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Nana’s Cornbread — Golden Edges, Warm Memories Recipe

4.7 from 97 reviews

Nana’s Cornbread offers a nostalgic taste with its golden edges and moist, tender crumb. This classic Southern-style cornbread blends the sweetness of granulated sugar with the rich flavor of buttermilk and melted butter, baked to perfection in a cast-iron skillet or baking dish. Perfect as a comforting side dish or snack, it brings warm memories to any table.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish or a cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking and help achieve crisp edges.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
  3. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted and cooled unsalted butter, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy—avoid overmixing to keep the cornbread tender.
  5. Pour and Spread Batter: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish or cast-iron skillet and spread evenly to ensure consistent baking and golden edges.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cornbread to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with honey or butter for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

  • For a sweeter cornbread, increase the granulated sugar from 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup.
  • Serve warm with honey or butter for enhanced flavor and richness.
  • Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve a crispy crust and classic texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light and tender crumb.

Keywords: cornbread, southern cornbread, classic cornbread, baked cornbread, Nana's cornbread, cornbread recipe, warm cornbread