The Best Moist Cornbread Recipe
This Best Moist Cornbread Recipe yields a tender, slightly sweet cornbread that is perfect as a side for any meal. Made with a blend of cornmeal and flour, enriched with honey and butter, and baked to golden perfection, it offers a moist crumb and rich flavor. Served warm with homemade honey butter, it’s an irresistible comfort food classic.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings (cut into 3x3 squares) 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Yellow Cornmeal (ground)
- 1 cup Flour
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons Butter (1/4 cup, melted)
- 1/4 cup Oil (canola, vegetable, or olive)
- 1 cup Milk (whole, 2%, or buttermilk)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 large Egg Yolk
Honey Butter
- 1/2 cup Butter (1 stick, softened)
- 1/4 cup Honey
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking dish or a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, or grease it thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray. For best results, lightly spray the pan even if using parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined to ensure an even distribution of leavening agents and seasonings.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Combine: Pour in the melted butter, oil, milk, honey, egg, and egg yolk into the dry mixture. Gently stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, which helps maintain a tender crumb throughout the cornbread.
- Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the cornmeal to absorb the liquids and soften. This step improves texture by giving the cornmeal time to hydrate.
- Bake the Cornbread: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 24 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye towards the end of baking to prevent overbaking.
- Cool and Optional Butter Brush: Remove the cornbread from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes. For additional moisture and flavor, you can melt 2-3 tablespoons of butter and lightly brush it on top of the hot cornbread immediately after baking.
- Prepare Honey Butter: While the cornbread cools, let 1/2 cup of butter soften to room temperature or warm it gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It should be soft but not melted. Stir in 1/4 cup honey until evenly combined, using a spoon or a hand mixer if you prefer a creamier consistency.
- Serve: Cut the cornbread into squares and serve warm, topped with a dollop or ball of honey butter placed on each piece. For a neat presentation, use a cookie scoop to shape the honey butter before placing it on the cornbread.
Notes
- Use buttermilk for a tangier flavor and slightly more tender crumb.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent tough cornbread.
- Letting the batter rest allows the cornmeal to fully hydrate, improving texture.
- Brushing the top with melted butter right after baking adds moisture and richness.
- Adjust sugar and honey levels to your taste preference for sweetness.
- Ensure cornbread is served warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Keywords: cornbread, moist cornbread, honey cornbread, homemade cornbread, baking, side dish, comfort food, easy cornbread recipe