Best Sweet Potato Cornbread – Moist, Flavorful & Perfectly Sweet!

This Sweet Potato Cornbread is a moist, slightly sweet, and buttery twist on classic cornbread, packed with the rich flavor of roasted sweet potatoes and warm spices. It’s easy to make, pairs perfectly with savory dishes, and is great for holidays or cozy family dinners.

Whether served with chili, roasted chicken, or as a stand-alone treat, this cornbread is a must-try for sweet potato lovers!


Ingredients for Sweet Potato Cornbread

For the Cornbread:

  • 1 cup (240g) mashed sweet potato (roasted & mashed)
  • 1 cup (120g) yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅔ cup (135g) brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • ¼ cup (60ml) honey

Optional Toppings:

  • 2 tablespoons butter (for brushing)
  • Drizzle of honey or maple syrup

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • 9-inch cast-iron skillet or baking dish
  • Spatula
  • Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast & Mash the Sweet Potato

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Poke 1 medium sweet potato with a fork and roast for 45-50 minutes until soft.
  3. Let cool, then remove skin and mash until smooth.

2. Prepare the Batter

  1. In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, and honey until combined.
  3. Stir in mashed sweet potato.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

3. Bake the Cornbread

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or baking dish with butter.
  3. Pour batter into the dish and smooth the top.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Brush with melted butter and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
  2. Slice and serve warm!

Expert Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Cornbread

Use fresh sweet potatoes – Roasting brings out the best flavor.
Don’t overmix – Keeps the cornbread light and tender.
Bake in a cast-iron skillet – Creates a crisp, golden crust.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using canned sweet potato puree – It’s too watery; fresh is best.
Skipping the buttermilk – Adds moisture and a tender crumb.
Overbaking – Check at 25 minutes to prevent dryness.


Serving and Presentation Ideas

  • Serve warm with butter and extra honey.
  • Pair with soups, stews, or barbecue.
  • Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a dessert-like treat.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.
  • Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Reheating:

  • Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat in 20-second intervals until warm.

Freezing:

  • Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Make it spicier – Add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg or cayenne pepper.
  • Use maple syrup instead of honey – Adds a deeper sweetness.
  • Gluten-free option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Cornbread

  • Hearty chili or beef stew
  • Collard greens or roasted Brussels sprouts
  • Crispy fried chicken or BBQ ribs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Fresh roasted sweet potatoes give better flavor, but you can use canned (drained & mashed) if needed.

Can I make this cornbread dairy-free?

Yes! Use almond milk + 1 teaspoon lemon juice instead of buttermilk and vegan butter.

How do I make it extra fluffy?

Whisk eggs well and don’t overmix the batter for a light texture.


Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Cornbread is moist, flavorful, and packed with the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth! Whether served as a side dish, snack, or dessert, this cornbread will quickly become a family favorite.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious Southern-inspired recipes!


Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 280 kcal per slice (based on 9 servings).

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Serves: 9
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Best Sweet Potato Cornbread – Moist, Flavorful & Perfectly Sweet!


  • Author: Elisa
  • Total Time: 45
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

This Sweet Potato Cornbread is moist, buttery, and slightly sweet! The perfect side dish for holidays, BBQ, or cozy dinners.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cornbread:

  • 1 cup (240g) mashed sweet potato (roasted & mashed)
  • 1 cup (120g) yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅔ cup (135g) brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • ¼ cup (60ml) honey

Optional Toppings:

 

  • 2 tablespoons butter (for brushing)
  • Drizzle of honey or maple syrup

Instructions

1. Roast & Mash the Sweet Potato

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Poke 1 medium sweet potato with a fork and roast for 45-50 minutes until soft.
  3. Let cool, then remove skin and mash until smooth.

2. Prepare the Batter

  1. In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, and honey until combined.
  3. Stir in mashed sweet potato.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

3. Bake the Cornbread

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or baking dish with butter.
  3. Pour batter into the dish and smooth the top.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

4. Serve & Enjoy!

 

  1. Brush with melted butter and drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
  2. Slice and serve warm!

Notes

Use fresh sweet potatoes – Roasting brings out the best flavor.
Don’t overmix – Keeps the cornbread light and tender.
Bake in a cast-iron skillet – Creates a crisp, golden crust.

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Category: DINNER
  • Cuisine: AMERICAN

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 280