This Honey Butter Cornbread recipe offers a delightful balance of comfort and practicality.
What makes it stand out is the perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors thanks to the creamed corn and honey butter glaze.
With a soft, moist texture and golden crust, it’s satisfying on its own or as a side dish for hearty meals.
While traditional cornbread leans indulgent, this version incorporates creamed corn, which adds natural sweetness, fiber, and plant-based nutrients.
The use of vegetable oil provides heart-healthy fats with lower saturated fat content than butter-heavy alternatives.
Eggs and milk contribute a modest amount of protein, making this a more complete snack or meal companion.
Quick to prepare and bake in under an hour, it’s an ideal go-to for weeknights, potlucks, or meal prepping. It reheats beautifully, making leftovers just as enjoyable.
This recipe combines ease, flavor, and nourishment — making it a smart choice for everyday cooking.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
Perfect for achieving that crispy, golden crust, this skillet retains heat evenly and transitions seamlessly from stovetop to oven. A timeless, durable piece every home cook needs.
OXO Good Grips Mixing Bowls (Set of 3)
Essential for separating and blending wet and dry ingredients, these bowls feature non-slip bottoms and easy-pour spouts — ideal for organized, mess-free mixing.
Pyrex 3-Quart Glass Baking Dish (13×9 inch)
A must-have for baking evenly cooked cornbread. Its transparent design lets you monitor browning, while its versatility makes it great for casseroles, lasagna, and more.
Wilton Silicone Pastry Brush
Used to brush the honey butter mid-bake, this heat-resistant brush ensures even coating and is easier to clean than traditional bristle brushes — great for marinades and glazes too.
KPKitchen Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons Set
Accurate measuring is key for baking success. This durable set ensures precision for both dry and wet ingredients, making it a staple in any serious cook’s arsenal.
Cornbread with Honey Butter
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Honey Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once fully melted, stir in the honey until smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat and set aside. (Alternatively, microwave the butter and honey in a heat-safe bowl in 15-second intervals until melted and combined.)
- Preheat and Prep the Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish or a large cast iron skillet with oil or non-stick spray. This ensures easy removal and gives the cornbread a lightly crisp edge.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these first helps evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs. Add in the milk, creamed corn, and vegetable oil. Stir until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
- Bring the Batter Together: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the well. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — the batter should be slightly lumpy but cohesive.
- Bake the Cornbread: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan or skillet. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Glaze and Finish Baking: About 20 minutes into baking, carefully remove the pan from the oven and brush a generous layer of the prepared honey butter over the top. Return it to the oven to finish baking, allowing the glaze to seep in and form a subtle golden crust.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cornbread to cool in the pan for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra honey butter drizzled on top for an irresistible finish.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Freezing Tip: Cornbread freezes well! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and warm before serving.
- Pan Substitutions: A cast iron skillet gives a crispier edge, while a glass or ceramic baking dish yields a soft, uniform bake.
- Sweetness Level: If you prefer a less sweet cornbread, reduce the sugar to ¾ cup.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk or oat milk and a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
Chef’s Secrets for Best Texture
Achieving the perfect honey butter cornbread texture comes down to balance and attention to mixing.
One of the most common mistakes is overmixing the batter — this activates the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a dense or rubbery crumb.
Stir gently and only until the wet and dry ingredients are just incorporated.
Another tip: allow your eggs and milk to come to room temperature before mixing.
This helps the batter bind smoothly and bake evenly.
For a golden, slightly crisp crust, preheat your cast iron skillet or baking dish in the oven while you mix your batter.
Pouring the batter into a hot pan immediately starts the crust-forming process.
Lastly, brushing honey butter mid-bake, not just at the end, allows the glaze to sink into the top and caramelize lightly for deeper flavor.
Creative and Delicious Serving Ideas
This cornbread is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes.
For a classic comfort meal, serve it alongside chili, BBQ ribs, or fried chicken — the subtle sweetness balances spice and smoky flavors perfectly.
For a lighter touch, pair it with a fresh salad and roasted vegetables.
In the morning, warm up a slice and top with an extra drizzle of honey butter, or even a spoonful of fruit preserves, for a cozy breakfast or brunch. Hosting a dinner party?
Serve cornbread squares in a breadbasket with whipped butter or honey butter on the side. You can even cube leftovers and use them in a savory cornbread stuffing or breakfast strata the next day.
How to Store and Reheat
To keep your cornbread fresh, allow it to cool completely before storing.
For short-term storage, wrap slices in foil or plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
If you’d like to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to five days. For best texture, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
To freeze, wrap the cooled cornbread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Label and freeze for up to two months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen using low oven heat to preserve moisture.
Top Questions About This Recipe
1. Can I make this cornbread gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture will remain soft and moist with very minimal change in flavor.
2. Is there a substitute for creamed corn?
If you don’t have creamed corn, mix 1½ cups of canned or frozen corn with ¼ cup of milk and blend partially to mimic the consistency. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will maintain moisture and corn flavor.
3. Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. While 1 cup of sugar creates a sweet, cake-like cornbread, you can reduce it to ½ or ¾ cup for a more traditional, savory version. Just avoid removing all the sugar, as it also contributes to the tender crumb.
4. How do I keep the cornbread moist?
The combination of eggs, milk, oil, and creamed corn helps keep the cornbread moist. To preserve moisture after baking, avoid overbaking and be sure to cover or store it properly once cooled.
5. Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?
Yes, buttermilk adds a slightly tangy richness and can enhance the tenderness of the crumb. If using buttermilk, reduce the baking powder to 1 tablespoon and add ½ teaspoon of baking soda to balance acidity.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.