Spicy Sweet Jalapeño Cornbread with Zesty Lime Drizzle Recipe

Introduction

Spicy Sweet Jalapeño Cornbread with Zesty Lime Drizzle brings together the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and citrus zing. This vibrant cornbread is great for adding a flavorful twist to any meal or enjoying as a tasty snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup honey
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro for garnish
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet or baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, honey, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Fold in the chopped jalapeños and cilantro.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into your prepared skillet or dish. Smooth the top and arrange the jalapeño slices on top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: While baking, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, and powdered sugar to make the drizzle. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more lime juice or powdered sugar.
8. Step 8: Let the cornbread cool for 10–15 minutes. Drizzle with the lime glaze and garnish with fresh cilantro.
9. Step 9: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before chopping.
• Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Add ½ cup grated sharp cheddar for a cheesy twist.
• Use lime zest and juice from organic limes for the best flavor in the drizzle.

Storage

Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in a microwave or toaster oven until warm. The lime drizzle is best applied fresh before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Regular milk can be used, but to mimic the acidity of buttermilk, stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

How spicy is this cornbread?

The heat level depends on the jalapeños used. Removing seeds reduces the spice, while including them offers a noticeable but balanced kick that complements the sweetness.

Spicy Sweet Jalapeño Cornbread with Zesty Lime Drizzle Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 134 reviews

This Spicy Sweet Jalapeño Cornbread features a moist, tender crumb with a perfect balance of heat from fresh jalapeños and sweetness from honey. Baked in a cast iron skillet, it’s topped with a zesty lime drizzle and fresh cilantro for a refreshing finish, making it an ideal side for any meal or a flavorful snack on its own.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• ⅓ cup honey
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Additional Ingredients

• 2 fresh jalapeños, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (for topping)

Zesty Lime Drizzle

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon lime zest
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet or baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combination provides a light and fluffy texture for the cornbread.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, honey, eggs, and melted butter until smooth and well incorporated to ensure a tender crumb.
4. Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the finely chopped jalapeños and fresh cilantro for a spicy, herbal flavor.
5. Prepare Batter in Skillet: Pour the batter into your prepared skillet or baking dish. Smooth the top evenly and arrange the thinly sliced jalapeño on top to add decorative spice.
6. Bake the Cornbread: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
7. Prepare Lime Drizzle: While the cornbread is baking, whisk together fresh lime juice, lime zest, and powdered sugar until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lime juice or sugar as needed for a drizzleable glaze.
8. Cool and Drizzle: Once baked, let the cornbread cool in the skillet for 10–15 minutes. Drizzle the lime glaze evenly over the top and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.
9. Serve: Slice the cornbread into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful side dish or snack.

Notes

• For a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before chopping.
• If buttermilk is not available, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes as a substitute.
• The lime drizzle can be adjusted in sweetness or tartness by varying the powdered sugar and lime juice quantities.
• Cast iron skillet is recommended for even baking and crisp edges but a regular baking dish works fine.
• This cornbread pairs wonderfully with chili, barbecue, or as a spicy snack on its own.

Keywords: Jalapeño Cornbread, Spicy Cornbread, Sweet Cornbread, Lime Drizzle, Cast Iron Skillet, Honey Cornbread, Spicy Bread