This Cinnamon Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread is a delightful twist on classic cornbread, combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon and honey. Topped with a luscious homemade honey butter, this moist and flavorful cornbread is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday meals, or as a comforting side dish any time of year.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Cornbread:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 medium sweet potato, baked or boiled and mashed)
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra moisture)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
For the Cinnamon Honey Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan or a cast-iron skillet with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, honey, melted butter, eggs, and milk until smooth and well blended.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. The batter will be thick but pourable.
Step 5: Bake the Cornbread
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan or skillet, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Honey Butter
- While the cornbread bakes, prepare the honey butter. In a small bowl, beat the softened butter, honey, and cinnamon together until smooth and creamy. Set aside at room temperature.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Let the cornbread cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with a generous dollop of cinnamon honey butter on top.
Tips for Success
- Sweet Potato Prep: To make mashed sweet potatoes, bake or boil a medium sweet potato until tender, then peel and mash it until smooth. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the batter.
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Storage: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven for best results.
- Customizations: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch, or sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a sweet, crunchy crust.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cinnamon Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a moist crumb and rich flavor thanks to the addition of sweet potatoes and honey. The cinnamon honey butter takes it to the next level, adding a luxurious touch that complements the cornbread beautifully. Whether served as a side dish, dessert, or snack, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Dive into this cozy, spiced treat and savor every bite!