Cornbread is a timeless comfort food, loved especially in Southern American cuisine for its warm, rustic flavor and tender texture. There’s something incredibly satisfying about a fresh slice—slightly crumbly, golden, and fragrant—right out of the oven. When paired with sweet, creamy honey butter, it becomes a treat that feels both homestyle and indulgent.
Whether you're serving it alongside chili, barbecue, fried chicken, or enjoying it warm with coffee or tea, cornbread transforms simple ingredients into something wonderful. This recipe strikes the perfect balance: moist yet lightly crumbly, buttery yet not overly rich, and sweet without overpowering the natural corn flavor.
I love this cornbread recipe because it’s incredibly simple, quick to make, and never fails to impress. The lightly sweetened crumb and the melt-in-your-mouth honey butter make each bite irresistible. It’s versatile enough to serve for breakfast, dinner, or as a holiday table essential.
You should try this recipe because:
✔ It’s easy and beginner-friendly
✔ Uses basic pantry ingredients
✔ Ready in under 30 minutes
✔ Works for everyday meals or special occasions
✔ Perfect pairing for soups, stews, and grilled dishes
Once you try homemade cornbread with honey butter, the boxed versions won’t compare.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20–25 minutes |
| Total Time | 30–35 minutes |
| Servings | 8–10 slices |
| Cuisine | Southern / American |
| Course | Side Dish / Bread |
| Calories | ~290 calories per serving (including honey butter) |
For the Cornbread:
For the Honey Butter:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan or cast-iron skillet.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk:
Step 4: Combine
Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix—some lumps are okay.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 20–25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 6: Make Honey Butter
Mix softened butter with honey and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Serve
Let cornbread cool slightly, slice, and spread generously with honey butter.

Serve cornbread:
Warm with honey butter (best!)
Alongside soups, stews, or chili
With barbecue or grilled meats
As part of a breakfast plate with eggs
Chunky Sweet Corn
Add ½ cup fresh, canned, or frozen corn kernels.
Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar
Add:
Maple Cornbread
Replace sugar with maple syrup and honey with maple butter.
Whole Grain Version
Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour.
| Method | Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature (airtight) | 2–3 days |
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Reheat in the oven or microwave and refresh with a little butter.
Honey butter can be stored in the fridge for 2 weeks or frozen for 3 months.
Cornbread with Honey Butter is a simple yet unforgettable recipe that brings warmth, nostalgia, and delicious flavor to any meal. With its tender crumb and beautifully sweet topping, it’s a side dish that feels special enough for holidays yet easy enough for everyday dinners. Once you make it from scratch, it’ll become a regular part of your kitchen traditions.
Cornbread is a timeless comfort food, loved especially in Southern American cuisine for its warm, rustic flavor and tender texture. There’s something incredibly satisfying about a fresh slice—slightly crumbly, golden, and fragrant—right out of the oven. When paired with sweet, creamy honey butter, it becomes a treat that feels both homestyle and indulgent.