Spicy Sweet Jalapeño Cornbread (Printable)

Golden cornbread with sweet corn, jalapeño heat, and a bright lime drizzle.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 cup yellow cornmeal (120 g)
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g)
04 - 1 tbsp baking powder
05 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled (60 ml)
09 - 1/4 cup vegetable oil (60 ml)
10 - 1 cup canned or frozen corn kernels, drained or thawed (165 g)

→ Add-Ins

11 - 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
12 - 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (40 g, optional)
13 - 2 tbsp honey

→ Zesty Lime Drizzle

14 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar (90 g)
15 - 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
16 - 1 tsp lime zest

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease or line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, vegetable oil, and honey until smooth and emulsified.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
05 - Gently fold in corn kernels, chopped jalapeños, and cheddar cheese if using.
06 - Pour batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before glazing.
09 - While cornbread cools, whisk powdered sugar, lime juice, and lime zest in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
10 - Drizzle the lime glaze over the slightly warm cornbread. Allow to cool further, then slice into squares and serve.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The lime drizzle transforms ordinary cornbread into something that feels fancy enough for company but comes together in under an hour
  • That perfect balance of sweet corn, gentle heat, and tangy finish keeps everyone coming back for just one more slice
02 -
  • Overmixing is the enemy here, stir just until combined and trust those few remaining lumps
  • Letting it cool those crucial 10 minutes before glazing means the drizzle sets beautifully instead of melting right off
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly and create a more tender crumb
  • That extra minute of greasing the pan thoroughly means no stuck edges and easier cleanup

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