The Ultimate Honey Cornbread (Melt-in-Your-Mouth!)

Imagine a cornbread so tender and moist it practically melts in your mouth, with a beautiful golden crust and a sweet, unmistakable flavor of pure honey. That, my friends, is the comforting, simple perfection of this Honey Cornbread. This isn’t a dry, crumbly cornbread; it’s a rich, cake-like version that will instantly become the only cornbread recipe you’ll ever need. It is, without a doubt, the perfect companion to any hearty meal or holiday feast.

I promise you, this recipe is as foolproof as it is delicious. It’s a simple, one-bowl wonder that comes together in minutes. The aroma that will fill your kitchen as it bakes—that warm, sweet scent of corn and honey—is pure, nostalgic comfort. Served warm from the oven with a generous pat of butter, it is truly a slice of heaven.

Get ready to master the art of the perfect sweet cornbread and create a batch that will have everyone reaching for a second piece.

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Why This Will Be Your Go-To Cornbread Recipe!

You are going to be completely obsessed with the tender, sweet flavor of this incredible cornbread. It is a guaranteed hit. Here’s why you have to make it:

• Incredibly Moist and Tender: Thanks to the heavy cream and honey, this cornbread has a rich, almost cake-like texture that is never dry or crumbly. It truly melts in your mouth!
• Beautifully Sweet Honey Flavor: The honey doesn’t just add sweetness; it provides a wonderful, distinct floral flavor that pairs perfectly with the cornmeal.
• Ridiculously Easy to Make: This is a true one-bowl recipe that you can whip up in about 10 minutes. It’s perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• The Perfect Companion to Any Meal: It’s the ideal side for a bowl of chili, a hearty stew, a barbecue feast, or as a beloved part of a New Year’s or holiday spread.
• Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: This recipe uses classic pantry staples to create something truly special and delicious.

Recipe Snapshot

Your Shopping List for This Sweet Cornbread

This recipe uses simple, classic baking staples to create its unforgettable flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

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→ For the Cornbread

• 1 cup all-purpose flour → Provides the structure for our tender crumb.
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal → The heart of our cornbread, giving it its signature flavor and texture.
• ¼ cup white sugar → Just enough to enhance the sweetness of the honey and corn.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder → To give the cornbread a beautiful, even rise.
• 1 cup heavy cream → The secret ingredient for an incredibly rich and moist cornbread.
• 2 large eggs → Lightly beaten, to bind the batter and add richness.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil → Ensures a super moist texture.
• ¼ cup honey → For that wonderful, signature sweet flavor.

Let’s Get Baking! Your Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to make the best cornbread of your life? This one-bowl process is unbelievably quick and easy.

Part 1: Mix the Batter

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, sugar, and baking powder. Use a whisk to make sure everything is evenly combined.
3. Make a Well: Using a spoon, form a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the heavy cream, lightly beaten eggs, vegetable oil, and honey directly into the well.
5. Mix Until Just Combined: Stir the wet and dry ingredients together with a spatula or wooden spoon only until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.

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Part 2: Bake and Serve

6. Fill the Pan: Pour the finished batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the cornbread cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing and serving. It is absolutely irresistible served warm with a generous pat of butter.

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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Honey Cornbread

This sweet and tender Honey Cornbread is incredibly moist, with a rich, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth. A simple, one-bowl recipe that’s ready in 30 minutes and is the perfect companion to any meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern-Inspired

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup honey

Equipment

• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Large Bowl

Method

 

Part 1: Mix the Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. Stir together flour, cornmeal, sugar, and baking powder in a large bowl. Form a well in the center.
3. Add the cream, eggs, oil, and honey into the well. Stir until just well combined. Do not overmix.

Part 2: Bake and Serve

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes.
3. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t Overmix: For the most tender crumb, mix the batter only until the ingredients are just combined. A few small lumps are okay!

Heavy Cream is Key: The heavy cream provides incredible richness and moisture that makes this cornbread stand out.

Serve Warm: This cornbread is at its absolute best when served warm from the oven, with a pat of melting butter.

Nutritional Information Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Honey Cornbread

These simple secrets will ensure your cornbread is flawlessly moist and delicious every single time.

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter. This is the most important rule for tender quick breads. Mix only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour and will result in a tough, dense cornbread instead of a light and tender one.
2. The Heavy Cream is a Game-Changer. While you can substitute with milk or buttermilk, the high fat content of heavy cream is what gives this specific cornbread its incredibly rich flavor and ultra-moist, tender texture. It’s worth using if you have it!
3. Don’t Overbake. Keep a close eye on the cornbread as it approaches the 20-minute mark. As soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, it’s done. Overbaking is the fastest way to get a dry cornbread.
4. Grease Your Pan Well. To ensure your beautiful cornbread comes out in perfect squares, make sure to grease your baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
5. For an Extra Rich Crust, Use a Cast-Iron Skillet. If you have a 9-inch cast-iron skillet, you can preheat it in the oven with a tablespoon of butter or oil. Pouring the batter into the hot, greased skillet will create an unbelievably crispy, golden crust.

Keep It Fresh! Storing Your Cornbread

This cornbread is so good, you might not have leftovers! But if you do, here’s how to store it.

• Storage: Once the cornbread has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.

FAQs: Your Honey Cornbread Questions, Answered!

Is this cornbread sweet or savory?

This is definitely a sweet-style cornbread, characteristic of Northern-style cornbread recipes. The combination of sugar and a generous amount of honey makes it sweet, moist, and almost cake-like, as opposed to the more savory, crumbly Southern-style cornbreads.

Can I make this into muffins?

Yes, absolutely! This batter works beautifully for muffins. Simply grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin, fill each cup about two-thirds full, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Of course. Any neutral-flavored oil will work perfectly. Canola oil, sunflower oil, or even a light olive oil can be used instead of vegetable oil. You can also use melted butter for an even richer flavor.

Can I add any mix-ins?

This is a fantastic base for additions! You could fold in a cup of corn kernels (fresh or frozen and thawed), a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, or some chopped jalapeños for a sweet and spicy kick.

Final Thoughts: A Slice of Pure Comfort

There is nothing quite like the smell and taste of a warm, sweet, homemade cornbread fresh from the oven. This Honey Cornbread is the epitome of simple, rustic baking, delivering huge flavor and comforting texture with minimal effort. It’s a timeless recipe that I know will earn a permanent place in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!