If you’re looking for that perfect combination of comforting warmth and a touch of sweetness, this Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It’s a fluffy, tender cornbread with the natural richness of mashed sweet potatoes, along with a golden honey butter that melts over each slice for an irresistible finish. This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate and brings cozy autumn vibes anytime you make it. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty stew or simply enjoying it on its own, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory that nobody can resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, keeping things straightforward yet deeply flavorful. You’ll find that with simple pantry staples and fresh sweet potatoes, you can whip up a dish that’s bursting with taste and has a lovely texture and color, making it a standout at any table.
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes: Provides moisture, natural sweetness, and a beautiful orange hue.
- 1 cup cornmeal: Adds that classic grainy texture and true cornbread character.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Balances the cornmeal to keep the bread tender.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Enhances the overall sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Acts as the rising agent to make the bread light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk): Adds tang and moisture, contributing to softness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Imparts a rich, buttery texture throughout the bread.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind ingredients and add lift.
- 1/4 cup honey: Natural sweetener that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: For making the luscious honey butter on top.
- 1/4 cup honey (for honey butter): Blends with butter to create a sweet, creamy topping.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional): Perfectly balances the honey butter’s sweetness.
How to Make Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing an 8-inch square baking dish or a cast-iron skillet. This preparation step ensures your cornbread won’t stick and will brown beautifully on the edges, creating that fantastic crust.
Step 2: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potato
Boil, steam, or roast your sweet potato until it’s soft enough to mash smoothly. This step is key since the mashed sweet potato adds moisture and sweetness, infusing the cornbread with natural flavor and a lovely tender crumb. Let the mash cool slightly to avoid scrambling your eggs later on.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients form the base and structure of your cornbread, so whisking them together ensures even distribution for a consistent rise and texture.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes with buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and honey. Stir until everything is well incorporated — this mixture is the heart of your cornbread, bringing those rich, sweet, and tender elements together.
Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here, or the cornbread might turn out dense instead of light and fluffy.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the batter into your greased dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step brings all those flavors and textures together beautifully.
Step 7: Make the Honey Butter
While your cornbread bakes, whip together softened butter, honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This honey butter is the crowning glory of the recipe — generously slather it over warm slices to create a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow your cornbread to cool just a little before cutting into squares. Serve warm with a thick smear of that homemade honey butter, and prepare for compliments flying your way!
How to Serve Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary or thyme adds an unexpectedly delightful twist, complementing the sweetness and enhancing both color and aroma. For a more indulgent touch, drizzle extra honey on top of the butter before serving to make it extra glossy and sweet.
Side Dishes
This cornbread shines alongside savory hearty dishes like chili, pulled pork, or a rich stew. Its sweet undertones perfectly balance spicy or smoky flavors, making your meal both comforting and exciting. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables and fresh green salads for a lighter option.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe into bite-sized squares and serving it as a tasty appetizer with a dollop of whipped cream cheese or a slice of sharp cheddar on top. You can also turn leftovers into croutons for soups or salads, adding a sweet and crunchy surprise to your meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it stays fresh for about 2 days, while refrigeration extends its life up to a week without drying it out too much.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, slice the cornbread into portions and wrap each piece well before freezing. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for busy days when you need a quick comforting treat.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for around 10 minutes. You can also microwave individual pieces for a quick fix, but a slow oven reheat keeps the crust crisp and the interior perfectly moist.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
While regular potatoes can be used, they lack the natural sweetness and vibrant color that sweet potatoes contribute, which are key features of the Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe’s charm.
Is it okay to substitute the buttermilk?
You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk or add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to one cup of milk to mimic buttermilk’s tangy effect, which helps tenderize the bread.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free too. This adjustment maintains the texture while keeping the recipe safe for gluten sensitivities.
How sweet is this cornbread? Can I reduce the sugar?
This recipe strikes a moderate sweetness that complements the honey butter without overwhelming. You can reduce the sugar slightly, but be careful not to cut too much as it balances the flavors beautifully.
Can I prepare the batter the night before?
You can prepare the batter the night before, but allow it to come to room temperature before baking. Keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator. Freshly baked is always best, but this allows for a convenient morning bake.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm, welcoming friend at the dinner table, combining simple ingredients with an incredible taste that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you’re looking for a new staple to brighten up your weeknight meals or a comforting side for your holidays, this cornbread delivers every time with heart and soul. Grab those sweet potatoes and get baking—your kitchen and taste buds will thank you!
Print
Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread combines the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with the rustic texture of classic cornbread, enhanced by a rich honey butter spread. Perfectly moist and tender, this comforting side dish is ideal for holiday meals or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Cornbread Batter
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup honey
Honey Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish or a cast-iron skillet to ensure the cornbread doesn’t stick during baking.
- Cook and Mash Sweet Potato: Cook the sweet potato until soft, then mash until smooth. Set aside and allow it to cool slightly to blend smoothly with other ingredients.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes with buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and honey. Stir until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixes: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir the mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the cornbread tender.
- Bake the Cornbread: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish or skillet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Honey Butter: While the cornbread bakes, blend the softened butter with honey and salt until smooth and creamy, creating a delicious honey butter spread.
- Serve: Once baked, allow the cornbread to cool slightly. Serve warm with the homemade honey butter for a rich, sweet finish.
Notes
- Using buttermilk adds a slight tang and tender crumb, but regular milk is an acceptable substitute.
- Mashing the sweet potato smoothly ensures an even texture and sweetness throughout the cornbread.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cornbread.
- For an extra touch, warm the honey butter before serving to make it easier to spread.
- Cast-iron skillet baking helps achieve a crispy edge and rustic appearance but an 8-inch square baking dish works well too.
