Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe

Try the Sweet & Savory Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe

Cornbread with honey butter takes traditional comfort food to delightful new heights.

Warm southern kitchens know the magic of combining sweet potatoes and golden cornmeal.

Soft, tender crumbles melt in your mouth with each incredible bite.

Southern comfort shines through this simple yet remarkable recipe.

Creamy honey butter creates a luxurious finish that makes every slice irresistible.

Grab a fork and get ready for a mouthwatering experience that celebrates classic southern baking.

How to Make Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Get your baking dish or cast-iron skillet ready by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Cornmeal
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re evenly blended.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend:
  • Mashed sweet potatoes
  • Eggs
  • Melted butter
  • Buttermilk

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread tender.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it evenly across the surface using a spatula.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the cornbread in the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes. The top should turn a beautiful golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean.

Step 7: Create Honey Butter

While the cornbread bakes, whip up the honey butter:
  • Softened butter
  • Honey

Mix these ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the cornbread cool slightly.

Slice and serve warm with a generous spread of honey butter on top.

Tips to Keep Sweet Potato Cornbread Moist and Soft

  • Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk to ensure even mixing and a smoother batter texture.
  • Mash sweet potatoes thoroughly to avoid lumps and create a consistent, velvety cornbread.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough, dense cornbread; stop stirring once ingredients are just combined.
  • Brush the top of the cornbread with extra melted butter right after baking for a golden, crispy crust.
  • Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Variations to Try with Sweet Potato Cornbread

  • Gluten-Free Cornbread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal mix for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap buttermilk with almond milk and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a lactose-free recipe.
  • Vegan Sweet Potato Cornbread: Use mashed banana or flax eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan butter to transform the recipe for plant-based diets.
  • Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and a sprinkle of cumin to the batter for a zesty, southwestern-inspired cornbread.

What Goes Well with Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread

  • Savor Spicy Chili Pairing: Complement the sweet and rich cornbread with a hearty, spicy chili that balances the bread's sweetness and adds warmth to each bite.
  • Explore Creamy Buttermilk Coleslaw: Serve alongside a tangy, creamy coleslaw that cuts through the cornbread's richness and provides a refreshing crunch.
  • Match Robust Red Wine: Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Malbec, which echoes the cornbread's sweet and earthy notes while enhancing its complex flavors.
  • Sip Southern Sweet Tea: Enjoy with a classic sweet tea that complements the honey butter's sweetness and provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the dense cornbread.

How to Store Sweet Potato Cornbread for Freshness

Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

Slice cornbread into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.

Preheat oven to 350F, wrap cornbread in aluminum foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This keeps the bread moist and maintains its original texture.

Wrap a slice in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds. The moisture prevents the cornbread from becoming tough or rubbery.

FAQs

  • What makes this cornbread different from traditional cornbread?

This cornbread features mashed sweet potatoes, which add natural sweetness, moisture, and a beautiful orange color to the classic cornbread recipe, creating a more nutritious and flavorful version.

  • Is this cornbread suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

While the recipe contains eggs and dairy, you can easily modify it by using plant-based butter and egg substitutes to make it vegan-friendly, and it’s naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free flour and cornmeal.

  • Can I prepare the honey butter in advance?

Yes, you can make the honey butter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just let it soften at room temperature before serving with the warm cornbread.

Why Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread Is Pure Comfort

  • Boost Comfort Factor: Indulge in a warm, hearty cornbread that combines sweet potato's rich flavor with classic Southern charm, creating a soul-satisfying dish perfect for cozy meals.
  • Simplify Cooking Process: Craft this delectable bread with straightforward ingredients and minimal prep, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels without complex techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Elevate your cornbread experience by drizzling homemade honey butter, adding a luxurious touch that transforms an already delightful recipe into a memorable treat.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy as a side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners, complementing various main courses and adding a delightful sweet and savory dimension to your meal.

Ingredients for Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread

For the Main Ingredients:
  • Sweet Potatoes: A vibrant orange root vegetable that adds moisture and natural sweetness to the cornbread.
  • Cornmeal: A coarse ground corn product that provides the classic cornbread texture and flavor.
  • Flour: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a tender crumb in the cornbread.
  • Eggs: Act as a crucial binding agent and contribute to the bread's structure.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft, tender texture.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Melted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps keep the cornbread moist.
  • Honey: Brings natural sweetness and complements the cornbread's flavor.
For the Seasoning and Leavening:
  • Baking Powder, Salt: Ensures the cornbread rises properly and enhances overall flavor.
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Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe

Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe


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4.8 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Southern comfort meets sweet indulgence in this honey butter sweet potato cornbread that blends rich, golden flavors into a delightful side dish. Warm slices paired with butter promise a delectable experience you’ll savor down to the last crumb.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup honey

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Honey Butter:

  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 1/4 cup honey

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Blend cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
  3. Whisk together mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, melted butter, and buttermilk in a separate bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
  5. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
  7. While cornbread bakes, create honey butter by blending softened butter and honey until silky and well-incorporated.
  8. Remove cornbread from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to set the structure and enhance flavor development.
  9. Slice and serve warm, accompanied by the luxurious honey butter for a rich, indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

  • Roast sweet potatoes beforehand for deeper, richer flavor that elevates the cornbread’s natural sweetness.
  • Swap buttermilk with plant-based milk and use egg replacer to create a vegan-friendly version that maintains moisture and texture.
  • Use cast-iron skillet for extra crispy edges and more even heat distribution, creating a perfectly golden crust.
  • Experiment with additional mix-ins like chopped jalapeños or crispy bacon bits to customize the cornbread and add unexpected texture and flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 323 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 280 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2.5 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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