If you’re craving something cozy yet delightfully sweet, this Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Butter Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It’s a brilliant twist on classic cornbread, infusing creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a moist, tender crumb and a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the luscious honey butter glaze. Every bite delivers a warm hug of flavor, making it an irresistible treat whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal or a simple weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to comfort food gem.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with various ingredients arranged neatly on it. Three whole sweet potatoes with reddish-brown skins are near the top right. Nearby are small glass jars and bowls with liquids in shades of white, light yellow, and golden brown. There are two brown eggs placed in a small wooden holder. In the center, a wooden bowl holds a yellow, crumbly ingredient. Below it, a white bowl contains white granulated sugar, and beside it is a small white plate with two pale yellow sticks of butter. To the left, there is a stone bowl filled with white flour. The overall look is clean and organized, showing raw ingredients ready for cooking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Butter Recipe lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a key role—the sweet potatoes bring moisture and sweetness, cornmeal provides that classic cornbread texture, and the honey butter adds a gorgeous glaze that elevates every bite.

Sweet potatoes (3 medium, about 1 pound): The star ingredient for natural sweetness and creamy texture.
Milk (2 cups): Keeps the batter moist and tender for perfect crumb.
Vegetable oil (2/3 cups): Adds moisture without overpowering flavors.
Large eggs (2): Binds the ingredients and helps with rise.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the subtle sweetness and adds depth.
Orange food coloring (optional): Great for giving that vibrant, appetizing look.
Yellow cornmeal (2 cups): Essential for traditional cornbread texture with a delightful crunch.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Balances the cornmeal and adds structure.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cornbread perfectly without being cloying.
Baking powder (2 tablespoons): Leavens the bread for a light, fluffy texture.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): For melting into a luscious honey butter glaze.
Honey (4 tablespoons): The star of the honey butter, adding rich sweetness and shine.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. While that heats up, boil the sweet potatoes until they’re so tender they practically melt under your fork. Then, mash them until smooth and soft—this creamy goodness is what gives your cornbread that irresistible moist texture. Measure out 1 ½ cups for the recipe and let it cool just a bit before mixing.

Step 2: Make the Honey Butter

In a small saucepan, gently melt the unsalted butter and slowly whisk in the honey, creating a shiny glaze that will brush over your cornbread. If you prefer, the microwave works fine too. Set it aside to use later as your sweet finishing touch.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and use a hand mixer to blend together the mashed sweet potato, milk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and a few drops of orange food coloring if you’re opting for that vibrant look. Whip until everything is smooth and creamy, which forms the perfect base for your batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix provides the necessary structure and a touch of sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently fold until just combined—take care not to overmix or you’ll end up with a denser bread. The batter should be smooth but still a little thick, ready to bake into perfection.

Step 6: Bake with Honey Butter Glaze

Transfer your batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan or a cast iron skillet for that wonderful rustic charm. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, but here’s a secret for ultimate flavor: after about 20 minutes, pull it out and brush a layer of your prepared honey butter over the top, then pop it back in to finish baking. The honey butter melts into the cornbread, creating a glossy, sweet crust that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the cornbread to cool slightly so it sets nicely. Slice it up and serve warm alongside extra honey butter for spreading. The warmth and sweetness from the butter elevate the flavors and textures, making every bite truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Butter Recipe

The image shows a white baking dish filled with nine square pieces of golden cornbread, with one piece being lifted slightly by a silver spoon from the bottom right area. The cornbread has a moist, crumbly texture with a smooth, slightly shiny top crust. The surface under the dish has a white marbled texture, and there are small crumbs scattered around the dish edges and inside it. The cornbread squares are evenly shaped and have a warm, rich orange color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a delightful presentation and added texture, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a dash of cinnamon sugar on top just before serving. A light drizzle of extra honey on each slice adds a shimmering sweetness that complements the cornbread’s natural flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cornbread pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like chili, roasted chicken, or glazed ham, soaking up savory juices and balancing spicy bites with its subtle sweetness. It’s also fantastic alongside creamy soups or collard greens, adding that cozy southern touch to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, cut your Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Butter Recipe into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter with small dollops of whipped honey butter or herbed cream cheese. This makes an irresistible appetizer or snack that will impress guests at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist. It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, perfect if you want to enjoy it throughout the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to save your Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Butter Recipe for longer, slice it before freezing. Place the pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. It freezes well for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or use a microwave in short intervals to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth. Adding a little extra honey butter on top before warming will make it taste like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh sweet potatoes give the best flavor and texture, you can use canned sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and mash until perfectly smooth to maintain the recipe’s moisture balance.

Is it possible to make this cornbread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too, and your cornbread will be just as delicious.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk and vegan butter. The honey butter glaze can be swapped with maple syrup and vegan butter for that sweet finishing touch.

Why is the honey butter applied during baking?

Brushing honey butter partway through baking allows it to seep into the cornbread’s surface, creating a tender, glossy top layer that adds flavor and moisture. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in taste and appearance.

Can I add mix-ins to this cornbread?

Yes! Chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or even a handful of chocolate chips can be folded into the batter for extra texture and flavor. Just add them after combining wet and dry ingredients, before pouring into the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Butter Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a classic Southern favorite to your table with a unique twist. Its sweet, moist crumb perfectly complemented by honey butter is comfort food at its finest. Give it a try—you might just find yourself dreaming of this cornbread long after the last slice is gone.