You’ve got to try The Best Buttermilk Cornbread—it’s moist, tender, and perfectly sweet. It’s so good, it vanishes within minutes!
You are going to love this Buttermilk Cornbread recipe. Made with a blend of cornmeal and flour, this golden bread gets its richness from buttermilk and butter, creating a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet.
This buttermilk cornbread is moist, tender, and oh-so flavorful. It’s bakes up beautifully every time, and I love pairing it with my lentil white bean chili, Instant Pot beef chili, or jalapeno lime chicken chili!
Table of Contents
Recipe Ingredients
- Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and moist texture to the cornbread.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness to this recipe.
- Cornmeal: Offers a slightly grainy texture and that distinct cornbread flavor.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Substitute for Buttermilk: Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or fresh lemon juice into 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it to maintain the tangy flavor and texture.
- Lactose Intolerant Substitutes: If you are lactose intolerant, try almond milk or coconut milk instead of buttermilk, and use your usual butter alternative.
How to Make the Best Buttermilk Cornbread
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray or lightly butter an 8×8-inch glass or metal baking pan, and set aside.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and honey. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, beating until the mixture is smooth. Add the buttermilk and mix to combine.
Step 3: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula until only a few lumps remain. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with the spatula to create an even layer. Allow the batter to sit for 3 minutes before placing it in the oven to bake.
Step 4: Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. You may need to place a piece of foil over the top at the 20-minute mark to prevent over-browning. Remove from the oven, brush the top with butter, and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Expert Tips
- Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for 10 minutes after mixing. This allows the cornmeal to absorb the liquids, resulting in a more tender cornbread.
- Use Cooking Spray: Use cooking spray on the baking pan to ensure the cornbread doesn’t stick and comes out easily after baking.
FAQs
I would suggest using cupcake liners and baking for 12-18 minutes. Check at 12 minutes, then every 2-3 minutes until done.
Yes, you can make this in a cast iron skillet! To do so, start by putting a tablespoon of shortening in a hot skillet and place it in the oven at 425°F (220°C) until the shortening melts and you have finished mixing your batter. Carefully remove the pan and place it on a metal cooling rack. Pour the batter into the sizzling pan and return it to the oven for about 20 minutes. Check to ensure it is cooking through and not browning too much on top.
Storage Info
STORE Homemade Cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To FREEZE, place in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.
To REHEAT, thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds until heated through.
More Delicious Bread Recipes to Try
The Best Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter - (1 stick) melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 eggs - room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk - room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
For the Topping
- 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter - melted, for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray or lightly butter an 8×8-inch glass or metal baking pan, and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and honey. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, beating until the mixture is smooth. Add the buttermilk and mix to combine.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spatula until only a few lumps remain. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with the spatula to create an even layer. Allow the batter to sit for 3 minutes before placing it in the oven to bake.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. You may need to place a piece of foil over the top at the 20-minute mark to prevent over-browning. Remove from the oven, brush the top with butter, and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Do not, I repeat DO NOT put baking soda in the recipe!! I have both baking soda and baking powder and the recipe calls for baking soda…so I mixed it in. My corn bread was completely ruined and only tasted the baking soda despite all the sugar and butter I wasted for it ?. Please don’t use baking soda. I completely ruined what would have been an amazing cornbread.
Did you use baking powder and did that do the trick for a fluffier cornbread?
Thanks,
Mo P.S. I was wondering why baking powder was not in the recipe. I think it would be a must for cornbread.
This is a follow up to my first comment section. Made the cornbread! My hubby loved it so I guess it’s good! I liked it except for the following, which I will correct for next time:
1. I used my very large cast iron skillet, so next time I need to double the recipe because the cornbread is on the skinny side.
2. Had no unsalted butter, so used regular butter. Next time I go grocery shopping I will stock up on unsalted butter. I think if I did not brush melted butter on the top, the slightly salty tasted would not have been there, but it is eatable.
I left out the sugar as I stated in my previous comments, used the honey. Very good!
This recipe sounds great! A while back I made cornbread from another recipe, I thought it was a bit dry but it did not crumble which was great. Today I searched Google for The Best Cornbread Recipe, and the description for your recipe sounded like what I was looking for, and It Is!
Being a transplant from CT to TN, I want to become as much Southern as i can! And all I’ve been reading about cornbread is that no true Southerner puts sugar in it. They say that it is a BREAD not a Cake!
So I’m going to omit the sugar, but keep the honey. I’m making it today for tomorrow. I’ll let you know how it comes out without the sugar.
Thank you for your wonderful recipes!
Absolutely great. I prepared exactly as prescribed and the cornbread was awesome. This receipe beats any and all boxed mixes any day!
Was a Thanksgiving treat! Made 24 muffins for 20 people and served buffet style along with all the other sides and an exorbitant array of food to eat. I watched them disappear from the tray and then their plates.
Perfect addition to holiday dinners!