Ultimate Homemade Sweet Cornbread Recipe: A Jiffy-Killer from Scratch

There’s something uniquely comforting about sweet cornbread. It’s a staple in many households, a warm hug on a cold day, and the perfect companion to so many savory dishes. My own love for all things bread, especially a perfectly baked slice of cornbread, inspired me to create this delicious recipe. This isn’t just any cornbread; it’s a sweet, moist, and incredibly flavorful version that stands out on its own but truly shines when paired with a hearty bowl of Chili Mac. Prepare for comfort food at its absolute finest, ladies and gentlemen, because this is the Sweet Cornbread you’ve been searching for!

The Quest for the Perfect Sweet Cornbread

For years, I’ve been on a personal culinary journey: to find or create a sweet cornbread recipe that could genuinely rival, if not surpass, the beloved Jiffy cornbread mix. Like many, I grew up with the convenience and familiar taste of Jiffy, and while those little blue boxes are always an easy option, I was determined to master a “from scratch” version. There’s an unparalleled satisfaction in baking something entirely from basic ingredients, and I wanted that experience with my cornbread. After numerous attempts and adjustments, I can confidently say that this recipe truly fits the bill. It delivers that perfect balance of sweetness and a wonderfully moist texture that makes it irresistible.

Crafting homemade chili is a labor of love, and the right seasoning makes all the difference. If you’re planning to make chili with this delightful sweet cornbread recipe, consider elevating your meal even further with this Homemade Chili Seasoning. It’s a game-changer!

There are affiliate links in this post. That means if you buy something from one of those links, I will earn a small commission, but it won’t cost you anything additional. This helps support the creation of more delicious recipes like this one!

Why Homemade Sweet Cornbread is a Game-Changer

While convenience mixes have their place, diving into the world of homemade sweet cornbread offers a host of benefits that are simply unmatched. When you bake from scratch, you have complete control over every ingredient. This means no artificial flavors, preservatives, or high-fructose corn syrup—just pure, wholesome goodness. The freshness of flavor is immediately noticeable; the cornmeal’s subtle earthiness and the rich butter come through beautifully. Beyond the ingredients, there’s an immense joy and sense of accomplishment that comes with creating something so delicious from raw components. You can also fine-tune the recipe to your exact preferences, adjusting the sweetness level or adding extra ingredients to make it truly your own.

The Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Texture

Achieving the ideal sweet cornbread means striking a delicate balance. It needs to be sweet enough to complement savory dishes or be enjoyed as a treat, but not so sweet that it tastes like cake. This recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. The texture is equally important – we’re aiming for a moist, tender crumb that isn’t too dry or crumbly, nor too dense. The combination of all-purpose flour and cornmeal provides a lovely structure, while sour cream and melted butter contribute significant moisture and richness, ensuring every bite is delightfully soft and flavorful.

Essential Ingredients for Your Sweet Cornbread

Creating this magnificent sweet cornbread requires a thoughtful selection of common pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect taste and texture:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness to the cornbread, ensuring it holds together beautifully.
• 1 cup cornmeal: The heart of any cornbread, delivering that classic grainy texture and authentic corn flavor. For a finer crumb, use fine-ground cornmeal; for a more rustic feel, medium-ground works well.
• 1/4 cup sugar: Adds the “sweet” to our sweet cornbread, balancing the savory notes of the cornmeal and making it incredibly appealing. You can slightly adjust this amount to taste, but 1/4 cup gives a pleasant, noticeable sweetness without being overwhelming.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: A leavening agent that helps the cornbread rise, contributing to a light and airy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Another leavening agent that reacts with the acidic sour cream to provide an additional lift and tender crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors and preventing the cornbread from tasting bland.
• 1 egg, lightly beaten: Acts as a binder, helping to hold the ingredients together, and adds richness and moisture.
• 1 cup sour cream: This is a secret weapon! Sour cream adds incredible moisture, a subtle tangy flavor that complements the sweetness, and helps activate the baking soda for a lovely rise and tender crumb.
• 1/3 cup milk: Provides the necessary liquid to bring the batter together, ensuring it’s the right consistency for baking. Whole milk is recommended for richness, but any milk will do.
• 1/4 cup butter, melted: Infuses the cornbread with a wonderful buttery flavor and contributes significantly to its moistness and tender texture. Using melted butter also makes for easy incorporation into the wet ingredients.

Helpful Kitchen Tools for Easy Baking

Having the right tools can make your baking experience much smoother and more enjoyable. For this sweet cornbread recipe, here are a few essentials:

• 8-inch square baking dish: The ideal size for baking this recipe, ensuring even cooking and perfect slices. A cast iron skillet of similar size can also be used for a crispy bottom!
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need at least two – one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients. Large bowls make mixing easier and less messy.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for combining ingredients without overmixing, which can lead to tough cornbread.
• Knife: For cleanly slicing your baked cornbread into perfect squares.
• Whisk: To ensure your dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and lump-free.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy in baking is key for consistent results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfect Sweet Cornbread

Baking this sweet cornbread is wonderfully straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful result:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure these are well combined to ensure even leavening throughout your cornbread.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, combine the lightly beaten egg, sour cream, milk, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir *just* until moistened. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will help keep your cornbread tender. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dry cornbread.
4. Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Ensure your dish is adequately greased to prevent sticking.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 20-25 minutes. The cornbread is done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
6. Serve Warm: Allow the cornbread to cool for a few minutes in the pan before slicing and serving. It’s truly best enjoyed warm!

Perfect Pairings for Your Sweet Cornbread

While this sweet cornbread is absolutely delicious on its own, it truly shines as a side dish, especially with hearty, comforting meals. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Classic Chili: There’s no better duo than sweet cornbread and a robust bowl of chili! Whether it’s a traditional beef chili, a spicy turkey chili, or a savory vegetarian version, the sweetness of the cornbread provides a fantastic contrast to the heat and depth of the chili. Try it with this 3 Bean Chili Recipe for a flavorful and filling meal.
• Creamy Chicken Chili: For a lighter, yet equally satisfying option, pair it with a creamy chicken chili. My Chicken Chili with Black Beans and Corn is a perfect match, offering a blend of textures and tastes that the cornbread beautifully complements.
• Soups and Stews: Beyond chili, this cornbread is excellent with any hearty soup or stew. Think beef stew, vegetable soup, lentil soup, or even a simple tomato soup. It’s perfect for dipping and soaking up all those delicious broths.
• BBQ Feasts: Don’t forget barbecue! Sweet cornbread is a fantastic addition to any BBQ spread, complementing pulled pork, ribs, brisket, or grilled chicken with its tender texture and sweet notes.
• Breakfast or Brunch: Yes, cornbread for breakfast! Slather a warm slice with butter, honey, or even maple syrup. Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a truly comforting morning meal.
• Creative Leftovers: Have leftover cornbread? Get creative! These Chili and Cornbread-Stuffed Peppers are an absolute must-try – a genius way to transform leftovers into an exciting new dish. YUM!

I genuinely hope you all enjoy this fantastic sweet cornbread recipe as much as I do. It’s a comforting classic that’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit!

This post was originally published on this blog on Oct. 20, 2008, and has been updated with expanded content and improved recipe formatting.

The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.