Healthy Cornbread Recipe (2024)

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This healthy cornbread recipe lightly sweetened with honey is moist yet light and fluffy texture. Plus, it’s better for you because it’s made without refined flour or sugar. Perfect chili pairing or holiday side dish!

Healthy Cornbread Recipe (1)

I don’t know about y’all, but I freaking LOVE cornbread.

It’s 100% my favorite Thanksgiving side dish or any holiday side dish. I can’t wait to eat this cornbread as part of my gluten-free cornbread stuffing recipe this year. It’s going to be so much better than using cornbread from a box!

Healthy Cornbread Recipe (2)

I’ve been working on this recipe for years now, and I’m so excited that I finally made a healthy cornbread recipe that tastes DELICIOUS! Why was it so hard to come up with one?

Well, friend, since you asked…

The key ingredient I wanted to use in this recipe was whole-grain cornmeal. Like other whole-grains, whole-grain cornmeal has the nutritious outer layer of the corn kernel intact before being ground into a meal. In contrast, de-germinated cornmeal is more like a refined white flour where the husk (along with all the vitamins, fiber, and protein) is removed.

Healthy Cornbread Recipe (3)

Although it’s better for you, it can be a little tricky to work with because it’s more likely to crumble. So, you have to combine it with another flour to help bind everything together.

In the past, I’ve tried whole wheat four, but no matter what recipe I followed or tried to create, it always came out too dry and crumbly. But THIS time, I chose to use almond flour and eureka!!!!

Light, fluffy cornbread that’s not too crumbly, perfect for dipping in chili!

Healthy Cornbread Recipe (4)

The other change I decided to make was to OMIT buttermilk in favor of using the cream of tartar. It’s just that I don’t often have buttermilk in my house, and I wanted a recipe I could make any time the craving for this yellow wonderbread hits.

I nailed that because as long as you have the whole-grain cornmeal, you will probably have all the rest of the ingredients.

How to Make Healthy Cornbread

Here is a quick rundown of how to make this fabulous healthy cornbread recipe!

Preheat your oven then, combine all your dry ingredients (whole-grain cornmeal, almond flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, baking powder, salt) in a large bowl.

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Then add in your wet ingredients and whisk until just smooth. This is a quick bread, so do not overmix, or you will see a ton of tunneling and uneven rising!

Healthy Cornbread Recipe (6)

You’ll want to be quick about getting the quickbread into the pan and the oven. The combo of baking powder, soda, and cream of tartar will cause it to start to bubble if you wait more than a minute to get it into the oven. This is fine, it’s normal, but the sooner it goes in the oven, the better.

Then, wait 25-35 minutes and BING! Delicious healthy cornbread with no refined flour or sugar!

Ingredient Swaps:

I often get asked about ingredient swaps in recipes, so here is what you need to know:

Whole-Grain Cornmeal: To make cornbread, you must have cornmeal. What if you only have de-germinated (refined) cornmeal? Yes, this recipe will work, but it won’t be refined flour free. Do not omit or swap entirely, or it won’t be cornbread anymore. (Yes, you’d be surprised, someone will ask that! Insert crying laughing emoji.)

Almond Flour: Almond flour is unique in its macronutrient breakdown (fat/protein/carbs) and therefore is not substitutable with any other flour. I would not recommend substituting or omitting it.Do not substitute almond meal for almond flour. The result will be dry and crumbly if you do. (If this is your first time buying almond flour, click here to see all the other things you can do with it.)

Baking Powder:Do not omit.

Baking Soda: Do not omit.

Cream of Tartar: Optional gives the bread it’s unique “cornbread flavor,” so if you omit it, please understand that you might not have the traditional “cornbread taste.”

Salt: You can choose to omit the salt, but the bread may taste a whole lot sweeter. Salt kind of balances out the sweetness.

Eggs: I have not tried vegan egg substitutes, but if you do, please let us know! I think flax eggs would work just fine!

Butter: You need oil to get the traditional texture of cornbread. I used 100% grass-fed butter, but you could also use coconut oil (will give a coconut taste) or vegan butter (my favorite is Miyokos.)

Honey: Do not omit; this works as both a binder and a sweetener. For vegan, please sub brown rice syrup.

Milk: I have not tried anything other than almond milk, but any dairy or non-diary milk should work. If you chose to omit the cream of tartar, you could try buttermilk here. I haven’t tried it, though!

Healthy Cornbread Recipe (7)

Healthy Cornbread Recipe (8)

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4.05 from 43 votes

Healthy Cornbread Recipe

Healthy cornbread lightly sweetened with #honey is moist yet light and fluffy texture. Plus, it's better for you because it's made without refined flour or sugar. Perfect chili pairing or holiday side dish.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Course: Breads, Breakfast, Side Dish, Side Dishes, Sides

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cornbread, dairy-free cornbread, gluten-free cornbread, healthy cornbread, healthy cornbread recipe

Servings: 16 servings

Calories: 212kcal

Author: Kelli Shallal MPH RD

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350F and grease an 8 x 8 baking dish with butter (or butter sub.)

  • Combine dry ingredients (whole-grain cornmeal, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt).

  • In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, milk, and honey, whisk until there is a smooth consistency.

  • Add in eggs, honey, milk, and butter into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, DO NOT OVERMIX.

  • Immediately pour the mixture into a baking dish and place in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean and edges of cornbread are golden brown.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 173mg | Potassium: 145mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 216IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg

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Healthy Cornbread Recipe (9)

Healthy Cornbread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a good substitute for milk in cornbread? ›

Can I substitute water for milk in cornbread mix? Yes, you can, but it may result in a less rich flavor. If you're out of milk, try using cream or half-and-half, evaporated or powdered milk, or even plain yogurt. If you have dietary restrictions, try soy milk or oat milk.

What is a substitute for baking powder in cornbread? ›

If baking powder is unavailable, the following substitutes may be appropriate for your recipe: buttermilk, plain yogurt, molasses, cream of tartar, sour milk, vinegar, lemon juice, club soda, self-rising flour, or whipped egg whites.

Can I eat cornbread on a diet? ›

Cornmeal, the primary component of cornbread, is a whole grain. Whole-grain meals supply essential fibre to the diet. Even though cornbread has a good amount of fibre, it is still not recommended for weight loss due to its high carbohydrate content. However, it will not raise your weight if consumed in moderation.

Is homemade cornbread healthy? ›

Although it's relatively high in carbs and sodium, it contains several important nutrients, including phosphorus, selenium, and B vitamins. It's also versatile, easy to make, and can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Can I use sour cream instead of milk? ›

Sour cream or full fat yogurt can be substituted 1:1 for whole milk. Use this substitute in baking quick breads or for adding creaminess to pan sauces. Sour cream works especially well in recipes calling for buttermilk, too and vanilla-flavored yogurt can be used for sweet quick breads and cakes.

Can I use sour cream instead of milk for cornbread? ›

Mix together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.. Make a well in dry ingredients and add sour cream, egg, and melted butter. Mix the ingredients just until everything is incorporated. Add the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Is baking soda or baking powder better for cornbread? ›

Skillet cornbreads are meant to be denser and flatter than those baked in square or loaf pans. For that reason, they don't generally require baking powder or white flour, relying instead on a small amount of baking soda to keep the bread from being pancake-thin.

What happens if you use baking soda instead of baking powder? ›

That is why you will notice that recipes usually call for a small amount of baking soda, typically ¼ teaspoon per 1 cup of flour. Do not make the mistake of trying to substitute equal parts baking soda for baking powder in recipes. Your baked goods will have no leavening, be quite flat, and have an altered taste.

What is a substitute for 1 teaspoon of baking powder? ›

To replace 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of baking powder, use 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) lemon juice. Summary: Replace 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of baking powder with 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) baking soda.

Can diabetics eat cornbread? ›

Neither cornmeal, sugar or "flour" (which is non specified so am assuming its wheat flour) are suitable for type 2 diabetics. Use a natural sugar substitute and the recipe might work with buckwheat flour perhaps?

Which is healthier, biscuits or cornbread? ›

In terms of which is “better” for you, that would depend on the exact recipe being used. When made commercially, both biscuits and cornbread tend to contain a generous amount of fat. Yum, love them both! In terms of which is “better” for you, that would depend on the exact recipe being used.

Is eating beans and cornbread healthy? ›

The fiber in legumes lowers cholesterol, improves blood sugar levels and helps us maintain a healthy weight. Iron, potassium, magnesium and B vitamins are only some of the other nutrients found in this “super food.” When we combine a legume and a grain like beans and cornbread, we are getting a complete protein.

Is homemade cornbread worth it? ›

Chili is one of my favorite fall meals, but a bowl of chili isn't complete without a delicious batch of cornbread. Today I'll compare homemade cornbread to several boxed mixes. Both are quick and easy to prepare and inexpensive, but homemade cornbread tends to be much healthier because it contains fewer ingredients.

Which is better for you cornbread or wheat bread? ›

CORN BREAD

It has double the amount of polyunsaturated fats (the good kind) than wheat or barley, although not as much as oat bread. It's important to know that corn bread contains iodine, which is not found in many foods, but is vital for proper functioning of the thyroid gland.

How healthy is cornmeal? ›

Cornmeal is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber and is fortified with a micronutrient premix containing iron, zinc, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 (folic acid), B12, and D3 per USDA Commodity Requirements.

Can I use water instead of milk? ›

The taste and nutrition vary with each non-dairy beverage, so consider them when choosing one that's best for you. Mix one cup of water with 1 ½ teaspoons melted butter. Water can be used in most recipes that call for milk. According to the USDA, 88 percent of the volume of milk is water.

Can you substitute milk for water in Jiffy cornbread? ›

If you don't have milk for your Jiffy cornbread, there are several substitutes you can use. Here are some options: Water: The simplest substitute for milk in cornbread is water. You can use water as a 1:1 replacement for milk in your Jiffy cornbread recipe [3].

Why milk in cornbread? ›

It adds some texture to the bread, but it's not too coarse or crunchy. Baking powder and baking soda – They make the cornbread nice and fluffy. Almond milk – For moisture. If you don't keep almond milk on hand, feel free to substitute a different type of milk.

References

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