Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe

Easy Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe: Cozy Fall Comfort

Sweet potato cornbread revolutionizes an ordinary side dish into a culinary masterpiece that elevates comfort food to new heights.

Hearty and rich, this golden-hued bread marries traditional Southern flavors with a surprising twist of vibrant orange vegetable sweetness.

Moist crumbs promise a delightful texture that melts in your mouth with each sumptuous bite.

Subtle hints of warm spices dance through the batter, creating a sensory experience that goes beyond basic bread.

The clever combination of ingredients ensures a perfect balance between rustic cornmeal and silky sweet potato essence.

Nutritious and satisfying, this recipe offers a delectable way to sneak extra vegetables into your meal without sacrificing flavor.

Golden edges and a soft interior guarantee a crowd-pleasing addition to any dining spread.

Sweet Potato Cornbread With a Soft Bite

  • Transform Ordinary Cornbread: This sweet potato cornbread elevates a classic comfort food with unexpected, delightful flavor combinations that make every bite memorable.
  • Foolproof Baking Experience: The recipe offers simple steps and forgiving technique, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a delicious, stress-free treat that looks and tastes professional.
  • Seasonal Comfort in Every Slice: Warm cinnamon and sweet potato create a cozy autumn-inspired dish that brings warmth and richness to your table, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual weekend breakfasts.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Whether enjoyed plain, topped with creamy butter, or drizzled with golden honey, this cornbread adapts to multiple serving styles and complements both sweet and savory meals.

Ingredients That Make This Cornbread a Must-Try

Dry Ingredients:
  • Cornmeal: Provides classic cornbread texture and hearty corn flavor, stone-ground variety adds more depth.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind ingredients and create soft, tender structure.
  • Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent for light and fluffy bread.
  • Cinnamon or Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds warm, complementary spice to sweet potato flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Melted Butter: Adds rich flavor and moisture to the cornbread.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements sweet potato.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to structure and richness.
  • Buttermilk: Creates tender crumb and adds subtle tangy flavor.
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Main flavor ingredient, bringing natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
Serving Options:
  • Butter: Classic spread for extra richness.
  • Honey: Optional sweet drizzle for additional flavor.

How to Mix and Bake Sweet Potato Cornbread

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Crank up the oven to 400°F. Grab a 9-inch square baking pan and give it a generous grease. Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, create a flavor-packed dry mixture:
  • Cornmeal
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and looking fabulous.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together a creamy, rich wet mixture:
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Buttermilk
  • Mashed sweet potatoes

Blend until smooth and gloriously combined.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a rubber spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix – we want a tender, fluffy cornbread!

Step 5: Ready for Baking

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Smooth the top with your spatula to create an even surface.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Do a toothpick test – it should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the cornbread cool slightly. Slice and serve with your favorite toppings.

Tips to Prevent Dryness or Crumbling

  • Choose Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Select firm, vibrant orange sweet potatoes without blemishes for the most intense flavor and smooth texture.
  • Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together until just combined to prevent dense, tough cornbread.
  • Check Moisture Level: Mash sweet potatoes thoroughly and drain excess liquid to maintain perfect bread consistency.
  • Test Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick near the center and look for a clean removal with minimal crumbs for perfect baking.
  • Customize Spice Blend: Experiment with warm spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance the sweet potato's natural sweetness and depth.

Best Way to Store Cornbread Without Losing Moisture

  • Refrigerate: Wrap the cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Slice the cornbread, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
  • Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through. Add a pat of butter for extra moisture and flavor.

Foods That Match the Flavor of Sweet Potato Cornbread

  • Create Cozy Beverage Companion: Pair this sweet potato cornbread with warm spiced apple cider or a creamy chai latte for a comforting fall-inspired experience that highlights the bread's subtle sweetness and warm spices.
  • Complement with Creamy Spreads: Enhance the cornbread's richness by serving alongside whipped cinnamon butter, maple cream cheese, or a dollop of honey-butter blend to amplify its natural sweetness and texture.
  • Match with Savory Protein Partners: Serve alongside slow-cooked pulled pork, hearty chili, or roasted chicken to create a balanced meal where the cornbread's subtle sweetness cuts through rich, meaty flavors and provides a delightful textural contrast.

New Ways to Enjoy Cornbread Beyond the Classic

  • Savory Herb Fusion: Incorporate chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage into the dry ingredients for a rustic, herb-infused cornbread that pairs perfectly with hearty soups and stews.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Dice fresh jalapeños and fold them into the batter, adding a zesty heat that complements the sweet potato's natural sweetness and creates a bold, southwestern-style cornbread.
  • Cheesy Cheddar Upgrade: Mix in shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of green onions to transform the cornbread into a rich, savory side dish that's irresistible alongside grilled meats or chili.
  • Nutty Pecan Crunch: Fold in toasted, chopped pecans for added texture and a delightful nutty flavor that enhances the sweet potato's warmth and provides a satisfying crunch to each bite.
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Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe

Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Southern comfort meets rustic charm in this sweet potato cornbread, blending creamy mashed sweet potatoes with golden cornmeal for a moist, hearty side dish. Warm spices and a hint of honey create a comforting flavor profile you’ll crave at every meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup roasted and mashed sweet potatoes
  • 1 ¼ cups cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

Sweeteners and Spices:

  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice

Leavening and Binding Agents:

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Instructions

  1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 400°F and lining a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Create a dry ingredient blend by whisking cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
  3. Craft a moisture-rich wet mixture in a separate bowl by combining melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and mashed sweet potatoes, ensuring smooth integration of all components.
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a rubber spatula, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
  5. Carefully transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using the spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth surface.
  6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18-20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and checking doneness with a toothpick that emerges clean from the center.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the cornbread to cool slightly before slicing, serving with optional accompaniments like butter or honey for enhanced flavor enjoyment.

Notes

  • Elevate your cornbread game with this sweet and moist sweet potato twist that transforms an ordinary side dish into a memorable treat.
  • Perfectly balances warm spices like cinnamon with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes for a rich, comforting flavor profile.
  • Buttermilk ensures an incredibly tender crumb, while brown sugar adds depth and caramel-like undertones to every bite.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy home cooks.
  • Versatile accompaniment that pairs beautifully with chili, barbecue, soups, or can be enjoyed as a delightful standalone snack.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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