Why You’ll Love this Sweet Southern Homemade Cornbread
This sweet Southern cornbread recipe has completely changed my cornbread game, and I’m confident it’ll do the same for yours. The perfect balance of sweetness (with that 3/4 cup sugar that you can bump to a full cup if you’re like me) creates a cake-like texture that stays moist for days—if it lasts that long. Who doesn’t love the golden, crispy edges contrasting with the tender center? The simple ingredients are probably already in your pantry, and the minimal prep makes this a weeknight possibility. Pair it with chili, barbecue, or just a smear of butter.
What Ingredients are in Sweet Southern Homemade Cornbread?
The beauty of this sweet Southern cornbread recipe lies in its simplicity—you probably have most of these ingredients already sitting in your pantry.
What makes this cornbread special is the higher sugar content compared to traditional versions, giving it that dessert-like quality that pairs perfectly with savory dishes. The combination of cornmeal and regular flour creates the ideal texture: not too crumbly, not too cake-like, but somewhere deliciously in between.
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar (can increase to 1 cup for sweeter cornbread)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters but doesn’t need to break the bank. For the cornmeal, either yellow or white works well, though yellow gives that classic golden color we associate with traditional cornbread.
If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can stick with the 3/4 cup measurement, but for a truly dessert-like experience, don’t be afraid to go with the full cup.
And while vegetable oil is specified, melted butter can be substituted for an even richer flavor profile—something I might try next time when serving this alongside a spicy bowl of chili.
How to Make this Sweet Southern Homemade Cornbread
Making this cornbread couldn’t be simpler, which is why it’s my go-to comfort food recipe. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—this temperature creates that perfect golden crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.
While the oven’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your dry ingredients: 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of sugar (or the full cup if you’re craving something sweeter), and 1 tablespoon of baking powder. Give these a good whisking to guarantee there are no lumps—nobody wants to bite into a pocket of baking powder, trust me.
Now for the wet ingredients. Add 2/3 cup of milk, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 egg to your dry mixture. Stir everything together until just combined—about 30 seconds of stirring should do it.
Over-mixing can make your cornbread tough, and we’re going for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, right? Pour the batter into a well-greased 9-inch round pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Pop it in the oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns that beautiful golden color we’re all looking for. Want to check if it’s done? The toothpick test never fails—stick it in the center, and if it comes out clean, you’re good to go.
Let the cornbread stand for about 5 minutes before cutting—though resisting the warm, sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen might be the hardest part of this recipe.
Sweet Southern Homemade Cornbread Substitutions and Variations
While our classic cornbread recipe delivers that perfect sweet southern comfort, sometimes you’ll need to make substitutions based on what’s in your pantry—or maybe you’re just feeling adventurous!
No milk? Try buttermilk for a tangier flavor, or even plain yogurt thinned with a splash of water.
Out of vegetable oil? Melted butter creates a richer taste, and who doesn’t love butter?
For a healthier twist, reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup or swap in honey.
Need it gluten-free? Replace regular flour with a gluten-free blend.
Want some texture? Fold in corn kernels, diced jalapeños, or shredded cheese right before baking.
What to Serve with Sweet Southern Homemade Cornbread
Now that you’ve mastered making the perfect cornbread, let’s talk about what to pair with it.
I love serving mine alongside a steaming bowl of chili—the sweet cornbread balances the spicy flavors beautifully.
For a true Southern meal, try it with collard greens and black-eyed peas, or alongside some fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Feeling more casual? Cornbread makes an excellent sidekick to barbecue chicken or a hearty beef stew.
During the holidays, I always include cornbread with my Thanksgiving spread.
The honey butter you can slather on top? Absolutely divine, trust me.
Final Thoughts
This humble cornbread recipe has truly stood the test of time in my kitchen. The perfect balance of sweetness and that classic corn flavor makes it a staple for any meal. You can’t go wrong with its golden crust and moist, tender center.
What I love most? Its versatility. From barbecues to chili nights, this cornbread complements practically everything. The simple ingredients likely already live in your pantry, ready whenever the craving strikes.
