Name: Sweet Southern Cornbread Recipe – A Buttery, Golden Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2 cups buttermilk; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature (for greasing); 3 tablespoons oil; 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour; 2 cups corn flour (masa flour); 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 teaspoons baking soda

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If there’s one thing that instantly brings warmth to the heart and home, it’s a slice of homemade Sweet Southern Cornbread. This isn’t just any cornbread—it’s perfectly sweet, buttery, and tender, with a golden crust that gives way to a moist, melt-in-your-mouth interior. Whether served alongside a steaming bowl of chili, smothered in honey butter, or enjoyed on its own, this Southern staple is pure comfort food.

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! If you love classic Southern flavors, be sure to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a recipe like this one.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Southern Cornbread

Perfectly balanced sweetness – The sugar enhances the flavor without overpowering the rich, buttery taste
Moist and tender – Thanks to buttermilk and a blend of flours, every bite is soft yet structured
Golden and crisp on the outside – That irresistible contrast of textures makes this cornbread absolutely addictive
Easy to make – No fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just mix, pour, and bake

What Does This Sweet Southern Cornbread
Taste Like

This cornbread is the perfect harmony of sweet, buttery, and slightly tangy flavors. The buttermilk gives it a tender crumb, while the melted butter and oil create a rich, moist texture. The golden crust is slightly crisp, making every bite a delight

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Southern-style sweet cornbread, you’ll need the following ingredients

2 large eggs – Provides structure and moisture
2 cups granulated sugar – Adds the signature sweetness
2 cups buttermilk – Keeps the cornbread soft and moist
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Enhances the rich, buttery flavor
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature – For greasing the pan
3 tablespoons oil – Helps create a moist texture and crisp crust
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour – Gives the cornbread structure
2 cups corn flour (masa flour) – Adds a light, corn-forward flavor
2 teaspoons kosher salt – Enhances all the flavors
2 teaspoons baking soda – Helps the cornbread rise and stay fluffy

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
9×13-inch baking pan or cast iron skillet
Spatula
Wire rack (for cooling)

How to Make Sweet Southern Cornbread

This cornbread comes together in just a few simple steps

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or cast iron skillet with 1 tablespoon of butter

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined. Stir in the buttermilk, melted butter, and oil until smooth

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, masa flour, salt, and baking soda

Step 4: Mix the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan or skillet, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the cornbread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite toppings

What to Serve with Sweet Southern Cornbread

This cornbread is incredibly versatile! Here are a few delicious pairings

Classic comfort meals – Perfect alongside chili, soups, and stews
Southern-style BBQ – Serve with ribs, pulled pork, or fried chicken
Sweet toppings – Drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or fruit preserves
Savory spreads – Slather with garlic butter or herb-infused cream cheese

Tips for the Best Sweet Southern Cornbread

Use buttermilk – It enhances the flavor and texture, making the cornbread extra tender
Don’t overmix the batter – A few lumps are okay! Overmixing can make the cornbread dense
Bake in a cast iron skillet – This creates an extra-crispy crust
Let it rest before slicing – This helps the cornbread set for perfect, clean slices

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Southern Cornbread

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days
Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week
Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Cornbread Gluten-Free

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend

Can I Use Regular Cornmeal Instead of Masa Flour

Yes, but masa flour gives the cornbread a softer texture and richer flavor. If using cornmeal, choose a fine-ground variety

How Do I Make This Cornbread Less Sweet

Reduce the sugar to 1 cup for a more balanced, slightly sweet cornbread

Can I Add Mix-Ins

Absolutely! Try adding

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist
1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor
1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels for extra texture

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Southern Cornbread is everything you love about traditional cornbread—soft, buttery, sweet, and golden brown. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal and is sure to be a family favorite. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!

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More Southern Recipes You’ll Love

Easy Butter Cake – A simple, rich cake that melts in your mouth
Caramel Pecan Carrot Heaven Cake – The ultimate indulgence for carrot cake lovers
Coconut Pineapple Banana Bread – A tropical twist on a classic

Let’s get baking! 🍯💛