Description
This Sweet Potato Cornbread recipe combines the natural sweetness and moistness of cooked sweet potatoes with the classic texture of cornbread. Perfect as a side dish for any meal, this baked cornbread features warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg and a tender crumb finished with a hint of vanilla. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection in a cast-iron skillet or baking dish, it makes a comforting and flavorful addition to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking and allow for even cooking.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Boil the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a pot of water until they are tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Drain thoroughly and mash the potatoes until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Then stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and the mashed sweet potatoes until well blended.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense cornbread.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish or skillet, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cornbread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey for extra sweetness and moisture.
Notes
- Make sure sweet potatoes are well mashed and slightly cooled before adding to the wet ingredients to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for a crispier crust, but a baking dish works just as well.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cornbread light and fluffy.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven or microwave for best texture.
- Substitute regular milk for buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American