Name: Sweet Potato Cornbread – Moist, Southern-Style, Flavor-Packed Comfort Bread
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow cornmeal; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp cinnamon (optional but recommended); ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional); 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (smooth & lump-free); ½ cup melted butter (or ½ cup vegetable oil); ½ cup brown sugar (or honey); 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 ¼ cups buttermilk; 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional for warmth)

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon (optional but recommended)
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (smooth & lump-free)
½ cup melted butter (or ½ cup vegetable oil)
½ cup brown sugar (or honey)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 ¼ cups buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional for warmth)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato Mash

Cook sweet potatoes until fork-tender, then mash until completely smooth. Ensure no chunks remain—this helps the cornbread stay soft and evenly textured.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fully combined. This ensures even moisture absorption later.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potato, melted butter (or oil), brown sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until creamy and well-blended.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold until everything is combined—avoid overmixing, as this can make the cornbread dense.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into a greased 9×9 baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before slicing.

Notes

A cast-iron skillet produces the best texture and crispy edges. Preheat the skillet with a small knob of butter inside before pouring in the batter for an authentic Southern finish.