Gluten Free Sweet Cornbread

Gluten Free Sweet Cornbread Recipe

Gluten Free Sweet Cornbread is a delicious, Southern-style recipe that’s easy to make. It combines the rich flavor of cornmeal with just the right amount of sweetness, making it perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side with chili, enjoying it with butter and honey, or using it for a holiday spread, this gluten free sweet cornbread will not disappoint.

If you’re looking for a sweet cornbread recipe that’s also gluten-free and dairy-free, this recipe can easily be adapted to meet your dietary needs. Many store-bought cornbread mixes are gluten-free, but nothing beats the homemade flavor and texture of this gluten free sweet cornbread recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Sweet Cornbread

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, a snack, or even for breakfast.
• Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: Easily adaptable to meet various dietary restrictions.
• Sweet and Soft: The texture of this sweet cornbread is just right—soft, slightly crumbly, and packed with sweet flavor.

Ingredients for Gluten Free Sweet Cornbread

Here’s what you need to make this delicious gluten free sweet cornbread:

• 1 ½ cups milk (dairy-free options: almond, cashew, or coconut milk)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (to make homemade buttermilk)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey (for extra sweetness)
• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum; I recommend Pillsbury gluten-free flour)
• 1 ½ cups gluten-free cornmeal (I recommend Arrowhead Mills or Bob’s Red Mill)
• 2 teaspoons gluten-free baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup melted butter (dairy-free option: Smart Balance butter)

How to Make Gluten-Free Sweet Cornbread

Making gluten free sweet cornbread from scratch is quick and simple. This recipe only takes one bowl and about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an easy option for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Step 1: Make the Buttermilk

Start by making your homemade buttermilk. Combine the milk and white vinegar in a small bowl. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes. This will thicken the milk and give it that classic buttermilk tang essential for authentic sweet cornbread flavor.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grease a 9″x9″ square baking pan or a 10″ cast iron skillet with gluten-free cooking spray. A cast iron skillet works best if you want that golden, crispy edge that is typical of Southern-style gluten-free sweet cornbread.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, and honey. This combination will create the sweetness that sets this gluten free sweet cornbread apart from traditional cornbread, which is often more savory.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the gluten-free all-purpose flour, gluten-free cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until the mixture is well combined.

Tip: If you’re using a gluten-free flour blend that does not already include xanthan gum, add ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum to the recipe. This helps with binding the ingredients and gives the cornbread a better texture.

Step 5: Add the Buttermilk and Butter

Pour in the melted butter and the homemade buttermilk, and stir until the batter is smooth and fully combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cornbread denser.

Step 6: Bake the Cornbread

Pour the batter into the greased baking pan or skillet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the middle of the cornbread comes out clean. The edges should be golden and slightly crispy, while the center remains soft and moist.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the gluten free sweet cornbread from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy it warm with a spread of butter, honey, or even jelly!

Storing Gluten-Free Sweet Cornbread

To store leftovers, place the gluten free sweet cornbread in an air-tight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to two days, or you can refrigerate it to extend its shelf life to about 5 days.

Freezing Gluten-Free Sweet Cornbread

Yes, you can freeze cornbread! Cut the gluten free sweet cornbread into squares and place them in a freezer-safe container. To prevent sticking, layer parchment paper between pieces. Let the cornbread thaw at room temperature before reheating it in the oven or microwave.

Dairy-Free Option for Gluten-Free Sweet Cornbread

If you’re avoiding dairy, this gluten-free sweet cornbread can easily be made dairy-free. Simply substitute regular milk with almond milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk, and replace the butter with Smart Balance butter or another dairy-free butter alternative. The result will still be a delicious, moist, and perfectly sweet cornbread.

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Sweet Cornbread

• Use Gluten-Free Flour with Xanthan Gum: I recommend using Pillsbury gluten-free flour, which already contains xanthan gum. This makes it a lot easier to bake without worrying about the cornbread falling apart. If your gluten-free flour doesn’t contain xanthan gum, be sure to add ¼ teaspoon to the recipe.
• Measuring Gluten-Free Flour: For best results, use the “spoon and level” method to measure your gluten-free flour. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife. This prevents adding too much flour, which can make the cornbread too dense or dry.
• Cornmeal: Not all cornmeal is gluten-free, so make sure you choose one that is labeled gluten-free. Cross-contact can occur during the manufacturing process, so brands like Bob’s Red Mill and Arrowhead Mills are good, safe options.

What to Serve with Gluten-Free Sweet Cornbread

This gluten-free sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Chili: The sweetness of the cornbread complements the savory, spicy flavor of a hearty chili.
• Soup: Serve it with a bowl of gluten-free chicken soup or gluten-free beef stew.
• Breakfast: Top it with butter, honey, or jelly for a tasty breakfast treat.
• Fried Chicken: Gluten-free sweet cornbread makes an excellent side for Southern-style gluten-free fried chicken.

Is Cornmeal Gluten-Free?

Cornmeal is naturally gluten-free because it’s made from dried corn. However, not all packaged cornmeal is gluten-free due to cross-contact during manufacturing. Always check the label to ensure it’s certified gluten-free. Both Arrowhead Mills and Bob’s Red Mill offer gluten-free cornmeal, which are great choices for this recipe.

Conclusion

This gluten-free sweet cornbread is the perfect combination of soft, moist texture and balanced sweetness. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or a simple breakfast treat. The easy substitutions also make it accessible for those who are both gluten-free and dairy-free. Once you’ve tried this homemade version, you’ll never want to go back to boxed cornbread mixes again!

So, get ready to enjoy some delicious, homemade gluten-free sweet cornbread. Happy baking!