Cinnamon Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread
If you’re searching for the ultimate homemade cornbread recipe, this Cinnamon Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Soft mashed sweet potatoes make the cornbread incredibly moist and tender, while warm cinnamon and honey add just the right amount of sweetness. Served with rich homemade cinnamon honey butter, every bite is buttery, fluffy, and packed with comforting fall-inspired flavor.
Jump to RecipeThis easy Southern-style cornbread is perfect alongside chili, barbecue, fried chicken, roasted turkey, soups, stews, or simply enjoyed warm with a generous spread of cinnamon honey butter. Whether you’re preparing a holiday meal or a cozy family dinner, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results with simple pantry ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wonderfully moist and tender.
- Naturally sweet from mashed sweet potatoes.
- Warm cinnamon flavor in every bite.
- Easy homemade cinnamon honey butter.
- Perfect side dish for holidays and everyday meals.
- Freezes beautifully.
- Delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Cornbread
- 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (about 1 medium)
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons honey
Cinnamon Honey Butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Sweet Potato Cornbread
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Set the prepared pan aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Yellow cornmeal
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
Mix until all of the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine:
- Mashed cooked sweet potato
- Whole milk
- Vegetable oil or melted butter
- Eggs
- Honey
Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
The sweet potato should be fully incorporated without large lumps.
Step 4: Combine the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir until just combined.
Do not overmix.
A few small lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the cornbread soft and tender.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Spread it evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The edges should be slightly crisp while the center remains moist.
Step 6: Cool Slightly
Remove the cornbread from the oven.
Allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm for the best texture.
How to Make Cinnamon Honey Butter
In a small mixing bowl, combine:
- Softened butter
- Honey
- Ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Beat or stir until smooth, light, and creamy.
Keep the butter at room temperature if serving immediately.
For later use, refrigerate it in an airtight container and allow it to soften before serving.
Spread generously over warm slices of cornbread.
Expert Tips
Roast or bake the sweet potato instead of boiling it for a richer, sweeter flavor.
Use freshly mashed sweet potatoes for the best texture.
Do not overmix the batter or the cornbread may become dense.
Measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup.
Serve the cornbread warm so the cinnamon honey butter melts into every bite.
Delicious Variations
Pecan Sweet Potato Cornbread
Fold ½ cup chopped toasted pecans into the batter.
Maple Sweet Potato Cornbread
Replace the honey with pure maple syrup.
Brown Sugar Sweet Potato Cornbread
Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
Cheddar Sweet Potato Cornbread
Add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a savory version.
Spiced Holiday Cornbread
Add a pinch of nutmeg and ground ginger along with the cinnamon.
Jalapeño Sweet Potato Cornbread
Fold in diced jalapeños for a sweet and spicy twist.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Cornbread
This cornbread pairs perfectly with:
- Chili
- Beef stew
- Chicken soup
- Barbecue ribs
- Pulled pork
- Fried chicken
- Roast turkey
- Baked ham
- Collard greens
- Black-eyed peas
- Smoked sausage
It’s also delicious served for breakfast with coffee and extra cinnamon honey butter.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Warm slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds before serving.
The cornbread also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
The cinnamon honey butter can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Strawberry Banana Pudding Dessert
Ingredients
1 box vanilla instant pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping
1 box Nilla wafers
2 bananas, sliced
1 cup strawberry pie filling or chopped strawberries
Directions
- Whisk pudding mix with milk until thickened.
- Fold in whipped topping.
- Layer Nilla wafers, banana slices, pudding mixture, and strawberry filling in a dish.
- Repeat layers and top with extra wafers.
- Chill for 2+ hours before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned sweet potato?
Yes. Drain it well and mash until smooth before measuring.
Can I make this recipe in a cast-iron skillet?
Absolutely. A preheated cast-iron skillet creates wonderfully crisp edges and a beautifully golden crust.
Can I substitute buttermilk?
Yes. Buttermilk adds extra richness and a slight tang while keeping the cornbread tender.
Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?
Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher, denser cornbread.
Can I make the cinnamon honey butter ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it several days in advance and refrigerate until needed.
Is this cornbread sweet?
It has a lightly sweet flavor from the sweet potato, honey, and sugar while still maintaining the traditional taste of Southern cornbread.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 50–55 minutes
Servings: 9
This Cinnamon Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread is the perfect combination of classic Southern cornbread and comforting sweet potato flavor. Moist, fluffy, and lightly spiced with cinnamon, it’s finished with a rich homemade cinnamon honey butter that melts into every warm slice. Whether served alongside a hearty dinner or enjoyed on its own, this easy homemade cornbread is a recipe you’ll want to make all year long.