Classic Soul Food Cornbread

Featured in: Simple Sweet Bakes

This Southern-style cornbread is baked to golden perfection in a cast-iron skillet, offering a moist and tender crumb. Made with a blend of cornmeal, flour, and a touch of sugar, it balances sweetness and savory flavors. The addition of honey butter adds a smooth, luscious finish, warming each bite with gentle sweetness. Ideal for comforting side dishes, this cornbread is easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with barbecue or chili. Simple techniques and classic ingredients create a timeless loaf that’s both hearty and inviting.

Updated on Fri, 13 Mar 2026 17:31:55 GMT
Classic Soul Food Cornbread Skillet with Honey Butter, golden and moist, baked in a cast-iron skillet and topped with luscious honey butter for ultimate comfort. Pin It
Classic Soul Food Cornbread Skillet with Honey Butter, golden and moist, baked in a cast-iron skillet and topped with luscious honey butter for ultimate comfort. | claroimik.com

Classic Soul Food Cornbread Skillet with Honey Butter is a timeless Southern comfort food, golden and moist from baking in a cast-iron skillet. This recipe brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite, perfectly balanced by a luscious honey butter that melts into the crumbly texture. Easy to prepare and undeniably inviting, it's the perfect side for any meal that calls for a little extra soul and flavor.

Classic Soul Food Cornbread Skillet with Honey Butter, golden and moist, baked in a cast-iron skillet and topped with luscious honey butter for ultimate comfort. Pin It
Classic Soul Food Cornbread Skillet with Honey Butter, golden and moist, baked in a cast-iron skillet and topped with luscious honey butter for ultimate comfort. | claroimik.com

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This cornbread recipe honors Southern tradition while offering a quick and satisfying homemade treat. Baking in a hot cast-iron skillet ensures a crisp crust with a soft, crumbly inside, inviting you to enjoy it fresh from the oven topped with sweet honey butter that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients

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  • Dry Ingredients
  • 1 cup (125 g) yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
  • For Greasing
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Honey Butter
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat while you prepare the batter.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vegetable oil until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
5. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add 2 tablespoons butter and swirl to coat the bottom and sides.
6. Pour the batter into the hot, buttered skillet, smoothing the top.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. While the cornbread bakes, make the honey butter: In a small bowl, beat the softened butter with honey and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.
9. Let the cornbread cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with honey butter.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra richness and a slight tang, substitute buttermilk for whole milk in this recipe. When mixing the batter, be careful not to overmix to maintain a light and tender crumb. The preheated cast-iron skillet ensures a crisp, golden crust that is essential to the classic texture of this cornbread.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to add 1 cup of corn kernels, shredded cheddar cheese, or chopped jalapeños to the batter for added flavor and texture. These variations bring a personal twist while respecting the traditional soul food essence of this dish.

Serviervorschläge

This cornbread pairs beautifully with barbecue, chili, or fried chicken, making it a versatile side dish for many hearty meals. Serve it warm with the honey butter on top for an authentic and comforting experience.

Pin It
| claroimik.com

Enjoy this Classic Soul Food Cornbread Skillet with Honey Butter as a heartwarming reminder of Southern hospitality and tradition. Its simplicity and flavor make it a cherished recipe that’s easy to prepare yet impossible to forget.

Recipe FAQs

What type of skillet is best for baking this cornbread?

A 10-inch cast-iron skillet is ideal as it distributes heat evenly and gives the cornbread a nice crust.

Can I substitute buttermilk in this cornbread?

Yes, buttermilk can replace whole milk to add a tangy richness and enhance the flavor.

How do I know when the cornbread is perfectly baked?

It’s ready when the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

What variations can I add to the batter?

Try adding corn kernels, shredded cheddar, or chopped jalapeños for extra texture and flavor.

How is the honey butter prepared?

Simply beat softened unsalted butter with honey and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy.

Can I use regular flour instead of all-purpose?

All-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, but similar types like plain flour can also work.

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Classic Soul Food Cornbread

Golden, moist cornbread baked in cast-iron skillet paired with rich honey butter.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Duration
40 mins
Authored by Karina Lowry


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American Southern

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Suggestions Vegetarian-Friendly

Required Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup yellow cornmeal
02 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 1 tablespoon baking powder
05 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 3/4 teaspoon fine salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup whole milk
02 2 large eggs
03 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
04 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For Greasing

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Honey Butter

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 2 tablespoons honey
03 Pinch of salt

Directions

Instruction 01

Preheat and prepare skillet: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet in the oven to heat while preparing the batter.

Instruction 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.

Instruction 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vegetable oil until fully combined.

Instruction 04

Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Instruction 05

Prepare hot skillet: Carefully remove the preheated skillet from the oven. Add 2 tablespoons butter and swirl to coat the bottom and sides evenly.

Instruction 06

Pour batter: Pour batter into the hot buttered skillet and smooth the top surface.

Instruction 07

Bake cornbread: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Instruction 08

Prepare honey butter: While cornbread bakes, beat softened butter with honey and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth and fluffy.

Instruction 09

Cool and serve: Let cornbread cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with honey butter.

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Tools Needed

  • 10-inch cast-iron skillet
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Small mixing bowl

Allergy Details

Be sure to review each ingredient for possible allergies and reach out to a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains milk
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat gluten
  • Check store-bought cornmeal and flour labels for cross-contamination warnings

Nutrition Details (per serving)

For informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 275
  • Fats: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 4 g

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