The Best Fresh Milled Cornbread
This fresh milled cornbread is tender, moist, and perfectly sweet. A golden slice of comfort that pairs great with any meal. Made with freshly milled soft white wheat and golden cornmeal, it’s a wholesome, from-scratch favorite here on the homestead.
Cornbread has always been a staple side dish in our kitchen, and this recipe is hands-down our favorite. It’s so sweet and cake-like, you might just want to call it dessert. But whether you’re serving it alongside chili, slathered in butter, or just enjoying a warm slice on its own, this fresh milled cornbread is pure comfort food.
If you’ve never made cornbread with freshly milled flour before, you’re in for a treat. It brings a softness and depth of flavor that store-bought flour just can’t match. Once you try it, you may never go back.
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Why Make Cornbread with Fresh Milled Flour?
Freshly milled flour keeps all the natural oils, nutrients, and flavor from the whole wheat berry, giving your baked goods a tender texture and a naturally sweet, nutty taste. In this recipe, we use freshly milled soft white wheat flour, which is ideal for muffins, cakes, and yes, cornbread! It’s lighter than hard wheat and pairs perfectly with golden cornmeal for a smooth, tender crumb.
If you don’t have a grain mill yet, no worries, you can still make this recipe using all-purpose flour. But if you’re milling your own grain, this is a perfect way to showcase what fresh flour can do.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8-inch cast iron skillet – gives the cornbread a perfectly crisp edge and triangle slices. (You can also use an 8×8 glass or metal baking dish for square slices.)
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
You can get a full list of equipment in the recipe card below.
Ingredients for Fresh Milled Cornbread
Yellow cornmeal – Provides that beautiful golden color and classic cornbread flavor.
Freshly milled soft white wheat flour – Makes the crumb tender and cake-like. Substitute with all-purpose flour if needed.
Sugar – Gives the cornbread its signature sweet flavor.
Honey – Adds moisture and a rich depth of sweetness.
Olive oil – Keeps the cornbread moist. You can substitute with melted lard or vegetable oil.
Milk, eggs, salt, and baking powder – Baking essentials that bring it all together.
You can get a full ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Homemade Sweet Golden Cornbread
1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the bottom of your cast iron skillet and place it in the oven while it preheats. This helps create a golden, crisp bottom crust.
2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together: the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Whisk until thoroughly combined.
3: Add the wet ingredients
Add: eggs, milk, oil, and honey. Mix until just combined.
4: Pour and bake
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Swirl the melted butter to coat the bottom. Pour in the batter and spread evenly.
Bake at 450°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature
Store cooled cornbread in an airtight container or zip-lock bag for up to 2–3 days.
Freezing
Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish and heat at 200°F for 10–15 minutes.
Microwave: Reheat in 15-second intervals until warm.
Delicious Ways to Serve Cornbread
Cornbread and milk – A nostalgic Southern favorite. Crumble in a glass, pour in milk, and enjoy with a spoon.
With chili – The sweet cornbread perfectly balances spicy, savory chili.
Cornbread stuffing – A holiday classic with a twist.
Cornbread croutons – Cube, season, and bake for crunchy salad toppings.
Cornbread French toast – Dip in egg, cook on the griddle, and serve with syrup.
Cornbread pudding – Combine crumbled cornbread with milk, eggs, and spices for a cozy dessert.
With hot honey pork chops – Pairs perfect served as a side with savory pork chops.
FAQs about Fresh Milled Cornbread
How can I make my cornbread more moist?
Mix only until just combined and don’t overbake. Adding both oil and honey also helps lock in moisture.
How to prevent cornbread from getting so dark on top?
Cover with aluminum foil halfway through baking if it browns too quickly.
Why do people put sugar in cornbread?
Sweet cornbread is a tradition in many Southern kitchens. The sugar balances the cornmeal and enhances flavor.
Is this a cornbread without buttermilk recipe?
Yes, we use regular milk in this recipe. It still turns out delicious and moist.
How do you make cornbread from scratch without self rising cornmeal?
It is actually very simple, just add salt and baking powder to plain cornmeal, and you’ll get perfect results.
This fresh milled cornbread is more than just a side dish, it’s a family favorite, a comfort food, and a little slice of homemade goodness. Whether you’re grinding your own flour or just want to try a delicious sweet cornbread from scratch, this recipe is one to keep in your recipe rotation.
If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them down below. I would love if you left a star rating or a written review below. I love hearing your feedback! I hope your family enjoys this easy recipe for cornbread as much as we do here on our homestead.
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