Print

The Best Moist Cornbread Recipe

4.8 from 130 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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