The Best Homemade Sweet Cornbread Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade sweet cornbread is perfect for any occasion, and once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to whip up in no time.
- Sweet and savory balance: The hint of sweetness pairs perfectly with savory dishes, making it a versatile side.
- Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry.
- Quick bake time: It’s ready in under 30 minutes, so you can enjoy it fresh and warm.
Recipe

This homemade sweet cornbread recipe is a classic comfort food that’s soft, moist, and slightly sweet—perfect as a side dish or enjoyed on its own. Made with simple ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and pairs wonderfully with chili, soups, or barbecue.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3½ tsp baking powder
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or square baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, egg, and milk until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes:
- For extra sweetness, drizzle honey over the warm cornbread.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Equipment:
- 9-inch round cake pan or square baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20–25 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 8 slices
Nutrition
This sweet cornbread recipe offers a delicious treat with balanced nutritional content. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 4g |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my sweet cornbread with a big bowl of savory chili—it’s the perfect balance of flavors, and the cornbread soaks up all that delicious broth. A warm bowl of soup, like creamy tomato or hearty chicken noodle, also makes a cozy companion, especially on chilly nights. Trust me, once you try these combos, you’ll never want to eat cornbread alone again!
Savory Chili Pairing
When you’re whipping up a batch of savory chili, pairing it with something warm and comforting, like homemade sweet cornbread, can elevate the whole meal. I love how the sweet, slightly crumbly texture of cornbread balances the rich, spicy flavors of chili. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce from your bowl. Sometimes, I’ll even crumble a piece right into the chili for an extra hearty bite. Together, they create a cozy, satisfying combo that feels like a hug on a chilly evening. It’s my go-to pair for family dinners or game-day gatherings.
Warm Soup Complements
Whether you’re serving up a creamy tomato soup or a hearty chicken noodle, having the right side dish can turn a simple bowl into a full, satisfying meal. My go-to is sweet cornbread—its crumbly texture and hint of sweetness balance savory soups perfectly. I love dunking a warm slice into a bowl of spicy black bean soup or pairing it with a rich butternut squash bisque. Even a classic broccoli cheddar feels cozier with a buttery wedge on the side. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll never want soup without it!