Homestyle Honey Cornbread with Sweet Corn Kernels Recipe
Introduction
Cornbread is a classic, comforting side that pairs perfectly with soups, chili, or barbecue. This moist and slightly sweet cornbread features whole sweet corn kernels for added texture and flavor, making it a delightful treat for any meal.

Ingredients
- 1 cup Yellow Cornmeal (+ 2 Tbsp (176g)*)
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour (+ 3 Tbsp (150g)*)
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Butter (measured then melted)
- 1 cup Buttermilk (or Homemade Buttermilk*)
- 2 Tbsp Honey
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 and 1/2 cups Whole Sweet Corn Kernels (canned, drained*)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×9 inch square baking dish with non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. Set aside.
- Step 2: Sift the all purpose flour into a mixing bowl. Add the yellow cornmeal, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, then mix to combine.
- Step 3: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the buttermilk and honey until combined.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Add the egg and mix everything together until you have a thick batter.
- Step 5: Fold the drained whole sweet corn kernels into the batter gently.
- Step 6: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top evenly.
- Step 7: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 8: Let the cornbread cool for a few minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the dish onto a wire rack. Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moist cornbread, substitute half the butter with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Use fresh corn kernels in season instead of canned for a sweeter, fresher bite.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes before using.
Storage
Store leftover cornbread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to maintain moisture.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make cornbread without buttermilk?
Yes, you can make a simple substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s acidity and tenderness.
How do I know when cornbread is fully baked?
Cornbread is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean without wet batter. The edges will start to pull away slightly from the pan.
PrintHomestyle Honey Cornbread with Sweet Corn Kernels Recipe
This classic Cornbread recipe combines yellow cornmeal and all-purpose flour with sweet corn kernels for a moist, tender, and subtly sweet baked treat. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, its golden crust and soft center make it a comforting favorite that’s easy to prepare from scratch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings (about 9 squares) 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup Yellow Cornmeal (+ 2 Tbsp, 176g)
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour (+ 3 Tbsp, 150g)
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Butter (measured then melted)
- 1 cup Buttermilk (or Homemade Buttermilk)
- 2 Tbsp Honey
- 1 Large Egg
Additional Ingredient
- 1 and 1/2 cups Whole Sweet Corn Kernels (Canned, drained)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×9 inch square baking dish with non-stick spray, then line it with parchment paper, ensuring there is enough overhang on all sides to lift the cornbread out after baking. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the yellow cornmeal, light brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir thoroughly to combine these dry ingredients evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, whisk in the buttermilk and honey until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Form Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the large egg. Mix everything together until a thick, uniform batter forms, ensuring no flour pockets remain.
- Fold in Corn Kernels: Gently fold the drained canned whole sweet corn kernels into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing to maintain texture.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula to even out the surface.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cornbread out of the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool further. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For homemade buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
- Ensure corn kernels are well drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- The parchment paper overhang is essential for easy removal from the pan without breaking the cornbread.
- This cornbread pairs wonderfully with chili, soups, or barbecued dishes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Keywords: cornbread, southern cornbread, baked cornbread, sweet corn, buttermilk cornbread, easy cornbread recipe

