Name: Irresistibly Moist Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe You'll Love
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (Melted); 2 large eggs (Room temperature); 1 cup low fat buttermilk (Room temperature); 1/4 cup honey; 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup all purpose flour; 1/4 cup white granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 2 tbsp butter (For rubbing the baking pan)

There’s something truly heartwarming about pulling a tray of golden-brown cornbread out of the oven, the steam rising up, filling the kitchen with a cozy, inviting aroma. I first whipped up this Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe during a chilly autumn afternoon, seeking comfort food that pairs perfectly with a hearty soup. The blend of sweet honey and rich buttermilk makes every bite a celebration of flavors, just begging to accompany your favorite meals or stand alone as a delightful snack.

What’s fantastic about this recipe is its incredible simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dish that feels special and indulgent. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone just looking to break free from the confines of fast food, this cornbread offers a satisfying escape into homemade goodness.

Imagine serving warm slices of this cornbread at your next gathering, alongside friends and family. Everyone will be asking for the secret behind its scrumptious flavor! Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why is this Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe special?

Deliciously Moist: This cornbread is perfectly moist thanks to the buttermilk, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip this up in no time, even on busy weeknights.

Versatile Pairing: Whether it’s served alongside chili, barbecued meats, or just with a pat of butter, this cornbread complements any dish beautifully.

Impressive Results: It’s so tasty that your friends will think you’ve spent hours in the kitchen creating a gourmet treat! For tips on making cornbread a centerpiece, check out my other recipe for a classic chili that pairs wonderfully.

Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe guarantees smiles around the table, making it the perfect way to win over guests or enjoy family time.

Buttermilk Cornbread Ingredients

• Get ready for a taste sensation!

For the Batter
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Melted to give your cornbread that rich, buttery flavor.
• 2 eggs – Essential for binding and adding a fluffy texture to your buttermilk cornbread.
• 1 cup low fat buttermilk – Ensures moistness and a slight tang that enhances the taste.
• 1/4 cup honey – Adds a touch of sweetness and caramel flavor—perfectly complements the cornbread!
• 1 cup cornmeal – The star ingredient that gives this recipe its delightful texture.
• 1 cup all purpose flour – Balances the cornmeal for a light and fluffy result.
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar – Sweetens the cornbread, making it irresistibly delicious.
• 2 tsp baking powder – Helps the cornbread rise beautifully, giving it that perfect crumb.
• 1/2 tsp baking soda – Enhances the leavening process for an airy texture.
• 1/4 tsp salt – Elevates the overall flavor profile of your buttermilk cornbread.
• 2 tbsp butter – For rubbing the baking pan to ensure easy release and a golden crust.

This Buttermilk Cornbread recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for both seasoned chefs and those looking for home-cooked comfort. Let’s get baking!

How to Make Buttermilk Cornbread

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures your cornbread bakes evenly and comes out perfectly fluffy.

Prepare the Pan: Take your 9×9 baking dish and rub it all over with 2 tablespoons of butter. This will help create a beautifully golden crust and prevent sticking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well blended for a consistent texture.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, low-fat buttermilk, and honey. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Whisk gently after each addition until everything is just combined—avoiding overmixing is key for fluffy cornbread!
Let it Rest: Allow the batter to sit for about 10 minutes. This helps it rise and gives a perfect texture to your finished cornbread.
Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. It should look rich and inviting as you prepare it for baking!

Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. If the top seems to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil after about 20 minutes.
Cool Down: Once baked, remove the cornbread from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before cutting. This not only helps with slicing but also enhances the flavors.

Optional: Serve with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey for extra deliciousness!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Buttermilk Cornbread

Room Temperature: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It will remain moist and ready for snacking or brunch!

Fridge: For longer freshness, wrap the cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. This helps retain its delightful texture.

Freezer: To freeze, slice the cornbread and place in a freezer bag, ensuring air is removed. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy.

Reheating: For best results, reheat slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven until warm, about 10 minutes at 350°F. This will bring back its fluffy and moist goodness!

What to Serve with Buttermilk Cornbread?

Create a cozy family meal with these delightful pairings that elevate your dining experience.

Chili: The warmth of spicy chili perfectly contrasts the sweet, moist cornbread, making every bite a delicious harmony of flavors.

Barbecue Ribs: Smoky, savory ribs beautifully balance the slight sweetness of cornbread, creating a satisfying feast that will impress your guests.
Creamy Soups: Pair with a hearty bowl of creamy tomato bisque or potato leek soup for a comforting meal that warms the soul.
Greens Salad: A fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch, enhancing the rich, buttery flavor of cornbread.

Honey Butter: Spread a generous layer of honey butter on warm slices to add an indulgent sweetness that complements the cornbread’s flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables brings out natural sweetness, providing a beautiful texture contrast to the crumbly cornbread.
Sweet Tea: Enjoy a refreshing glass of sweet tea on the side for a classic Southern touch that pairs wonderfully with any cornbread dish.

Fruit Compote: Serve with a dollop of warm fruit compote to add a burst of flavor and color—perfect for both breakfast and dessert!

Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe Variations

There’s so much to love about this recipe, and you can easily customize it to fit your taste buds!

Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Add Cheese: Mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar for a savory twist that deepens the flavor beautifully. Cheese lovers, rejoice!
Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a delightful heat that’s sure to wake up your taste buds.

Herb-Infused: Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme for a fragrant and herbal touch, making your cornbread feel gourmet.
Nutty Delight: Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness in every bite.
Fruit-Filled: Fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries or chopped strawberries for a sweet, fruity contrast to the buttery cornbread.

Buttermilk Substitute: Use yogurt or kefir instead of buttermilk for a slightly different tang while maintaining that moist texture.
Honey Variations: Swap honey with maple syrup or agave for a unique sweetness that gives a different flavor profile to your cornbread.

Feel free to try out these variations, and make this cornbread your own!

Make Ahead Options

These Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a comforting side dish without the hassle! You can mix the dry ingredients (cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The wet ingredients (butter, eggs, buttermilk, and honey) can be whisked together and kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the dry and wet mixtures, let the batter rest for 10 minutes, and then proceed to bake as directed. This way, your cornbread will still be just as moist and flavorful, saving you time without sacrificing quality!

Tips for the Best Buttermilk Cornbread

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and to help achieve that light, airy texture.

Don’t Overmix: Gently combine wet and dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to dense cornbread rather than the fluffy texture you desire.

Resting Time Matters: Allow the batter to rest for about 10 minutes before baking. This helps with rising and enhances the overall texture of your buttermilk cornbread.

Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center after 30 minutes. If it comes out clean, your cornbread is ready!

Keep it Covered: If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with foil to ensure even baking without burning the top.

Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe FAQs

What kind of buttermilk should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely, using low-fat buttermilk is ideal for this Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe. It provides the perfect balance of moisture and tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using.

How should I store leftover cornbread?
For room temperature storage, place your leftover cornbread in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer shelf life, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cornbread will still be moist and ready to enjoy whenever you’re craving a slice!

Can I freeze my buttermilk cornbread?
Yes! To freeze, slice the cornbread into individual pieces and place them in a freezer bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to savor it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as described earlier.

What should I do if my cornbread turns out too dense?
Very! A dense cornbread can happen for several reasons. To troubleshoot, make sure not to overmix your batter—gently fold the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Also, ensure that your leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) are fresh. If you accidentally added too much cornmeal, you can compensate by adding a bit more buttermilk to loosen the batter.

Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
This Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe contains common allergens such as eggs, butter, and wheat. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. For dairy-free alternatives, try using a non-dairy milk and substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based yogurt or a DIY buttermilk made with plant milk and vinegar. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure safety for allergy sufferers.