If you’re looking for a comforting, moist, and slightly sweet treat that perfectly balances earthy sweet potatoes with a warm honey cinnamon finish, this Easy Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Cinnamon Glaze Recipe is absolutely for you. It’s a joy to make and even more delightful to share—each bite offers that wonderful golden crust with a tender crumb, bringing cozy flavors to any table. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty soup or enjoying it as a snack, this cornbread is a stellar way to brighten up your baking repertoire with wholesome ingredients and an irresistible glaze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a thick square piece of cornbread on a white plate, resting on a blue cloth. The cornbread has a golden brown top layer with a moist texture, and the inside is a soft, crumbly orange-yellow color. On top of the cornbread, there is a melting square of butter that adds a shiny, smooth surface detail. The background is a white marbled surface with blurred golden pieces of cornbread in the back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Easy Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Cinnamon Glaze Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create a marvelously textured and flavorful bread. Each component plays a vital role—from the fragrant spices that add warmth to the sweet potatoes which provide natural sweetness and moisture, it’s a straightforward list that yields extraordinary results.

Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, warm spice that complements the sweet potato perfectly.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Orange food coloring (optional): Boosts the vibrant color for a visually stunning loaf.
Buttermilk: Keeps the cornbread tender and adds a subtle tang.
Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure; using a quality brand like King Arthur makes a difference.
Ground nutmeg: Adds depth with a slightly nutty sweetness—freshly ground if possible.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise and achieve a light crumb.
Baking soda: Reacts with acidic buttermilk for lift and softness.
Yellow cornmeal: Gives that signature gritty texture and traditional corn flavor.
Ground cloves: A pinch adds a subtle aromatic note without overpowering.
Melted butter: Brings richness and a beautiful golden crust; Kerrygold unsalted is recommended.
Egg yolk and eggs: Bind everything together and add tenderness.
Light brown sugar: Contributes deep molasses sweetness and moisture.
Cooked and mashed sweet potatoes: The star ingredient that infuses natural sweetness and softness.
White sugar: Balances the flavors with pure sweetness.
Cooking oil: Adds moisture and keeps the corn bread from drying out; neutral oils like canola work well.
For the glaze – light brown sugar: Creates a luscious caramel layer.
Ground cinnamon (for glaze): Adds extra warmth on top.
Melted butter (for glaze): Ensures the glaze is rich and smooth.
Honey: Provides floral sweetness and sticky gloss.
Salt (for glaze): Balances and heightens the honey’s flavor.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat Oven

Begin by heating your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Lightly butter an 8-inch glass baking dish—this simple step ensures your cornbread loosens easily and isn’t stuck when it’s time to serve. Setting the stage right here makes everything that follows smoother and stress-free.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Take a moment to really combine everything evenly—this guarantees your spice and leavening agents are well distributed to infuse every bite with flavor and perfect rise.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, egg yolk, melted butter, oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. If you want an extra pop of color for a festive touch, stir in four drops of orange food coloring now. The liquid mixture should be silky smooth before the next step—this smoothness is key to a tender crumb.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently add the dry mixture to your wet bowl, stirring carefully just until combined. Resist the urge to overmix here—over stirring can make the bread dense rather than light and fluffy. The batter will be thick and luscious, promising a satisfying texture once baked.

Step 5: Pour Batter and Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared dish and slide it into the oven’s middle rack. Bake for 20 minutes, then tent the dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning on top. Continue baking for another 20 minutes or until the center is set through. This two-stage bake creates a perfect golden crust without drying out the interior.

Step 6: Prepare and Apply the Glaze

While the cornbread is still warm, stir together the glaze ingredients—brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt—making sure to dissolve the sugar completely. Pour this heavenly glaze over the cornbread, letting it absorb all that sweet cinnamon goodness while the bread is still warm enough to soak it in. This finishing touch elevates the dish from great to unforgettable.

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

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

Garnishes

Sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nuttiness. A light dusting of cinnamon powder or a few fresh thyme leaves can also add a beautiful aroma and hint of herbal freshness that balances the sweetness wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This Easy Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Cinnamon Glaze Recipe pairs marvelously with savory dishes such as chili, roasted turkey, or buttery collard greens. The subtle sweetness and moist texture offer a perfect foil to bold, hearty flavors, enhancing any meal you create.

Creative Ways to Present

For a simple yet charming presentation, serve slices warm with a drizzle of extra honey or a smear of cinnamon butter. You can also cube the cornbread and serve it alongside a cheese board, allowing guests to enjoy it as a sweet-savory snack. Transforming it into croutons for salads or soups offers a deliciously surprising twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the cornbread cools completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep fresh for 3 to 4 days at room temperature, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week without any loss of flavor or texture.

Freezing

This cornbread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, and you’ll have a convenient, delicious treat ready whenever you need a quick, flavorful bite.

Reheating

Rewarm slices in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave them briefly with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Reheating helps refresh the glaze’s shine and revives the bread’s tender texture, making it taste just as wonderful as fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to drain the canned sweet potatoes well and mash them thoroughly before mixing. While fresh cooked sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture, canned sweet potatoes can be a convenient substitute without sacrificing quality.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, a simple substitute is to add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This mimics the tanginess and acidity that buttermilk lends to the cornbread.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture. Also, double-check the cornmeal to ensure it’s certified gluten-free if sensitivity is a concern.

How spicy is the flavor from the spices?

The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are used in subtle amounts to provide a warm, fragrant background without overpowering the cornbread’s natural sweetness. The spices complement the sweet potato nicely, making it perfect for those who prefer cozy, mild spice notes over heat.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and gently reheat it before pouring over the warm cornbread. Just make sure to stir it well so the sugar dissolves fully again, and keep it in a covered container to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Sweet Potato Cornbread with Honey Cinnamon Glaze Recipe is truly a little slice of joy that belongs in every kitchen. Its wonderful balance of flavors, gorgeous color, and moist texture make it a perfect treat to brighten any meal or occasion. Give it a go—you’ll discover a new favorite to share with family and friends that brings warmth, comfort, and smiles to the table.