Sweet Potato Cornbread – Moist, Flavorful & Easy to Make

Name: Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for extra fiber); 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for warmth); 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (roasted or boiled); ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar); ⅓ cup melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free); ⅓ cup brown sugar or honey; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

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If you’re looking for a delicious twist on classic cornbread, this Sweet Potato Cornbread is the perfect recipe! It combines the rich, slightly sweet flavor of mashed sweet potatoes with the warm, buttery goodness of cornbread to create a moist, fluffy, and flavorful side dish.

Whether you’re serving it with chili, barbecue, roasted meats, or holiday meals, this sweet potato cornbread will add a unique and comforting Southern touch to your table. Plus, it’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and can be customized for different diets!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe

✔ Soft & Moist – Sweet potatoes keep the cornbread fluffy and tender.
✔ Perfectly Balanced Flavor – A hint of sweetness pairs well with the cornbread’s natural savoriness.
✔ Great for Any Occasion – Serve it with holiday meals, soups, stews, or as a standalone treat.
✔ Easy to Make – Uses simple, wholesome ingredients and comes together in one bowl.
✔ Customizable – Make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or add fun mix-ins like nuts or spices.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Cornbread

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat for added fiber)
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (roasted or boiled)
½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)
⅓ cup melted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
⅓ cup brown sugar or honey
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Freshly baked sweet potato cornbread in a white square baking dish, with a golden-brown crust and a soft texture, resting on a white marble surface.

How to Make Sweet Potato Cornbread

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

If you don’t have mashed sweet potatoes ready:

Roast whole sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 45-50 minutes, then scoop out the flesh.
Or, peel and boil until soft, then mash until smooth.

2. Preheat the Oven & Grease the Pan

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or a cast-iron skillet for extra crisp edges.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

4. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, buttermilk, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extractuntil smooth.

5. Mix the Batter

Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined (do not overmix).

6. Bake the Cornbread

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool & Serve

Let the cornbread cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite topping!

Expert Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Cornbread

✅ Use Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Roasting enhances the natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
✅ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing leads to dense, dry cornbread. Stir just until combined.
✅ Bake in a Cast-Iron Skillet – This creates a crispy, golden crust for extra texture.
✅ Adjust Sweetness to Taste – Use less sugar for a more savory version, or add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
✅ Make it Fluffy – Room temperature eggs and buttermilk help keep the batter light and airy.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Cornbread

This sweet potato cornbread pairs well with:

✔ Chili or Stew – The sweet, buttery cornbread balances the hearty, spicy flavors of chili or beef stew.
✔ Fried Chicken & BBQ – A Southern classic that complements smoky, tangy meats.
✔ Holiday Feasts – Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner.
✔ Breakfast or Brunch – Enjoy with butter and jam for a delicious morning treat.
✔ Soup & Salad – Serve with butternut squash soup or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

A plate of golden sweet potato cornbread squares with a slightly crisp edge and moist texture, surrounded by fresh sweet potatoes.

How to Store & Reheat Sweet Potato Cornbread

Storing Leftovers:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Instructions:

Wrap slices in plastic wrap + foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 30 seconds before serving.

Reheating Tips:

Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in 15-second intervals until soft and warm.

Health & Diet Benefits of Sweet Potato Cornbread

Is Sweet Potato Cornbread Healthy?

Yes! This sweet potato cornbread is nutrient-dense, high in fiber, and naturally sweetened. It provides:

✔ Vitamins & Antioxidants – Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, C, and beta-carotene for immune support.
✔ Healthy Carbs & Fiber – Cornmeal & sweet potatoes provide complex carbs for sustained energy.
✔ Lower Sugar Option – Swap brown sugar for honey or reduce the amount for a naturally sweet taste.
✔ Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free flour to make it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
✔ Dairy-Free Friendly – Swap buttermilk for almond milk + vinegar and use coconut oil instead of butter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Sweet Potato Cornbread Healthy?

Yes! Sweet potato cornbread is a nutrient-dense, fiber-rich alternative to traditional cornbread. Sweet potatoes provide vitamin A, C, potassium, and antioxidants, while cornmeal offers complex carbohydrates and fiber. For a healthier version, you can reduce sugar, use whole wheat flour, or swap butter for coconut oil.

2. What Is the Difference Between Southern Cornbread and Sweet Cornbread?

Southern cornbread is typically savory, crumbly, and made with little to no sugar, often cooked in a cast-iron skillet with buttermilk and bacon fat. Sweet cornbread, on the other hand, is sweeter, softer, and cake-like, incorporating sugar, honey, or sweet potatoes for added flavor.

3. Why Do You Soak Sweet Potatoes Before Baking?

Soaking sweet potatoes removes excess starch, which helps them cook more evenly and enhances their natural sweetness. It also improves the texture, making them softer and fluffier when mashed for recipes like sweet potato cornbread.

4. Is Sweet Potato a Good Substitute for Bread?

Yes! Sweet potatoes can be a healthier, lower-calorie alternative to bread. You can use mashed sweet potatoes in baking, pancakes, or waffles, or even slice and toast them as a gluten-free substitute for toast or sandwich bread.

A stack of golden, moist sweet potato cornbread slices drizzled with honey, showcasing their rich texture and warm color.

More Delicious Sweet Potato & Cornbread Recipes to Try

If you loved this Sweet Potato Cornbread, here are more flavor-packed Southern and sweet potato recipes you’ll enjoy:

🌽 Best Southern-Style Cornbread – A classic, savory and crumbly cornbread with a golden crust.

🥧 Perfect Sweet Potato Pie – A rich, creamy Southern favorite perfect for the holidays.

🥣 Creamy Sweet Potato Soup – A warm and comforting smooth, velvety soup with a hint of spice.

🍠 Purple Sweet Potato Recipes – Unique and vibrant recipes featuring nutrient-rich purple sweet potatoes.

Try these delicious sweet potato and cornbread recipes, and let me know which one becomes your new favorite!

Final Thoughts on Sweet Potato Cornbread

This Sweet Potato Cornbread is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and moist, making it a must-try addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it with chili, barbecue, or holiday feasts, or simply enjoying it with butter and honey, this cornbread is a flavorful, comforting, and versatile side dish.

With its soft texture, warm spices, and rich sweet potato flavor, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to customize—make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or even spicy to suit your preferences.

Give this homemade sweet potato cornbread a try, and let me know how you like it! Happy baking!

External Resources for Sweet Potato Cornbread

For more information on cornbread history and sweet potatoes’ nutritional benefits, check out these trusted sources:

📖 Cornbread – Wikipedia – Learn about the origins, variations, and cultural significance of cornbread in different cuisines.
🍠 Sweet Potato Nutrition – USDA – Discover the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes, including vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, as provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Would you like any additional external links for cooking techniques or ingredient substitutes? 😊🚀

A plate with golden, moist sweet potato cornbread squares, freshly cut and ready to serve. The texture appears fluffy with a soft crumb.

Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe

Print Recipe

This Sweet Potato Cornbread is the perfect balance of moist, fluffy, and slightly sweet with a rich, buttery flavor. Made with mashed sweet potatoes, cornmeal, and warm spices, this homemade cornbread is a delicious twist on a Southern classic.

Perfect as a side dish for chili, barbecue, holiday meals, or even breakfast, this easy sweet potato cornbread pairs wonderfully with butter, honey, or your favorite spread. It’s simple to make, naturally vegetarian, and can be customized for gluten-free or dairy-free diets!

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 9 servings 1x