Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant twist on a timeless classic, let me introduce you to Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread. This heavenly bake captures all the cozy charm of traditional cornbread, infuses it with sweet potato’s earthy warmth, and finishes every bite with a silky swirl of homemade honey butter. The result? Moist, golden perfection that walks the delightfully sweet-savory line—just right for any season or celebration. Whether you serve it at Sunday supper or during the holidays, this is the kind of dish that instantly feels like home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create something truly standout. Each component of this Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread adds its own magic, building layers of flavor and texture you’ll absolutely love.

• Sweet Potatoes: Roasted and mashed, they bring natural moisture, a subtle sweetness, and gorgeous color.
• Cornmeal: Essential for that grainy, rustic texture every good cornbread deserves.
• All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure, keeping the crumb tender but not too dense.
• Granulated Sugar: A touch amps up the sweet potato’s earthiness and balances the honey.
• Baking Powder: Makes the cornbread rise into a light, fluffy treat.
• Salt: Enhances every flavor—don’t skip it!
• Buttermilk (or Milk): Offers tang and moisture, creating that melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Richness through and through (you’ll use it in both the bread and that dreamy honey butter).
• Eggs: Bind everything together while adding just the right lift.
• Honey: Sweet, floral notes weave through both the cornbread and the finishing butter.
• For the Honey Butter: Unsalted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt (if you like) whipped into cloudlike lusciousness.

How to Make Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pan

Set the stage by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish or a sturdy cast-iron skillet—you want those crispy golden edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

If you haven’t already, cook your sweet potato until it’s fork-tender. Let it cool for a moment, then mash it thoroughly until smooth. This is what gives our Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread its signature creamy texture and mellow flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Not only does this blend ensure an evenly risen bake, it creates a gentle base for all that flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and honey. Whisk until everything is smooth and homogenous—this is where the magic really begins!

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined; don’t overdo it, a light hand is the secret to a fluffy Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread crumb.

Step 6: Bake the Cornbread

Scrape the batter into your prepared dish, smoothing the top evenly. Slide it into the hot oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean and the top is beautifully golden.

Step 7: Make the Honey Butter

While the cornbread bakes and gorgeous smells fill your kitchen, beat together softened unsalted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt if desired. Whisk until airy and perfectly spreadable.

Step 8: Cool, Slice, and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread cool for a few minutes. While it’s still warm, slice it up and slather generously with honey butter. Every bite is pure bliss.

How to Serve Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread

Garnishes

A pat of extra honey butter melting right on top is irresistible. You can also drizzle with a little extra honey, or sprinkle on some flaky sea salt or fresh minced herbs for an extra pop of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread pairs beautifully with chili, BBQ, hearty soups, or roasted meats. It’s also an unexpected hit alongside greens, stews, and your favorite holiday fixings.

Creative Ways to Present

Try using a muffin tin for perfectly portioned cornbread muffins, or cut the cornbread into playful shapes for a brunch spread. Serve mini slices as an appetizer with bourbon-glazed ham or spicy honey for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors deepen and develop over time, so don’t be shy about making it ahead!

Freezing

Wrap individual slices or the whole slab in plastic wrap, then foil, and tuck into a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to three months. There’s nothing like pulling out a piece of homemade goodness on a busy day.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave, or in a low oven (covered with foil) until just heated through. Add a pat of honey butter after reheating to bring back all the fresh-baked glory.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potato instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to use plain mashed sweet potatoes, not the pie filling, to keep your Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread tasting pure and homemade.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

You can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The results are still moist, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.

Do I have to use buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk works well. You can also make a quick substitute by adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the bake time slightly as needed. Perfect for potlucks or bigger family gatherings.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

Your Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread is ready when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to, time and again—moist, flavorful, and utterly soul-warming. Give Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread a try and I promise, it’ll earn a spot in your favorites folder. Happy baking!

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