Soft Maple Cornbread

You get a little cakey sweetness and classic cornbread all in one with this Maple Cornbread. Goes great with something salty or enjoy just by itself when you're in the mood for something sweet.

Ingredients

• Maple Syrup: 2/3 cup, gives this bread its rich, sweet flavor that plays off the salty notes perfectly.
• Water: 1 cup, helps bring the batter all together and keeps it smooth.
• Vegetable Oil: 1/2 cup, makes the bread soft and keeps it moist.
• Eggs: 5 large, hold everything together and add a little richness.
• Jiffy Cornbread Mix: 2 boxes (8.5 oz each), classic base for that old-school cornbread vibe.
• Yellow Cake Mix: 1 box, brings a touch of sweetness and a soft cake feel.

Instructions

Step 6:

Give it a few minutes to cool off before slicing. Grab some butter or an extra drizzle of syrup if you like.

Step 5:

Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick poked in the middle comes out clean.

Step 4:

Pour the batter into your greased 9×13 pan. Smooth out the top.

Step 3:

Mix with a hand mixer until it’s looking even and smooth all the way through.

Step 2:

Toss all your ingredients—cake mix, cornbread mix, eggs, oil, water, maple syrup—into your biggest bowl.

Step 1:

Heat your oven to 350°F first and grease up your 9×13 pan.

Serving and Storage Tips

• If you want to freeze leftovers, double wrap them in foil and plastic, stash in the freezer for up to three months, and warm up before eating.
• Keep any extra cornbread at room temp in a sealed container for a couple days, or refrigerate up to five days.
• Tastes awesome with BBQ, soups, or chili if you’re having it as a side.
• If you love a little something extra, top your warm slice with butter or a bit more maple syrup before digging in.

Helpful Notes

• Swap in just 1/2 cup maple syrup if you want a little less sweet going on.
• Stir in a handful of corn kernels or even some chopped nuts for a different bite.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Ina Garten says the magic really happens when you pick a good maple syrup, so don’t go cheap here.
• Bobby Flay likes to serve his cornbread with honey butter for that perfect blend of salty and sweet.

Why You'll Love This

• Takes no time at all, just a few simple things tossed together, and you're good to go.
• The cake and cornbread mash-up is a winner for anyone who likes soft, sweet bread that’s still cozy.
• Super moist, sweet, and never dry because of that cake mix and real maple syrup.

Variations

• Give it a dessert spin by dolloping on some whipped cream and pouring a little extra syrup on top.
• Swap out maple syrup for honey for a brand new twist.
• Craving savory instead? Use less syrup and throw in cheese or even jalapeños to spice things up.