Name: Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Butter Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¼ cups yellow cornmeal; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ⅛-¼ teaspoon clove; ⅛-¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 cup cooked sweet potatoes (pureed); 2 eggs, room temperature; 1 egg yolk, room temperature; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; ½ cup butter, melted; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; Orange food coloring (optional); 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons honey; Pinch of salt; Pinch of cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 9 reviews

If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful twist on a classic favorite, the Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Butter Glaze Recipe is your new go-to. This cornbread is beautifully moist and tender, thanks to the sweet potato puree that lends it a subtle natural sweetness and gorgeous golden hue. Finished off with a luscious honey butter glaze, every bite is a perfect balance of warm spices, rich sweetness, and the inviting crumbly texture that pairs wonderfully with any meal or stands proudly as a snack on its own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a thick, yellow batter that has a slightly grainy texture. The batter is being mixed with a gray spatula with some batter clinging to it. The bowl is sitting on a white marbled surface, and some batter is spread around the inside edges of the bowl. The lighting highlights the rough texture and creamy thickness of the mixture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Butter Glaze Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—from the warm spices that provide depth, to the sweet potato adding moisture and vivid color. Together, they create a cornbread that’s anything but ordinary.

Yellow cornmeal: The cornerstone of cornbread, bringing that signature grainy texture and a mild, earthy flavor.
All-purpose flour: Balances the cornmeal for a tender crumb and gives structure to the loaf.
Baking powder and baking soda: The rising agents that ensure the bread is light and fluffy, not dense.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg: These warm spices infuse the bread with cozy autumn-like aromas that excite the palate.
Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: Add layers of sweetness and subtle caramel notes.
Cooked sweet potatoes (pureed): The hero ingredient adding moisture, sweetness, and that stunning golden color.
Eggs and egg yolk: Bind everything together and enrich the texture.
Vegetable oil and melted butter: Contribute to moistness and a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: A subtle sweet fragrance that enhances all the flavors.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderizes the cornbread for a perfect bite.
Orange food coloring (optional): Used to boost the vibrant hue if desired, without affecting flavor.
Butter, light brown sugar, honey, pinch of salt, and cinnamon (for glaze): Combine to create a glossy, sweet, and spiced honey butter glaze that elevates the warm cornbread.

How to Make Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Butter Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly butter an 8-inch glass baking dish to ensure the cornbread doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. This step makes a huge difference when it comes to presentation and ease of serving later on.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, all those warm spices (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg), plus both sugars. This dry mix forms the flavorful backbone of your Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Butter Glaze Recipe, giving you that comforting aroma and taste with every bite.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine your pureed sweet potatoes, eggs, egg yolk, melted butter, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. If you want that extra vibrant orange color, now is the time to add a few drops of orange food coloring. The wet ingredients bring moisture and richness, making this cornbread anything but dry.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Be careful not to over mix, as over stirring can lead to a tough texture. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Cornbread

Place the baking dish on the middle rack of your oven. Bake for 20 minutes uncovered, then tent the cornbread with foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the center is fully set. This two-step bake ensures the cornbread is perfectly moist yet cooked through without browning too fast on top.

Step 6: Make the Honey Butter Glaze

While the cornbread is finishing up, whisk together your melted butter, brown sugar, honey, pinch of salt, and cinnamon. Stir while warm so the sugar dissolves beautifully. Once your cornbread is out of the oven, brush this glaze generously over the top a few times for that glossy, sweet finish.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Butter Glaze Recipe

The image shows four square pieces of golden brown cornbread stacked loosely, with one piece in the front clearly showing a soft, crumbly texture and slightly shiny, smooth top layer. The cornbread pieces have rough, grainy sides with a moist interior. They rest on a wooden surface, accompanied by a white and blue cloth on the right side. The background is softly blurred with more cornbread in a pile, creating a warm, inviting look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a simple yet beautiful presentation, sprinkle some extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar on top after glazing. Fresh chopped pecans or toasted nuts add a lovely crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft crumb.

Side Dishes

This cornbread shines alongside hearty dishes like chili, roasted turkey, or glazed ham. It’s also fabulous with a bowl of creamy soup or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. The warm spices and sweet glaze complement savory flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cornbread into squares or wedges and serve warm on a rustic wooden board with small jars of extra honey butter or whipped honey butter cream cheese. For a brunch spread, pair it with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet and satisfying start to the day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Butter Glaze Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be sure to cover it well so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

This cornbread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly with plastic wrap and place inside a freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for 2 to 3 months, letting you savor this treat anytime you want without needing to bake from scratch.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap your cornbread and warm it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. If reheating slices, a quick zap in the microwave for about 20 seconds works in a pinch, but the oven helps maintain the crisp outside and soft inside.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potato instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to choose unsweetened canned sweet potatoes or puree them yourself to adjust sweetness and texture. Fresh or canned, the sweet potatoes add that signature moisture and flavor that make this cornbread so special.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, you can enjoy a gluten-free version. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well for the best results.

Can I prepare the sweet potato puree ahead of time?

You can! Cook and puree your sweet potatoes a day or two in advance, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and then use them when you’re ready to bake. This prep step helps save time on the baking day.

Do I have to use the honey butter glaze?

The glaze truly elevates this cornbread, but you could skip it if you want a less sweet version. It’s delicious on its own, but the glaze adds that irresistible shine and extra burst of flavor that completes the recipe.

Can I make this cornbread vegan?

With a few swaps, yes! Use flax eggs or another egg replacer, plant-based butter, and a dairy-free milk alternative with a tablespoon of vinegar to mimic buttermilk. This way, you keep the lovely flavors while making it vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Butter Glaze Recipe is one of those special treats that bring warmth and comfort with every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or simply enjoying it as an afternoon snack, it’s sure to become a cherished staple. Give it a try—you won’t regret adding this sweet, spicy, and buttery delight to your recipe collection.