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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Knock Your Socks Off Cornbread

    Modified: Sep 5, 2025 · This post may contain affiliate links · 105 Comments

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    This Knock Your Socks Off Cornbread isn’t loaded with corn, bacon, jalapenos, or anything fancy…. but it still will knock your socks off!! Fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly sweetened!

    fluffy, sweetened cornbread

    A few years ago, I made cornbread for my family and used my go to box of Jiffy. I had never made homemade cornbread because the boxed mix was simple, inexpensive, and a favorite of mine. When my hubby casually mentioned his love for sweet cornbread, I decided to experiment with ingredients and set out to make his favorite version myself.

    If you look through the blog, you will find lots of recipes, all equally delicious…. but this one is the ultimate winner in my family!! It is definitely sweet, so if you prefer a more classic cornbread, be sure to check out the links below for different variations!

    This easy recipe for homemade cornbread is made entirely from scratch! The cornbread bakes up light, fluffy, moist, & sweet, with golden brown edges that are deliciously crispy.

    Have you ever scrolled through Pinterest and checked out all the recipes claiming their cornbread to be the best? Well, over the years with all my trials and errors, I have learned that there are SO MANY variations, all great, but all based on the tastes of the person that made the recipe!

    My hubby prefers a sweet cornbread; however, I love a loaded cornbread with my meals! Both are great options, just depending on the preferences of the person, the meal it is served with, etc.

    Ingredients needed for this Knock Your Socks Off Cornbread

    • Eggs- you’ll want to separate the yolk and whites as you’ll need to beat the whites until stiff peaks form
    • Milk- any type works, I use what I have on hand, which is 2%
    • Vanilla Extract
    • Butter- melted and slightly cooled from being heated
    • Cornmeal
    • Flour- all purpose
    • Sugar- you are in control of the amount used. Feel free to decrease or increase depending on how sweet you want it. I use 1 cup; however, you can increase up to 1 ½ cups, or decrease to ½ cup
    • Baking Powder- make sure its fresh otherwise the bread won’t rise as much
    • Salt

    How to make cornbread from scratch

    This super easy recipe is perfect for anyone, no matter the skill level you have in the kitchen!

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 baking pan.
    2. In a medium bowl, combine the eggs yolks, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until combined.
    3. Add in the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.
    4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
    5. Fold into cornmeal mixture and stir until just combined.
    6. Pour batter into prepared 9 x 13 baking pan.
    7. Bake for 26-28 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
    8. Remove from oven and allow to cool about 5 minutes before slicing and serving!!
    a piece of sweet cornbread

    ADD-INS for this Knock Your Socks off Cornbread

    Most of the time, I keep this plain and simple, no add in’s required. However, you can add some fun ingredients to this to really enhance the flavors!

    Add in some canned (or fresh off the cob) corn kernels when mixing together!

    Cook up some bacon and crumble it into the mix prior to baking!

    Add in some diced jalapenos for an added kick!

    Add a few handfuls of shredded cheddar cheese for a tasty, cheesy addition to this cornbread!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long will this cornbread last? Keep this bread covered or sliced and placed into a Ziploc bag. It will last about 5 days at room temperature, or 7 days refrigerated. If freezing, you can freeze for up to 3 months.

    How do I reheat this bread? Simply place in the microwave for about 20 seconds to reheat. You can also wrap this in aluminum foil and place on the bottom rack of your oven. 250 degrees for about 5-10 minutes.

    Can I make this into muffins? Absolutely! Simply prepare the batter as directed and place into prepared muffin tins versus a pan. The cook time will decrease, so be sure to keep an eye on it.

    Check out these other great cornbread recipes

    Loaded Cornbread

    Simple Cornbread Casserole

    Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread

    Green Chile Cornbread Muffins

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    Knock Your Socks Off Cornbread

    Recipe by: Kristin Hayes
    A tasty, sweet cornbread that is sure to please any crowd!!
    4.31 from 95 votes
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 26 minutes mins
    Total Time 36 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 306 kcal

    Video

    Equipment

    • Mixing Bowls
    • 9×13 baking pan

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 eggs (yolks and whites separated)
    • 1 cup milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¾ cup melted butter
    • 1 cup cornmeal
    • 2 cups flour
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 baking pan.
    • In a medium bowl, combine the eggs yolks, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until combined.
    • Add in the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.
    • In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
    • Fold into cornmeal mixture and stir until just combined.
    • Pour batter into prepared 9 x 13 baking pan.
    • Bake for 26-28 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
    • Remove from oven and allow to cool about 5 minutes before slicing and serving!!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 306kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 387IUCalcium: 91mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheCookinChicks or tag #TheCookinChicks!

     

    moist, fluffy sweet cornbread that will knock your socks off

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    Comments

    1. Long time baker says

      March 08, 2025 at 1:20 pm

      I bet this would make some tasty waffles!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        March 10, 2025 at 10:20 am

        That’s a fabulous idea!! I bet that would be delicious for sure!!

        Reply
    2. Patty says

      February 10, 2025 at 12:11 pm

      What does using the egg whites do for the bread, I’m curious.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        February 11, 2025 at 10:41 am

        It makes its fluffy and moist! It especially adds to the fluffiness throughout!! Enjoy!!

        Reply
        • Jess says

          August 20, 2025 at 3:19 pm

          5 stars
          First started using this recipe years ago and it’s now the only cornbread recipe I use! Absolute fave 😍

        • Kristin says

          August 21, 2025 at 10:18 am

          Yay!! Love hearing that! Glad you enjoy it as much as my family does!

    3. Cassandra Appleman says

      November 15, 2023 at 5:41 pm

      5 stars
      I discovered this recipe a few years ago and have been making it since. Everyone loves it. Super moist and flavorful. I cut the sugar to ¾ cup – Perfect.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        November 16, 2023 at 11:13 am

        Yay!! Glad you enjoy it as much as my family does! It is definitely a favorite anytime I make it!!

        Reply
        • Kent says

          December 11, 2024 at 12:31 am

          Can I use a cast iron skillet instead of 9 x 13 pan?
          How change if needed?

        • Kristin says

          December 12, 2024 at 12:03 pm

          Absolutely! Just make sure to use a large cast iron that is pre-seasoned! Other than that, just watch the cook time as it may cook faster! Enjoy!

    4. Robin says

      May 15, 2022 at 11:44 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve been making this cornbread for several years. Husband calls it the “nasty” cornbread. It really is the best! Have you made this into hush puppies or how can I? I have yet to find a recipe for just sweet hush puppies without the corn.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        May 16, 2022 at 9:51 am

        Haha, my family loves this cornbread too, but its funny because people that try it that aren’t “sweet cornbread” fans, always say its not good. Luckily, with so many versions of cornbread around, everyone is happy!!
        I haven’t tried making this into hush puppies personally, but here is my go to recipe for those, https://thecookinchicks.com/southern-hush-puppies/

        Reply
    5. Miranda says

      December 04, 2020 at 7:18 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely the best ever. My son calls it his scrumptious corn bread🙂. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        December 05, 2020 at 10:36 am

        Yay!! So glad this bread is a hit! It is definitely a favorite in my house too!

        Reply
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    Welcome to The Cookin’ Chicks! I’m Kristin- mom of 3, wife, and food lover-sharing easy dinners, quick desserts, and family-friendly recipes that make mealtime simple, fun, and delicious. Around here, it’s all about family, faith, and food that brings everyone to the table!

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