• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Pink Owl Kitchen
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Summer
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Work w/Me
  • Saucy Cookbook
  • E-Book
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Summer
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Work w/Me
  • Saucy Cookbook
  • E-Book
×
  • Jalapeño cheddar cornbread with spicy honey butter fresh out of the oven.
    Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread with Spicy Honey Butter
  • Photo of creamy cheesy corn casserole baked with cheddar and chives.
    Creamy Cheesy Corn Casserole
  • Buttermilk biscuit breakfast casserole serving on a plate.
    Buttermilk Biscuit Breakfast Casserole
  • Brown butter pistachio chocolate chip cookies on a baking sheet.
    Brown Butter Pistachio Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • A serving of million dollar spaghetti on a white plate.
    Million Dollar Spaghetti Bake
  • A pan of shrimp and sausage jambalaya, packed with vibrant colors, bold Cajun spices, and hearty ingredients on a tabletop.
    How to Make Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya (One Pot Meal!)
  • 17 Delicious Easter Side Dishes
  • cajun shrimp boil on a large platter.
    Cajun Shrimp Boil
  • vegan southern collard greens in a white bowl sitting on a cutting board.
    Vegan Southern Collard Greens
  • Cajun oven baked sweet potato fries on a wooden cutting board.
    Cajun Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
  • buffalo catfish slider held in a hand.
    Buffalo Catfish Sliders
  • Eggnog pie in a glass baking dish on a table top.
    Eggnog Pie
Pink Owl Kitchen » Recipes » Side Dishes » Sweet Cornbread Muffins

Sweet Cornbread Muffins

Published: Jan 5, 2023 · Modified: Aug 26, 2023 by Ashley Boyd · This post may contain affiliate links

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Sweet cornbread muffins are fluffy and moist and the perfect dinnertime side dish. These tender, buttery cornbread muffins are perfectly sweetened and taste fantastic with any meal.

buttermilk cornbread muffins arranged on a wooden surface.

We serve some form of cornbread with many of our meals in the South. Cornbread is my go-to for weeknight dinners, holidays, and everything in between, and these sweet cornbread muffins are one of my favorite recipes!

For more tasty cornbread recipes, check out our Classic Southern Buttermilk Cornbread and Sweet Potato Cornbread recipes next!

Table of Contents
  • Ingredients You Need To Make Cornbread Muffins
  • How To Make This Recipe
  • What Are Cornbread Muffins?
  • Why Use Buttermilk In Cornbread?
  • More FAQs
  • What To Serve With Sweet Cornbread Muffins
  • Storing Instructions
  • Recommended Kitchen Tools
  • More Southern Recipes You Will Love!
  • 📖 Recipe

Ingredients You Need To Make Cornbread Muffins

  • All-purpose flour. Flour gives these cornbread muffins a fluffy, tender texture.
  • Yellow cornmeal. For delicious corn flavor and a slightly crumbly texture. Try our creamy, cheesy corn casserole next!
  • Granulated sugar. To sweeten the cornbread muffins.
  • Baking powder. To help the cornbread rise.
  • Salt. To enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Whole buttermilk. For subtle tanginess and extra tender, moist cornbread.
  • Large egg. To bind the ingredients and keep the muffins from falling apart.
  • Honey. For a hint of added sweetness and depth.
  • Melted butter. For super moist cornbread muffins and added flavor.
buttermilk cornbread muffin sliced open to show texture on parchment paper.

How To Make This Recipe

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray or line it with cupcake liners and set it aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and honey until the egg is thoroughly mixed into the other ingredients.
  3. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and pour the buttermilk mixture into the well. Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to mix the batter together until all of the cornmeal is moistened.
  4. Pour the melted butter into the bowl with the batter and mix with a wooden spoon until combined. Do not overmix the batter.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, and bake the cornbread in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  6. Allow the cornbread muffins to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before enjoying.
Step-by-step images for making buttermilk cornbread muffins.

What Are Cornbread Muffins?

Cornbread muffins are just muffins made with cornbread batter! The batter can be sweet or unsweetened and made with more or less flour depending on the desired texture.

These sweet cornbread muffins are made with a buttermilk cornmeal batter that calls for more flour than my classic cornbread recipe to give them a fluffy, more cake-like texture.

buttermilk cornbread muffins arranged on a wooden surface.

Why Use Buttermilk In Cornbread?

In my opinion, buttermilk is a must-have ingredient for any cornbread recipe. Not only does it add the most delicious subtle tangy flavor, but it also makes the cornbread extra moist and tender.

I recommend whole buttermilk for the moistest and most tender texture but low-fat buttermilk also works.

buttermilk cornbread muffin sliced open to show texture on parchment paper.

More FAQs

How Can I Keep Cornbread From Crumbling?

Adding enough fat and moisture to the batter will keep your cornbread from falling apart. In this recipe, buttermilk and egg provide enough structure to hold the cornbread together.

How Do I Make Cornbread Moist?

Buttermilk along with melted butter or oil gives cornbread the perfect amount of moisture and prevents dryness. Also, be sure to measure your flour properly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off the top.

How Can I Tell Cornbread Is Done?

Cornbread is done when the edges and top are a nice golden brown color and the center is set. Check cornbread for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. The cornbread is ready when the toothpick comes out clean.

buttermilk cornbread muffins arranged on a wooden surface.

What To Serve With Sweet Cornbread Muffins

This is the fun part because buttermilk cornbread muffins taste great served alongside a number of dishes! Here are some of my favorites:

  • Southern Smothered Chicken
  • Hot Honey Chicken Thighs
  • Authentic Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
  • Oven Fried Catfish
  • Cajun Crawfish Etouffee
  • New Orleans BBQ Shrimp
  • Southern Fried Catfish
  • Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
  • Cajun Shrimp and Grits
  • Cajun Dirty Rice With Smoked Sausage
  • Creamy Cajun Mushroom Pasta
  • Southern Collard Greens
  • Southern Green Beans
  • Black Eyed Peas
buttermilk cornbread muffins stacked on parchment paper.

Storing Instructions

Leftover cornbread muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days and in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Sweet cornbread muffins also freeze beautifully and will last up to six months in the freezer. Store the muffins in a zip-top freezer bag.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

  • Muffin pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Silicone spatula
buttermilk cornbread muffins arranged on a wooden surface.

More Southern Recipes You Will Love!

  • Southern Salmon Croquettes
  • Blackened Fish and Cheese Grits
  • Southern Chicken Salad
  • Oven Baked BBQ Chicken
  • Perfect Homemade Biscuits
  • Homemade Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
  • Southern Candied Yams
  • Southern Baked Beans
  • Homemade Creamed Corn
  • Creamy Southern Cheese Grits
  • Southern Spoon Bread
  • Southern Squash Casserole
  • Southern Pecan Pie
  • Chocolate Chess Pie
  • Southern Sweet Potato Pie
  • Best Southern Pecan Pralines

📖 Recipe

Sweet cornbread muffins stacked on a white table.

Sweet Cornbread Muffins

Ashley Boyd
Sweet cornbread muffins are fluffy and moist and the perfect dinnertime side dish. These tender, buttery cornbread muffins are perfectly sweetened and taste fantastic with any meal.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prevent your screen from going dark
Servings 12 muffins
Calories 199 kcal

Equipment

  • Muffin pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Silicone spatula
  • Mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - spooned and leveled
  • ¾ cups yellow cornmeal
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¼ cups whole buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 6 tablespoons melted butter - unsalted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray or line it with cupcake liners and set it aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and honey until the egg is completely mixed into the other ingredients.
  • Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and pour the buttermilk mixture into the well. Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to mix the batter together until all of the cornmeal is moistened.
  • Pour the melted butter into the bowl with the batter and mix with a wooden spoon until combined. Do not overmix the batter.
  • Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, and bake the cornbread in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
  • Allow the cornbread muffins to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before enjoying.

Notes

  • I recommend whole buttermilk for the best texture but low-fat buttermilk works great also. You can also regular whole milk but you will need to use about ¼ - ½ cup less.
  • Leftover cornbread muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days and in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition

Serving: 1muffin | Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 3.6g | Fat: 7.4g | Saturated Fat: 4.3g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 239mg | Potassium: 173mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12.6g | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Tag @thepinkowlkitchen on Instagram! And don't forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and review!

More Side Dishes

  • Southern hashbrown casserole on a serving spoon to show detail.
    Southern Hashbrown Casserole
  • Soft herb pumpkin dinner rolls in a baking dish.
    Soft, Herby Pumpkin Dinner Rolls
  • Crawfish cornbread dressing in a baking dish.
    Crawfish Cornbread Dressing
  • sweet potato cornbread with maple butter on a white plate.
    Sweet Potato Cornbread with Maple Butter

Reader Interactions

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Share Your Thoughts! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Ashley boyd leaning over counter in the kitchen.

HEY Y'ALL!

I’m Ashley, the wife, mama, and heart behind Pink Owl Kitchen. Cooking brings me so much joy, and I love sharing the comforting Southern flavors that shaped my childhood. My hope is that each recipe fills your home with warmth, love, and the sweet presence of Jesus.

More about me →

Featured In

Summer Side Dishes

  • A serving of creamy southern baked mac & cheese on a serving spoon.
    Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese (Soul Food Recipe!)
  • Photo of a serving of southern squash casserole on a serving spoon.
    Southern Squash Casserole
  • Southern baked beans in a cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon.
    Southern Baked Beans
  • Southern hush puppies in a metal baking pan with a blue linen underneath on top of a white surface.
    Southern Hush Puppies Recipe
  • Southern deviled eggs arranged on a serving platter.
    Southern Deviled Eggs
  • Cajun potato salad in a white bowl sitting on top of a wooden surface.
    Cajun Potato Salad

Trending Recipes

  • Southern candied yams in a white baking dish with a wooden serving spoon.
    The Best Southern Soul Food Candied Yams (w/ Video!)
  • Chocolate Cream Cold Brew (Starbucks Copycat)
  • Cajun dirty rice with smoked sausage in a white bowl.
    Cajun Dirty Rice with Smoked Sausage
  • brown sugar glazed chicken in a cast-iron skillet.
    Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Chicken
  • southern oven fried catfish on a wooden cutting board.
    Oven Fried Catfish
  • Hot honey chicken thighs on a black plate sitting on top of a white wooden surface.
    Hot Honey Chicken Thighs

Get your copy of my first cookbook, Saucy, now!

cover of the cookbook, Saucy, by Ashley Boyd.

Footer

↑ back to top

  • Privacy Policy and Disclaimers
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Sign Up! for emails and updates
  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Pink Owl Kitchen LLC, all rights reserved

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.