If you’re looking to impress your friends or simply treat yourself to a comforting, flavorful classic with a twist, this Easy Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Cinnamon Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a gently sweet, beautifully moist cornbread that balances the earthiness of sweet potatoes with warming spices, all brought together by a luscious honey cinnamon glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and shine. Whether you’re pairing it with a big pot of chili or enjoying it as a dessert, this recipe feels like a warm hug in every bite, and it’s surprisingly simple to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square, thick, golden brown cornbread sits in a white dish with a soft texture visible on the cut sides. A wooden brush spreads shiny, amber honey on the top layer, making it look sticky and glossy. The dish rests on a pale blue cloth with a white marbled surface underneath. In the background, a clear glass bowl filled with honey is slightly out of focus. A woman's hand holds the wooden brush as the honey covers one part of the cornbread photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things straightforward but promises a full-bodied flavor and inviting texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the hearty yellow cornmeal that gives cornbread its signature crumb, to the sweet potatoes that add moisture and natural sweetness, and the combination of warm spices that bring depth. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why.

Ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with a warm, sweet spice that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and spices perfectly.
Orange food coloring (optional): Adds a vibrant hue to your cornbread, making it look as radiant as it tastes.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and keeps the cornbread tender with a subtle richness.
Vanilla extract: A sweet aromatic note that rounds out the flavors.
All-purpose flour: (King Arthur recommended) Provides structure without heaviness.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a fragrant, slightly sweet warmth; fresh grind is best for maximum impact.
Baking powder: Helps the batter rise for a light, fluffy texture.
Baking soda: Works alongside the buttermilk to create lift and a tender crumb.
Yellow cornmeal: The star ingredient for authentic cornbread texture and flavor.
Ground cloves: Gives a hint of spicy sweetness that deepens the overall taste.
Melted butter: Adds richness and a slightly crisp crust; Kerrygold unsalted butter recommended for its flavor.
Egg yolk and eggs: Bind everything together while enriching the cornbread.
Light brown sugar: Adds moistness and a hint of molasses flavor.
Cooked and mashed sweet potatoes: The secret to moist, tender cornbread with a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
White sugar: Balances the sweetness and aids in browning.
Cooking oil (neutral): Adds moisture and keeps the cornbread soft, canola or any mild oil works well.
For the glaze – light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, melted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt: These simple ingredients transform the cornbread into a gleaming, sweet masterpiece with a gentle spice kick.

How to Make Easy Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Cinnamon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, lightly butter an 8-inch glass baking dish. This simple step guarantees your cornbread will come out cleanly without any sticking, plus a little butter on the sides helps create a delicious, golden crust.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, white sugar, and brown sugar. Combining everything well now ensures those wonderful spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed for a perfectly seasoned, fluffy cornbread.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Grab another big bowl and mix the pureed sweet potatoes, eggs, egg yolk, melted butter, oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. If you want that classic orange glow, stir in four drops of orange food coloring at this point. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended — that luscious base is what gives the cornbread its beautiful moist texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix here, as that can make your cornbread dense instead of light and tender. The goal is a batter that looks slightly lumpy but fully integrated.

Step 5: Pour Batter and Bake

Pour that glorious batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top lightly. Place it on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After that, tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and bake for another 20 minutes or until the center is set. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.

Step 6: Prepare and Apply the Glaze

While the cornbread is baking, stir together the glaze ingredients — light brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt — while the butter and sugar are still warm. This helps dissolve the sugar and blend flavors beautifully. The moment your cornbread comes out of the oven, generously brush it with the warm glaze, repeating a few times to build up a shiny, flavorful coat. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak in those honey cinnamon notes before serving warm.

How to Serve Easy Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Cinnamon Glaze Recipe

Easy Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Cinnamon Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a simple yet elegant touch, sprinkle some toasted pecans or chopped walnuts on top right after glazing. You can also add a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the sweet-savory interplay. Fresh thyme leaves bring a subtle herbal note that pairs surprisingly well with the warm spices.

Side Dishes

This cornbread is a dream alongside hearty dishes like chili, roasted root vegetables, or glazed ham. It also shines as a breakfast side, serving alongside creamy scrambled eggs or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a comforting morning treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cornbread into squares and toast them lightly, then spread with a pat of cinnamon butter or cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist. For casual gatherings, serve in a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper, garnished with extra honey drizzle and a sprinkle of cinnamon for stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cornbread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for about two days, making it easy to enjoy again with minimal fuss.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, slice the cornbread before freezing, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen cornbread can last for up to three months, perfect for quick desserts or side dishes whenever you crave that cozy flavor.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until heated through. You can also pop slices into the toaster for a crisp edge or microwave for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned sweet potatoes can be used as a convenient shortcut. Just be sure to drain them well and mash thoroughly before adding to your batter.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No problem. You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This adds the necessary acidity to react with the baking soda.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.

Can I make this cornbread vegan?

To make a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, use plant-based milk with added acid instead of buttermilk, and swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine.

How sweet is the cornbread with the glaze?

The cornbread has a gentle sweetness from the sweet potatoes and sugars, and the honey cinnamon glaze adds a bright, warm sweetness on top without being overpowering—perfectly balanced for both savory and sweet pairings.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming and satisfying about this Easy Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Cinnamon Glaze Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of familiar comfort and a little bit of magic from the glaze that elevates every bite. Whether you’re new to cornbread or a seasoned fan looking for a new favorite, this recipe invites you to create something special with straightforward ingredients and easy steps. Give it a try—you’ll find it hard to stop at just one slice!