Honey Cornbread

Cornbread requires little effort to whisk up, so why not push the boundaries on its flavor profiles? Enter this honey cornbread recipe that fuses nature’s nectars into a moist baked good. It demands little prep time and can add warm, comforting bites to your next dinner spread.

Let’s be honest: Baking honey cornbread is a piece of cake. Deciding what to serve it with is the real challenge. Do you plate it with a heaping pile of simmered black-eyed peas? Should you nestle it next to crispy fried chicken? Or can you make it the all-star side of a hearty chili? With this cakey delight, the possibilities expand far and wide.

Honey Cornbread Ingredients

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• All-purpose flour: The gluten in flour contributes to the cakey and light texture of the cornbread.
• Cornmeal: Cornmeal adds sweetness to your batter, creating that comforting, nostalgic corn flavor.
• Sugar: To achieve caramelized crusty edges, fold sugar into the batter.
• Baking powder: Baking powder gets mixed into the bowl of dry ingredients to create an airy and fluffy cornbread.
• Eggs: The eggs help form the cakey structure of your honey cornbread and provide moisture to its crumb.
• Heavy whipping cream: Fold heavy cream into the batter to infuse those rich and comforting flavors into your honey cornbread.
• Canola oil: The fat in this recipe helps create an ultra-tender and moist texture.
• Honey: Pouring honey into the batter will help the cornbread become golden brown when baking.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients

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Preheat your oven to 400°F. Mix the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

Step 2: Whisk the wet ingredients

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Whisk the eggs, heavy whipping cream, canola oil, and honey in a medium bowl.

Editor’s Tip: Fold in room-temperature eggs to achieve fluffier and cakier cornbread.

Step 3: Combine the wet and dry ingredients and bake.

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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and stir until they are just combined. Don’t overmix your batter, lumps are okay. Take a 9-inch square baking pan and grease it. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth it out. Bake the cornbread until it turns golden brown.

Editor’s Tip: Use a toothpick to poke your honey cornbread while it’s baking. If it comes out clean it’s ready to remove from the oven.

Honey Cornbread Recipe Variations

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• Make honey butter sauce: Mix honey with softened butter and spread it on your warm cornbread for a sweet bite.
• Fold bacon into the mix: If you gravitate towards sweet and salty bites, toss in smoky bacon.
• Infuse spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon, saffron, or sage to enhance the flavor of your honey cornbread recipe.

How to Store Honey Cornbread

Pack your honey cornbread in an airtight container and store it at room temperature for three to five days. Avoid refrigerating your baked goods, as this environment may cause them to dry out.

Can you make honey cornbread ahead of time?

Consider making this honey cornbread in advance to get a head start on your dinner prep. This delicious baked good can be stored at room temperature for three to four days in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply wrap it in aluminum foil and reheat it in the oven at 350° for three to five minutes until it’s warm and tender.

Honey Cornbread Tips

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What type of pan should you use for honey cornbread?

Reach for a cast iron or cake pan to bake your cornbread. These pans maintain consistent heat, which helps your baked goods cook evenly.

Can you make honey corn muffins with this batter?

This honey cornbread batter can easily transform into muffins. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased cupcake pan and bake. They may take a few minutes less than the cornbread recipe, but you’ll know they’re ready when the tops turn golden brown.

What type of cornmeal should you use for honey cornbread?

The type of cornmeal you use in your batter depends on your preferences. Ground cornmeal delivers a smoother and cakier texture. If you prefer rustic bites, mix in medium-coarse cornmeal.

What can I serve with honey cornbread?

Honey cornbread is versatile. You can have it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. It truly pairs well with any cuisine, but it shines alongside Southern staples like collard greens, mac and cheese, and fried chicken.