Vegan cornbread is a delightful twist on the classic Southern staple, offering all the comforting flavors without any animal products. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking to try something new, this recipe from All Recipes nails the perfect balance of moistness, crumbly texture, and a touch of sweetness.
Cornbread is incredibly versatile – it pairs beautifully with hearty stews, spicy chilis, or even enjoyed on its own with a dab of vegan butter. This version uses simple pantry staples and plant-based ingredients to create a quick, easy, and foolproof bread that will win over even the most skeptical eaters.
In this post, I’ll guide you through every step with tips to ensure your cornbread turns out golden and tender every time. Plus, I’ll share some creative variations to customize it to your taste.
Ready to bake the best vegan cornbread you’ve ever tasted? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan cornbread recipe stands out because it is:
- Simple and quick: Uses everyday ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Moist and fluffy: No eggs or dairy needed to achieve a tender crumb.
- Versatile: Perfect for pairing with soups, chilis, or as a snack.
- Allergen-friendly: Dairy-free, egg-free, and can be made gluten-free with a simple swap.
- Flavor-packed: Slightly sweet with a subtle corn flavor and a hint of warmth from spices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (medium grind works best)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (helps with rise and texture)
- Optional: 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls: One large for dry ingredients, one for wet.
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork for mixing
- 8-inch square baking pan or a 9-inch round cake pan
- Non-stick spray or parchment paper to grease the pan
- Oven preheated to 400°F (200°C)
- Cooling rack for resting the cornbread
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease your baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the almond milk, vegetable oil, and apple cider vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes to curdle slightly – this mimics buttermilk and helps the cornbread rise.
- Mix wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Add optional corn kernels: If using, fold them in now for extra texture and sweetness.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan: Spread evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cornbread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes cutting easier.
Tips & Variations
“For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Adding a touch of nutritional yeast can boost flavor and add a subtle cheesy note without dairy.”
- Sweeten it up: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup or agave nectar for a slightly sweeter cornbread.
- Spice it: Mix in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Herbs & veggies: Fold in chopped jalapeños, green onions, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for savory variations.
- Use different plant milks: Oat milk or soy milk work well and can subtly change the flavor profile.
- Make muffins: Pour batter into a lined or greased muffin tin for portable cornbread muffins. Bake for 15-18 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (1/8 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Vegan cornbread is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic side for many meals. Here are some ideas to enjoy it:
- Classic pairing: Serve warm alongside a bowl of chili or stew to soak up the rich flavors.
- Breakfast boost: Top with vegan butter and a drizzle of maple syrup for a comforting morning treat.
- Sandwich base: Use thick slices to make a vegan cornbread sandwich with grilled veggies and hummus.
- Snack time: Enjoy plain or with a smear of your favorite nut butter.
- With soups: Pair with creamy soups like vegan tomato bisque or roasted butternut squash.
If you love this cornbread recipe, you might also want to check out these other delicious dishes to complement your meal:
- Breakfast Wellington Recipe – A savory vegan breakfast option.
- Bread And Gravy Recipe – Perfect for cozy dinners alongside cornbread.
- Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes – Delicious vegan noodle dishes for variety.
Conclusion
Making vegan cornbread at home is easier than you might think, and this recipe from All Recipes delivers every time. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a warm, moist, and flavorful cornbread that fits perfectly into any meal.
Whether served alongside a hearty chili or devoured on its own, it’s sure to become a staple in your plant-based cooking repertoire.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with add-ins and spices to make it your own. Cornbread is all about comfort and versatility, so embrace your creativity!
And remember, if you’re looking to explore more vegan recipes, be sure to visit our 50 Cupcake Recipes collection for sweet treats that pair perfectly with your savory cornbread.
📖 Recipe Card: All Recipes Vegan Cornbread
Description: A moist and fluffy vegan cornbread that's perfect as a side dish. Easy to make with simple plant-based ingredients.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix almond milk, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, and applesauce.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour batter into a greased 8-inch square baking pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 27 g
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