Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato
- Cook the Sweet Potato: Start by peeling and chopping a medium sweet potato into chunks. Boil or steam the sweet potato until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and let cool slightly before mashing.
- Make the Puree: Once cooled, mash the sweet potato until smooth. You can use a potato masher or a food processor for a finer texture. Measure out one cup of the puree for the cornbread.
Step 2: Mix the Cornbread Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the sweet potato puree, sugar, honey, milk, eggs, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 3: Bake the Cornbread
- Pour the Batter: Transfer the cornbread batter into the prepared baking dish or skillet, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Butter
- Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, honey, and optional cinnamon. Use a hand mixer or a fork to mix until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the warm cornbread with a generous dollop of honey butter on top. It’s delicious as a side dish or enjoyed on its own!
Tips for Success
- Sweet Potato Alternatives: If you don’t have sweet potatoes on hand, you can substitute with pumpkin puree for a slightly different flavor.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your cornbread by adding ingredients like chopped jalapeños, cheese, or herbs for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Honey Butter Sweet Potato Cornbread is a delightful twist on a classic dish, bringing together the sweetness of honey and sweet potatoes for a truly memorable flavor. This cornbread is perfect for any occasion, from holiday dinners to casual family gatherings. With its moist texture and sweet buttery topping, it’s sure to become a favorite recipe that you’ll make again and again. Enjoy this warm, comforting treat straight from the oven!
