Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (2024)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·3.5 from 2 reviews

This naturally gluten-free buttermilk cornbread recipe comes from an old Southern cookbook that my mother in law gave me years ago. Easy to make and full of lots of corn flavor, this classic cornbread is flavorful and yummy!

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My Cooking in the South cookbook has no less than 12 recipes for cornbread, so the hardest part was deciding which one to try.

All contain just a few simple ingredients, but knowing that many folks have issues with gluten, I thought I’d try this one with its very short ingredient list.

Usually I bake the standard cornmeal recipe on the back of the Quaker yellow cornmeal box, but with buttermilk in the fridge, I thought I’d see if a recipe could be found for a sweet cornbread that contains it.

This buttermilk cornbread recipe didn’t contain sugar which meant adding 1/4 c sugar, because I like a sweeter cornbread.

There is no need to add sugar, so I’ll leave it to you to decide on the amount of sugar you may or may not want to use, to make this moist cornbread.

This very corn flavored cornbread contains eggs, buttermilk, corn meal and some melted butter, vegetable oil or bacon drippings. The choice is yours.

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (2)

Is cornmeal gluten-free?

Cornmeal is naturally gluten free. Just keep in mind that cornbread mixes are not. Use only cornmeal marked gluten free!

This gluten free buttermilk cornbread uses just cornmeal.

No flour. Just some salt, baking soda and baking powder.

Nope, no xanthan gum or special flour blends either!

Do these corn muffins get nice rounded tops?

Well, not here in Denver, at least in my oven…but they do taste great and are still light with a tender crumb that is made for honey butter!

But it’s the crispy golden edges that I love, that come from baking these at 475 degrees.

Even if you don’t have a cast-iron skillet; I used a well greased muffin tin, this could be the best cornbread I’ve made.

However let’s be honest here-I love all cornbread!

Though this great recipe is gluten free, I find an added bonus in that sometimes I have been known to run out of flour, which makes this a very handy recipe to have on hand.

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (3)

How Do You Make this Easy Gluten Free Cornbread Recipe with Buttermilk?

Decide whether you want to use an 8″cast iron skillet, cast iron pan, or a muffin tin. (This recipe makes 12 – 18 regular sized muffins.)

No muffin liners required, just grease well!

Personally I used a muffin tin because I knew there would be leftovers and it is easy to freeze muffins for just the two of us.

Grease either very well and set aside.

When you are ready to preheat the oven, if using a cast iron skillet or mold, preheat the skillet along with the oven.

Your wet ingredients are just two room temperature eggs combined with buttermilk. Mix these up in a large bowl.

Don’t have buttermilk?

Just add 1 T of lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk, stir it in and let it sit until it thickens which happens in just a few minutes.

Forgot to take the eggs out? Just place them in a small bowl with warm to hot water for a few minutes. This should do the trick.

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Why do recipes always say that eggs should be at room temperature?

Cold eggs don’t mix into other ingredients as well. Cold eggs make for lumpy batters and batters that don’t rise as well.

Now in a large measuring cup measure your dry ingredients, which is just the cornmeal, salt, baking soda and powder.

Stir this into the wet ingredients and then add the melted butter, vegetable oil, olive oil, coconut oil or bacon grease drippings.

Spoon into the muffin tins or pour into the skillet.

Bake time is a little longer with the skillet, but either way you will have homemade cornbread in less than 25 minutes.

This easy recipe can be adapted in many ways. Want to add some cheddar cheese or drained corn kernels or green chiles to make a more savory cornbread? No problemo.

Cornbread goes great with soup and I don’t know about you, but if I’m having soup, the bread on the side is as important to me as the bowl of soup!

These gluten free cornbread muffins are a great side dish to most any main course.

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Leftover cornbread?

I use it to make tamale stuffing, to make cornbread croutons, and even cornbread bread pudding.

So if you are one of those gluten-free folks and even if you aren’t, this classic cornbread recipe is the best gluten-free cornbread recipe I know.

Try it. Those crispy, golden edges are so worth it!

More Cornbread/Cornmeal Ideas:

Cornbread Tomato Salad

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (6)

Blackberry Cornmeal Cake

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (7)

Cornmeal Olive Oil Cake

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (8)

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Gluten Free Cornbread Recipe with Buttermilk

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star3.5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Abbe Odenwalder
  • Prep Time: 15 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 Minutes
  • Total Time: 40 Minutes
  • Yield: 1 9" pan or 18 muffins 1x
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This gluten-free cornbread requires no special ingredients. Made with cornbread and buttermilk, this is a classic Southern recipe!

Ingredients

UnitsScale

2 room temperature eggs

2 c buttermilk

2 c cornmeal

1 t salt

1 t baking soda

2 t baking powder

1/4 c sugar is optional or use to taste

2 T melted bacon grease, OR vegetable, olive or coconut oil, OR melted butter

Instructions

Preheat oven to 475. Use a 8-9″ cast iron skillet or muffin tin pan for about 18 muffins. Grease well.

In a large measuring cup, beat room temperature eggs. Add buttermilk and mix well.

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients and sugar if using.

Stir egg/buttermilk mixture into dry ingredients.

Stir in liquid fat of choice.

Pour or spoon into a well greased skillet or muffin tin.

Bake about 25 minutes if using skillet or about 15 – 20 minutes if baking muffins.

To test for doneness, insert a toothpick. Only a few crumbs should be clinging to it. Also the edges of the cornbread should be pulling away from the pan.

Notes

Feel free to add drained kernels of corn or green chilies. You may also choose to add 1 cup of your favorite shredded cheese.

Butter milk can be made with 1 T of lemon juice or vinegar combined with 1 c of milk.

Gluten-Free Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe - This Is How I Cook (2024)

FAQs

What happens if you use water instead of 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.

Can I substitute heavy cream for milk in cornbread mix? ›

You can substitute heavy cream for 1/2 cup milk plus 1/2 cup sour cream, combined. You can also substitute the cream for milk. Use 3/4 cup plus 2 Tablespoons of milk plus 2 Tablespoons melted butter to the batter. The cornbread will have a close texture.

Can you use mayo instead of milk in cornbread? ›

You can decide of course whether or not you will be using the egg whites, yolk, or the entire egg. Add 1/3 cup of mayonnaise to the egg bowl. As shocking as it may seem, mayonnaise is a perfect substitute for milk when making cornbread for the lactose intolerant.

How do you make cornbread that does not fall apart? ›

Avoid over-mixing the batter.

Cornbread batter should still be lumpy when you put it in the oven. If you are mixing it until it's smooth like cake batter, that could be the cause of your crumbly cornbread! Stop blending as soon as all the ingredients are mixed together.

What to add to cornbread mix to make it better? ›

One of the simplest ways is to bring in more flavor and depth is by adding ⅓ cup of sour cream to the batter, which makes the cornbread extra moist and a little tangy. Another tangy option: Add ⅔ cup of buttermilk, which also makes the cornbread super tender.

Is it OK to 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 I substitute sour cream for milk in cornbread? ›

Sour Cream can be substituted for milk in cornbread but will need to be thinned. I recommend using 75% sour cream and 25% water. Sour Cream will also change the taste of the cornbread and will add a slight tangy flavor which can be counteracted by using a small amount of vanilla extract.

What can you use if you don't have milk for cornbread? ›

Dairy Substitutes for Milk
  • Cream or Half-and-Half. Cream is richer than milk, so to avoid heavier dough or batter use a ratio of about 60 percent cream to 40 percent water. ...
  • Evaporated or Powdered Milk. ...
  • Sour Cream or Plain Yogurt. ...
  • Water (or Water and Butter) ...
  • Nut Milk. ...
  • Soy Milk. ...
  • Oat Milk. ...
  • Rice Milk.
Apr 3, 2023

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 eggs in cornbread? ›

Sour cream as an egg substitute makes for a thicker and better cornbread batter consistency. Similar to yogurt, you can use sour cream as it is. Add around a quarter cup of sour cream for every egg in the recipe.

What is cornbread in milk called? ›

Crumble-In. When breaking bread with a friend in Southern Appalachia, you might suggest doing so directly into a tall glass of buttermilk.

Can I use half-and-half in cornbread mix? ›

Thoroughly grease a 9 x 9-inch baking dish. Sift together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Combine the half-and-half, eggs, butter (or shortening), and sugar (if using). Add half-and-half mixture to the flour mixture and combine just until the flour is moistened, no more than 10 to 15 seconds.

Should you let cornbread batter rest? ›

1Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). We recommend allowing cornbread batter to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before baking, so if you prefer, you can delay heating the oven until you make the batter. 2Melt the butter, and then set aside to cool slightly.

What causes cornbread to fall in the middle? ›

While not a professional chef, my experience with corn bread, be it packaged or made from scratch is if you over mix it, it's gonna fall! Also, let it sit for 4-5 minutes after gently scraping it into the pan and let the ingredients start their magic reactions. No peeking while baking!! That can make it fall too.

Can you make jiffy mix with water instead of milk? ›

“JIFFY” mixes can also be prepared with water or plant-based milk alternatives like soy, almond or coconut milk. Pineapple or orange juice may be substituted for flavor variation in the corn and fruit muffins. Feel free to experiment with other options and let us know if you find something else that works well.

What if I don't have milk for cornbread? ›

You can just use water instead which is what most cornbread mixes ask for in the first. I've used both before and it normally turns out good either way. If you don't want to use water though some other milk substitutes are usually other dairy products like yogurt, sour cream, or half and half.

Can I use water instead of milk in muffin mix? ›

Though you may notice a slight difference in texture, you can definitely substitute water for milk when preparing our muffin mixes!

What happens if you substitute milk for water in baking? ›

“Cake Mix can usually be used with either water or milk. When using milk, however, you can probably expect better results because it can make the cake become more moist and rich in flavor.

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