Spicy Sweet Jalapeño Cornbread

The first time I brought this cornbread to a potluck, my friend Sarah literally stopped mid sentence after taking a bite. She said it was like regular cornbread went on a tropical vacation and came back with a new personality. Now whenever I make it, the lime scent fills the whole kitchen and everyone wanders in asking what smells so incredible.

I discovered this combo during a summer barbecue when I ran out of maple syrup but had plenty of limes from my tree. My neighbor tried it and said it was the best cornbread hed ever eaten, period. Since then, Ive made it for everything from Tuesday night chili to fancy dinner parties.

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal: The foundation that gives this bread its signature crumb and sunny color
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure so it doesnt crumble apart when you slice it
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the heat and complements the natural corn sweetness
• 1 tbsp baking powder: Ensures those gorgeous tall rises and fluffy texture
• 1/2 tsp salt: Essential for amplifying all the other flavors
• 1 cup whole milk: Creates the most tender crumb, though buttermilk works beautifully too
• 2 large eggs: The binding agent that holds everything together
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter makes everything better, seriously
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps it moist even after a couple days
• 1 cup corn kernels: Little bursts of sweetness in every bite
• 2 medium jalapeños, seeded and chopped: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance
• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Totally optional but highly recommended
• 2 tbsp honey: The secret ingredient for that golden crust
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze that makes this unforgettable
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice: Bright, acidic, and absolutely necessary
• 1 tsp lime zest: Dont skip this, it carries so much lime flavor

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 400°F and grease an 8-inch square pan like your life depends on it

Mix the dry team:

Whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a big bowl until combined

Whisk the wet squad:

Beat milk, eggs, melted butter, oil, and honey until smooth

Bring them together:

Pour wet into dry and fold gently until just combined, some lumps are fine

Add the fun stuff:

Fold in corn, jalapeños, and cheese if youre using it

Bake until golden:

Spread batter in your pan and bake 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown

Make the magic drizzle:

While cooling, whisk powdered sugar, lime juice, and zest until smooth

Finish with flair:

Drizzle that lime goodness over slightly warm cornbread and try not to eat it all standing at the counter

Save

Last summer my daughter helped me make this for a family reunion, and she was so proud when everyone kept asking who made the cornbread. Now whenever shes feeling helpful she asks if we can make the lime bread again.

Make It Your Own

Ive tried swapping fresh corn for frozen in winter, and while it works, the sweet crunch of fresh corn really shines. You can also add bell peppers for color or toss in some green onions for extra bite.

Storage Secrets

This keeps beautifully wrapped in foil at room temperature for two days, though the glaze will start to soften after day one. For longer storage, freeze individual slices and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

Serving Ideas That Work

The lime makes this unexpectedly versatile alongside grilled fish or as a sweet ending to a spicy meal. Its also killer crumbled into buttermilk for breakfast the next morning.

• Pair with smoky pulled pork for that sweet heat balance
• Serve alongside black bean soup for a complete dinner
• Crumble leftovers into vanilla ice cream, trust me

Save

Theres something so satisfying about pulling warm cornbread from the oven and watching that lime glaze melt into all the golden nooks. Hope this becomes a staple in your kitchen like it has in mine.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What gives this cornbread its spicy kick?

Chopped jalapeños provide a fresh and mild heat, which can be adjusted by including seeds or adding cayenne for extra spice.

→ Can I omit the lime drizzle?

Yes, the lime drizzle is optional and omitting it results in a more traditional cornbread flavor.

→ How do I keep the cornbread moist?

Using milk, eggs, butter, and oil in the batter ensures a tender and moist crumb throughout baking.

→ Is shredded cheese necessary?

Cheese is optional but adds a savory depth; pepper jack or cheddar are great choices for a cheesy twist.

→ What dishes pair well with this cornbread?

It complements chili, barbecue, or can be enjoyed as a flavorful snack with butter.

→ Can this be made gluten-free?

The current ingredients contain flour and are not gluten-free. Substitute with gluten-free flour to accommodate dietary needs.