Craving a comforting twist on classic cornbread? This Cinnamon Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread combines the earthy flavors of sweet potatoes and cornmeal with a touch of honey and cinnamon. Topped with a decadent cinnamon honey butter, it’s the perfect side dish for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or any day you want a little warmth on your table. This recipe is easy to prepare and brings out the best of seasonal ingredients, making it a standout option for those who love sweet and savory flavor combinations.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread
This cornbread takes the traditional Southern classic up a notch by blending in creamy mashed sweet potatoes, which not only adds moisture but also a natural sweetness. The cinnamon honey butter topping adds a delightful richness that pairs beautifully with the flavors in the cornbread. Each bite is tender and bursting with a medley of flavors that capture the essence of autumn. Perfect for serving with a bowl of chili, a hearty stew, or simply on its own, this cornbread is a comforting addition to any meal.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Cornbread and Cinnamon Honey Butter
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious cornbread:
For the Sweet Potato Cornbread
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes – Adds natural sweetness and moisture
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal – Provides texture and a traditional corn flavor
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Gives the cornbread structure
- 1/4 cup honey – Sweetens the cornbread and complements the sweet potato
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps the cornbread rise and become fluffy
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a cozy, warming spice
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together
- 1/2 cup melted butter – Adds richness and moisture
- 1 cup buttermilk – Provides a tender crumb and slight tang
For the Cinnamon Honey Butter
- 1/4 cup honey – Sweetens the butter and adds a touch of floral sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth to the honey butter
- 1/2 cup softened butter – Creates a creamy, spreadable consistency
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cinnamon Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread
Ready to get baking? Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of irresistible sweet potato cornbread.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Greasing or lining your baking dish with parchment paper will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Stir until well-combined. This will ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed in the batter.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, blend the following until smooth:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes – Try using roasted or steamed sweet potatoes for best flavor.
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter – Allow it to cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs.
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup honey
Using a hand mixer or whisk, stir until smooth and combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as it can make the cornbread dense. The batter should have a slightly thick, pourable consistency.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the cornbread batter into your prepared baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be slightly golden brown, and the edges should pull away from the sides of the dish.
Step 6: Make the Cinnamon Honey Butter
While the cornbread bakes, prepare the cinnamon honey butter. In a small bowl, mix:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup softened butter
Blend until smooth. This cinnamon honey butter adds an extra layer of richness and flavor, perfect for melting over warm cornbread slices.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting. Serve each slice with a generous dollop of cinnamon honey butter on top.
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Cornbread
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for vibrant orange sweet potatoes as they have a naturally sweet, moist texture that’s perfect for baking.
- Use Real Buttermilk: Buttermilk gives this cornbread a light, tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, create a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Softened Butter for the Spread: Ensure your butter is fully softened before mixing it with honey and cinnamon to create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This sweet potato cornbread is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
- Alongside Soups and Stews: The subtle sweetness balances hearty, savory dishes like chili or vegetable soup.
- As a Holiday Side: This unique cornbread is perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
- For Breakfast or Brunch: Pair it with eggs, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of yogurt for a delicious morning meal.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.
Reheating: To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave individual slices for 20-30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cornbread gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
2. Can I make this without buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, create a quick substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.
3. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Absolutely. If you don’t have fresh sweet potatoes, canned sweet potatoes can be a convenient alternative. Just drain them well and mash before adding.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread is the ultimate comfort food with its cozy flavors of cinnamon and honey, blended beautifully with hearty cornmeal and sweet potatoes. It’s a foolproof recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite, whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner. Don’t forget to add a generous spread of cinnamon honey butter to take each slice to the next level. Enjoy every warm, delicious bite!