn kernels or sliced jalapeños. Another option is to create muffins out of this cornbread recipe. Got some stale leftovers? Simply make cornbread croutons out of them and gently fry in a pan with some butter. Delicious with soup!

Storing and freezing instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, and then transfer to the refrigerator. You can also freeze cornbread. To do so, allow the cornbread to cool completely, then slice in individual portions and place in a freezer bag. You can reheat frozen cornbread in the microwave, or simply thaw at room temperature.

Here's the best homemade cornbread recipe. It has a beautiful crumb, perfectly moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness.

What to serve with cornbread?

Chilis and soups are my favorite meals to enjoy with a side of cornbread. Non-vegetarians will also like it with some roast. Also, make sure you check my Thanksgiving recipes for even more inspiration!

Here's the best homemade cornbread recipe. It has a beautiful crumb, perfectly moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Print

Best Homemade Cornbread

Here's the best homemade cornbread recipe. It has a beautiful crumb, perfectly moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Print
  • Author: Delphine Fortin
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x
  • Category: Sides
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Here’s the best homemade cornbread recipe out there. Perfectly moist, tender and fluffy, it has a beautiful crumb with just the right amount of sweetness.

Email me this recipe

We’ll send it straight to your inbox, along with weekly food inspiration!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (150g) yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) canola oil
  • ¼ cup (60g) salted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) honey
  • 1 ¼ cup (30 cl) buttermilk*
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) square baking dish, and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together canola oil, melted butter, sugar, and honey. Add buttermilk, eggs and whisk until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined (do not overmix).
  4. Pour into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is set, lightly golden-brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cornbread comes out clean. Allow to slightly cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

* For homemade buttermilk, simply add 1 Tablespoon lemon juice to a measuring cup, and add whole milk up to 1 ¼ cup (30 cl). Let sit for about 5 minutes, and it’s ready to use.

Sides

Did you make this recipe?

Lastly, if you make this Best Homemade Cornbread, be sure to leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, letting me know how you liked it. And of course, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Thank you and enjoy!