Homemade Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe

Homemade Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe to Embrace Comfort

Sweet potato cornbread sparks memories of cozy kitchen moments and warm, comforting aromas.

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when this golden-hued delight emerges from the oven.

Moist, tender crumbs tell a story of culinary magic waiting to unfold.

Each slice promises a perfect balance between subtle sweetness and hearty cornmeal goodness.

Creamy sweet potatoes weave their rich, velvety charm through every bite of this rustic bread.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that feel both familiar and exciting.

How to Bake Homemade Sweet Potato Cornbread With Ease

Step 1: Transform Sweet Potato

  • Carefully peel sweet potato
  • Chop into small cubes
  • Boil or steam until tender
  • Mash thoroughly
  • Allow to cool slightly

Step 2: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat oven to 400F (200C)

Generously grease 9-inch square baking pan or cast-iron skillet

Step 3: Blend Luscious Wet Components

In large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Mashed sweet potato
  • Buttermilk
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Eggs

Blend until silky smooth

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In separate bowl, thoroughly mix:
  • Cornmeal
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Step 5: Create Magical Batter

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture

Stir gently until just combined

Avoid overmixing to maintain tender texture

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Pour batter into prepared pan

Smooth surface evenly

Bake 25-30 minutes

Check doneness with toothpick

Edges should turn golden brown

Center should emerge clean when tested

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Allow cornbread to rest briefly

Slice into delectable portions

Serve warm

Optional: Accompany with butter or honey

Best Tips for Homemade Sweet Potato Cornbread Success

  • Boost Sweet Potato Mashing: Use a potato masher or fork to create a smooth, lump-free texture for even moisture distribution throughout the cornbread.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently and quickly to keep the cornbread tender, stopping as soon as dry ingredients are just incorporated to avoid tough results.
  • Customize Sweetness Levels: Adjust brown sugar amount based on preference- reduce for less sweetness or increase for a more dessert-like cornbread experience.
  • Enhance Dietary Flexibility: Swap buttermilk with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for lactose-free or vegan versions of the recipe.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick at a slight angle near the center to ensure even baking and avoid underdone or dry edges during the cooking process.

Keeping Homemade Sweet Potato Cornbread Moist

  • Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire cornbread in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
  • Preheat oven to 350F, wrap cornbread in foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This keeps the bread moist and preserves its texture.
  • Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overheat, which can make the bread tough and dry.

Side Dishes That Go With Sweet Potato Cornbread

  • Combine the sweet potato cornbread with tender, smoky pulled pork for a mouthwatering Southern-style feast that balances the bread's subtle sweetness and rich texture.
  • Serve alongside a zesty coleslaw that cuts through the cornbread's richness, adding a crisp, refreshing contrast to each bite.
  • Pour a warm, spiced apple cider that echoes the cornbread's sweet undertones and provides a comforting, seasonal beverage experience.
  • Create a decadent maple butter by mixing softened butter with pure maple syrup, elevating the cornbread's natural sweetness and adding a luxurious finishing touch.

Sweet Twists on Homemade Sweet Potato Cornbread

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use cornmeal that is certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Alternative: Swap eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk, and substitute butter with coconut oil.
  • Savory Herb Variation: Add chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage to the dry ingredients for an aromatic herb-infused cornbread that pairs perfectly with soups and stews.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced jalapeños, green chiles, and a sprinkle of cumin to give the cornbread a zesty, southwestern kick that complements chili or barbecue dishes.

Why Homemade Sweet Potato Cornbread Is a Southern Classic

  • Packed with sweet potato's rich vitamins and fiber, this cornbread transforms a classic comfort food into a healthier alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Whip up this recipe in under an hour with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous baking sessions without requiring advanced culinary skills.
  • Adaptable for multiple occasions like family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, this cornbread serves as a delightful side dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its subtle sweetness and moist texture.
  • Upgrade traditional cornbread by incorporating sweet potato, creating a unique twist that adds depth of flavor, gorgeous color, and extra nutritional value to your typical bread recipe.

What Ingredients Go Into Homemade Sweet Potato Cornbread

Main Sweet Potato Base:
  • Sweet Potato: Provides natural sweetness and moisture to the cornbread, rich in nutrients and gives a beautiful orange color.
  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender, soft texture with its acidic properties.
Flour and Cornmeal Group:
  • Cornmeal, All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of the cornbread, giving it classic texture and traditional cornbread characteristics.
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Eggs: Help bind ingredients together and provide structure to the cornbread.
  • Melted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a moist, tender crumb.
  • Brown Sugar: Introduces depth of sweetness that complements the sweet potato.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cornbread rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances overall flavor profile.
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Homemade Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe

Homemade Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Southern comfort meets wholesome goodness in this delectable sweet potato cornbread, blending rustic charm with irresistible flavor. Warm spices and creamy sweet potatoes elevate classic cornbread, promising a comforting slice that connects you to cherished culinary traditions.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240g) mashed cooked sweet potato
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
  • 1 cup (120 grams) cornmeal
  • 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs

Binding and Fat Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar, packed

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Transform a sweet potato into a soft, tender mash by peeling and cubing it. Boil or steam until fork-tender, typically 10-15 minutes. Mash thoroughly and let cool slightly to prevent scrambling eggs.
  2. Ignite the oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Generously coat a 9-inch square baking vessel or cast-iron skillet with a protective layer of grease.
  3. Craft a silky wet mixture by vigorously whisking the velvety sweet potato mash with tangy buttermilk, golden melted butter, rich brown sugar, and farm-fresh eggs until achieving a uniform, lustrous consistency.
  4. In a separate receptacle, blend the dry ingredients – cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – using a wire whisk to eliminate potential lumps.
  5. Delicately incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Restraint is key – overmixing will result in dense, tough cornbread.
  6. Transfer the luxurious batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure even baking. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden perimeter and a clean toothpick test.
  7. Allow the cornbread to rest momentarily after emerging from the oven. Slice into inviting wedges and serve while still warm, accompanied by a pat of creamy butter or a drizzle of amber honey.

Notes

  • Enhance sweet potato flavor by roasting instead of boiling, which concentrates natural sugars and adds deeper caramelized notes.
  • Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for vegan or lactose-intolerant diets.
  • Reduce sugar content by using mashed ripe banana or applesauce as a natural sweetener, creating a healthier version with lower glycemic impact.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, replace all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free cornmeal and add xanthan gum to improve texture and binding.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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