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 .

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)

Ingredients

Scale

Dry 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)

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)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

If you don’t have mashed sweet potatoes ready, roast them at 400°F (200°C) for 45-50 minutes, then scoop out the flesh.
Alternatively, peel and boil them 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 extract until 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!

Notes

✅ 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.

Author: Sanae
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern, American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square (about 3x3 inches)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg