Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Name: Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe: Easy & Delicious
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled); 1 cup yellow cornmeal (fine or medium grind); ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup packed light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (about 1 medium); ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; ¾ cup milk (whole or 2%)

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Sweet potato cornbread is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. This sweet potato cornbread recipe combines the moist sweetness of sweet potato with the slightly crumbly texture of cornbread, creating a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a fantastic side dish for any meal, from a simple weeknight dinner to a festive holiday gathering. The warm spices and subtle sweetness make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress. For another comforting bread, try our date nut bread recipe.

Why this Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe is Special

Ingredients for sweet potato cornbread on a wooden table — All the ingredients you need for this sweet potato cornbread recipe

This sweet potato cornbread recipe stands out because it uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It’s quick to put together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, the addition of a touch of brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon elevates the flavor to something truly special.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 cup yellow cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (about 1 medium)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
¾ cup milk (whole or 2%)

Ingredient Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Dairy-Free: Use melted coconut oil or vegan butter in place of unsalted butter and your preferred non-dairy milk. Looking for another great southern staple? Check out our southern cornbread recipe.

Equipment Needed

9-inch square baking pan
Two large mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Parchment paper (optional)

Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe Instructions

This sweet potato cornbread is easy to make and comes together quickly once your sweet potato is cooked and mashed. Follow these simple steps for delicious results.

Preparing the Sweet Potato

Mashed sweet potato in a bowl with a fork — The secret to moist and flavorful cornbread: perfectly mashed sweet potato

Peel and cube one medium sweet potato. Place the sweet potato cubes in a pot and cover with cold water. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the sweet potato is fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the sweet potato and let it cool slightly before mashing it thoroughly with a fork or potato masher. You should have about 1 cup of mashed sweet potato.

Combining Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined.

Combining Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, mashed sweet potato, egg, and milk until smooth.

Baking the Sweet Potato Cornbread

Sweet potato cornbread batter in a baking pan — Smooth and rich cornbread batter ready for the oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown. Let the cornbread cool in the pan for a few minutes before serving. For a fun twist, try making mini chocolate chip muffins.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you make the best sweet potato cornbread:

Choosing the Right Sweet Potato

While most sweet potato varieties work well in this recipe, Garnet or Jewel sweet potatoes are recommended for their moist, flavorful flesh. They have a deep orange color and a naturally sweet flavor that enhances the cornbread. Avoid using sweet potatoes that are dry or stringy. For more information about sweet potatoes, you can visit this external resource.

Making Ahead and Freezing

You can make the sweet potato cornbread ahead of time. Bake it completely, let it cool, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the cooled cornbread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can warm individual slices in the microwave or reheat the whole loaf in a low oven. If you enjoy freezing baked goods, you might like our braided chocolate chip brioche recipe, which also freezes well.

Adding Flavor and Texture

Spice it up: Add ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon for a warm, autumnal flavor.
Add some crunch: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter before baking.
Fruity delight: Incorporate ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
Streusel topping: Mix ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel topping over the batter before baking for added sweetness and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Sliced sweet potato cornbread with honey drizzle — A warm slice of sweet potato cornbread drizzled with honey

Sweet potato cornbread is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Serve it alongside chili, soups, stews, or roasted meats. It’s also delicious on its own with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. For a savory twist, try serving it with a dollop of sour cream or chives. For a hearty and flavorful soup to serve with your cornbread, check out this venison chili recipe.

Nutritional Information (Optional)

Nutritional information is based on a recipe yielding 8 servings. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For more information about the nutritional benefits of cornbread, see this article on cornbread nutrition.

Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 5g

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sweet potato cornbread healthy?

Sweet potato cornbread offers some nutritional benefits thanks to the sweet potato, which is a good source of Vitamin A and fiber. Cornmeal also provides some fiber and iron. However, this cornbread does contain sugar and fat, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

What is the difference between southern cornbread and sweet cornbread?

Traditional southern cornbread is typically made without any added sugar, resulting in a more savory and crumbly texture. Sweet cornbread, like this recipe, incorporates sugar, resulting in a sweeter and often moister final product.

Why do you soak sweet potatoes before baking?

Soaking sweet potatoes isn’t necessary for this particular sweet potato cornbread recipe. We boil the sweet potato until tender, which achieves the desired softness needed for mashing and incorporating into the batter.

What does Patti Labelle put in her sweet potato pie?

Patti LaBelle’s sweet potato pie is famous, but this recipe focuses on sweet potato cornbread. While her pie recipe is certainly delicious, we’re celebrating the wonderful combination of sweet potato and cornbread here. If you’re curious about her pie, many reputable sources online offer versions of her recipe.

Conclusion

This sweet potato cornbread recipe is a simple yet satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet potato and cornbread creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make with readily available ingredients, so why not give this sweet potato cornbread recipe a try? I’m sure it will become a new family favorite. Let me know in the comments how yours turns out! I always love hearing from you.