Golden Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe: A Cozy Baking Joy

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when a sweet potato cornbread recipe hits the table, promising warmth and comfort in every golden slice.

Rich, moist, and subtly sweet, this cornbread delivers a delightful twist on a classic Southern staple.

Tender sweet potatoes blend seamlessly with traditional cornmeal, creating a vibrant side dish that steals the spotlight at any meal.

The combination of rustic ingredients and simple techniques makes this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

Imagine the aroma of freshly baked cornbread wafting through your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby.

Precise measurements and straightforward steps ensure success, even for novice bakers.

This cornbread transforms ordinary dinners into memorable moments worth savoring.

Let’s find out this soul-warming recipe and experience a taste of Southern hospitality.

Ingredients for Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Cornbread

• Self-Rising Cornmeal: Creates the classic cornbread texture with built-in leavening agents for a light, fluffy result.
• All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure and helps bind ingredients together for a tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bread.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Provide additional rising power and help create a soft, airy texture.

• Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps create a moist, tender cornbread.
• Butter: Brings a rich, buttery flavor and helps keep the bread incredibly soft.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure to the cornbread.
• Sweet Potato, Brown Sugar: Introduce natural sweetness and create a unique, caramelized flavor profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall taste.

• Salted Butter: Provides a creamy, rich base for spreading.
• Molasses: Adds a deep, complex sweetness that complements the cornbread's flavor.

Tools You’ll Want to Bake This Cornbread Right

• Cast-iron skillet: Essential for creating a crispy, golden crust and even baking.
• Large mixing bowls: Perfect for combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Whisk or wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing ingredients smoothly without overmixing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Toothpick: Helps check if the cornbread is fully baked.
• Potato masher or fork: Needed to mash sweet potatoes to the right consistency.

How to Bake Sweet Potato Cornbread at Home

• Oven Preparation Southern Warmth

Crank up the oven to a cozy 375°F, creating the perfect environment for a golden, fluffy cornbread adventure.

• Dry Ingredient Symphony

Gather cornmeal, flour, brown sugar, and other dry companions in a spacious mixing bowl, blending them into a harmonious mixture that promises deliciousness.

• Sweet Potato Magic

Whisk together smooth sweet potato, eggs, melted butter, and a whisper of vanilla, transforming humble ingredients into a creamy dream.

• Batter Fusion

Gently marry the wet and dry ingredients, stirring with a light touch until just combined. A splash of milk adds the final touch of silkiness.

• Skillet Transformation

Warm a cast-iron skillet, letting butter dance and sizzle, then pour in the batter, creating a crispy golden crust that whispers Southern comfort.

• Molasses Butter Finale

While the cornbread bakes to perfection, quickly blend salted butter with rich molasses. Once done, slice the warm bread and lavish it with this decadent spread that sings of home and tradition.

Tips That Bring Out That Brown Sugar Warmth

• Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for the most incredible crispy edges and golden-brown bottom that elevates the entire cornbread experience.
• Swap brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different depth of natural sweetness that complements the sweet potato's rich flavor.
• Fold in chopped pecans, dried cranberries, or crispy bacon bits to add unexpected crunch and savory notes that make this cornbread unforgettable.
• Wrap leftover cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation without losing moisture.
• Replace butter and milk with coconut milk and olive oil to create a delicious vegan version that keeps the same tender, moist texture of the original recipe.

Great Serving Ideas for Sweet Potato Cornbread

• Southern Comfort Plate: Pair this sweet potato cornbread with classic Southern comfort dishes like slow-cooked pulled pork, crispy fried chicken, or hearty black-eyed pea stew for a soul-warming meal.
• Breakfast Delight: Transform your morning by toasting a slice and topping it with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a dollop of honey-whipped cream cheese for a decadent breakfast experience.
• Holiday Side Dish Star: Elevate your Thanksgiving or holiday table by serving this cornbread alongside roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole for a show-stopping side that complements traditional feast flavors.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Create a rustic brunch spread by slicing the cornbread and serving it with a fresh fruit compote, creamy butter, or as a base for savory eggs Benedict for a delightful weekend gathering.

Keeping Cornbread Moist and Ready to Reheat

• Overnight Breakfast Prep: Slice cornbread into individual portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap for grab-and-go morning meals. Perfect for busy professionals seeking quick, delicious breakfast options.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap cooled cornbread in aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to 3 months for future enjoyment. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in oven for best texture restoration.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover cornbread in airtight containers for 4-5 days. Keep molasses butter separately in sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption.
• Versatile Serving Suggestions: Crumble cornbread into salads, use as stuffing base, or transform into breadcrumbs for casseroles. Repurpose stale pieces for creative culinary adventures that reduce food waste and maximize flavor potential.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

Irresistible Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade sweet potato cornbread delivers Southern comfort with creamy, wholesome ingredients blended into a golden skillet masterpiece. Regional kitchens embrace this hearty side dish that connects culinary traditions and welcomes you to savor each warm, comforting slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (245 grams) sweet potato, mashed
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) whole milk
• ½ cup (113 grams/4 oz) butter, melted
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups (156 grams) self-rising cornmeal
• 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
• ¾ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup (113 grams/4 oz) salted butter
• ⅓ tbsp (5 ml) molasses

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack centrally and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Gather all ingredients and equipment for efficient baking.
2. Dry Mixture: Blend cornmeal, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
3. Wet Ingredients: Whisk mashed sweet potato, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until silky and thoroughly integrated.
4. Batter Assembly: Form a central well in dry ingredients and gently incorporate the sweet potato mixture, stirring minimally to maintain an airy texture.
5. Liquid Integration: Fold whole milk into the batter delicately, ensuring smooth consistency without overworking the mixture.
6. Skillet Preparation: Heat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium flame, coating surface evenly with melted butter to prevent sticking.
7. Baking Process: Pour batter into the hot skillet, distributing evenly, and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted centrally emerges clean.
8. Molasses Butter Finishing: While cornbread bakes, blend softened salted butter with dark molasses until creamy and well-combined.
9. Serving: Allow cornbread to rest in skillet for 5 minutes, then slice and serve warm, topped with a luxurious dollop of molasses butter.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently to maintain a light, tender texture and avoid developing tough, dense cornbread.
• Cast-Iron Skillet Magic: Preheating and buttering the skillet creates a crispy, golden exterior and helps the cornbread release easily.
• Sweet Potato Secret: Mashed sweet potatoes add moisture, natural sweetness, and a beautiful orange hue to the cornbread.
• Temperature Precision: Center oven rack and consistent 375°F ensures even baking and perfect golden-brown results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg