If you’re searching for an ultra-tender, perfectly sweet side that practically melts in your mouth, look no further than this BEST Moist Cornbread Recipe. Every bite is a sunny burst of flavor thanks to the rich blend of buttermilk, butter, and a dash of sour cream, delivering that beloved crumbly texture—never dry, never dull. This recipe is everything I crave in cornbread: incredibly moist, golden on top, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re pairing it with a cozy chili or just slathering on some honey butter for a snack, you’ll see why I make this version again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of kitchen staples, the BEST Moist Cornbread Recipe comes together in under an hour. Every ingredient plays an important role—so don’t be tempted to swap or skip! These essentials create that signature texture and flavor cornbread lovers can’t resist.
- Yellow cornmeal: The heart of cornbread, it provides sweet corn flavor and beautiful golden color.
- All-purpose flour: Adds structure and softness, helping the bread hold together without being dense.
- Granulated sugar: Gives just the right amount of sweetness, making each bite irresistible.
- Baking powder: This is your leavening agent—ensures a light, fluffy crumb with plenty of lift.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- Buttermilk: The key to that moist, tender texture—plus extra tanginess!
- Large eggs: They help bind everything together and give the cornbread its lovely rise.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Infuses every crumb with rich, buttery goodness.
- Vegetable oil: Adds additional moisture, guaranteeing that perfect crumb even days later.
- Sour cream: Rounds out the flavor profile and amps up the moist, tender bite.
How to Make BEST Moist Cornbread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a 9-inch cast-iron skillet. The hot oven and prepared pan will help create that irresistible golden crust, while greasing ensures the cornbread releases easily. Skillet cornbread gets a little extra crisp and character!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until they’re well combined. This step ensures your leavening agent is evenly distributed, and no pockets of flour remain—no one wants a dry bite!
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, oil, and sour cream until perfectly smooth. This is where all that glorious moisture and richness comes in! Make sure your melted butter is slightly cooled so it doesn’t scramble the eggs.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, and gently stir just until the batter comes together. This is the secret to a tender crumb: don’t overmix! Stopping as soon as no visible flour streaks remain avoids tough, dense cornbread.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the luscious batter to your greased pan or skillet, smoothing the top for even baking. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes—if you can wait!—before diving in.
How to Serve BEST Moist Cornbread Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up each square with a pat of salted butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs. A splash of hot sauce adds a fantastic kick, while a swipe of fruit preserves gives a Southern breakfast twist. The beauty of the BEST Moist Cornbread Recipe is that your garnish options are as limitless as your cravings.
Side Dishes
This cornbread pairs beautifully alongside hearty bowls of chili, rich stews, or tangy pulled pork. Serve it with scrambled eggs for a comforting brunch, or add it to a barbecue spread with coleslaw and baked beans. It’s the ultimate sidekick that makes every meal feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the BEST Moist Cornbread Recipe into wedges for rustic charm or into bite-size cubes for dipping into soups. Top with shredded cheddar and a sprinkle of jalapeños for a Tex-Mex touch, or stack slices with spicy jam and crisp lettuce for a fun, savory slider. However you serve it, this cornbread loves a little creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover cornbread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The moisture from the buttermilk and sour cream keeps every piece soft and tender, even the next day!
Freezing
Cornbread is wonderfully freezer-friendly. Wrap cooled slices individually in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Tuck them away for up to two months—you’ll be incredibly grateful to have the BEST Moist Cornbread Recipe just waiting for you!
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual slices in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, wrapped loosely in foil. You can also microwave a piece for 15–20 seconds with a damp paper towel for super-soft texture. And don’t forget a fresh smear of butter on top!
FAQs
Can I substitute milk if I don’t have buttermilk?
Absolutely! While buttermilk brings tender texture and gentle tang, you can use regular milk plus a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes before using—it almost perfectly mimics buttermilk for this recipe.
What can I add for extra flavor or texture?
This BEST Moist Cornbread Recipe is brilliant as is, but feel free to stir in a cup of sweet corn kernels, shredded sharp cheddar, or even chopped jalapeños before baking. Each addition brings a new personality, so make it your own!
Can I bake this recipe in muffin form?
You sure can! Simply divide the batter into lined muffin tins, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cornbread muffins are ideal for lunchboxes or on-the-go snacks.
How do I keep my cornbread from being dry?
It’s all about the ratio of fat and liquid. The blend of buttermilk, sour cream, butter, and oil makes this BEST Moist Cornbread Recipe almost foolproof. Be careful not to overbake, and always mix gently to avoid a crumbly or dry result.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free cup-for-cup blend. Just make sure to use fresh, high-quality cornmeal, and check your other ingredients for any hidden gluten if you have a sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing warm, homemade cornbread around the table, and this BEST Moist Cornbread Recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. If you’re craving comfort, ease, and the softest crumb imaginable, give this recipe a try—it’s destined to become a favorite in your kitchen, too!
Print
BEST Moist Cornbread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for the BEST Moist Cornbread is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. With a tender crumb and a golden crust, this cornbread is perfect for serving alongside your favorite soups, stews, or as a standalone treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or a 9-inch cast-iron skillet.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, oil, and sour cream until smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stir until just combined. Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and enjoying!
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding 1 cup of corn kernels or shredded cheddar cheese.
- You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
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