Gluten-Free Cornbread Recipe: Moist, Simple, and Flavorful

Soft and tender with beautiful, crisp edges, this gluten free cornbread is easy to make and works with just about any gluten free flour. Don’t skip the secret ingredient—it’s what makes this recipe shine!

I’m excited to share this cornbread recipe. It took nearly a year of testing and dozens of tweaks to get the texture and flavor just right.

I’ll admit I’m picky about cornbread—especially gluten free—but the result here is worth the fuss.

I love cornbread that’s soft and tender inside with a golden, crispy edge. The best way to achieve that contrast is to bake it in a preheated cast iron skillet.

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This gluten free cornbread has just the right hint of sweetness and a balanced flour-to-cornmeal ratio that creates the ideal texture. There’s also a little secret ingredient—read on to find out—that elevates the flavor.

Before you bake, consider pairing this cornbread with my game-changing honey butter recipe. It’s creamy, simple, and delicious.

Years ago we ate cornbread at a Mexican restaurant that had sweet bursts of corn in every bite. Inspired by that, I added corn kernels to this gluten free version—it’s the detail that makes it unforgettable.

If you prefer dairy-free, there’s a dairy-free adaptation available to keep this cornbread accessible for more diets.

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A knife slices into cornbread baked in a skillet.

This recipe is very easy. In about 30 minutes you can have warm cornbread to serve with any meal.

Best Flour to Use For Gluten Free Cornbread?

Cornbread is forgiving, so most high-quality gluten free flour blends will work. Good options include Better Batter, Cup4Cup, Bob’s Red Mill 1:1, Pamela’s Artisan Blend, King Arthur Measure for Measure, and gfJules.

One blend I wouldn’t recommend for this recipe is Namaste.

Looking for more dinner sides? Try my gluten free cloverleaf rolls or a classic gluten free sandwich bread to round out the meal.

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A fork cuts through a soft slice of gluten free cornbread topped with honey butter

Best Pan to Use for Cornbread

For the classic contrast of tender interior and crisp edges, bake your cornbread in a cast iron skillet. It helps develop that irresistible, caramelized rim.

PRO TIP: Because cast iron is porous, consider dedicating one skillet for gluten free baking to avoid cross-contact if you or others need to avoid gluten.

We would love to see what you create! Snap a photo and tag @LifeAfterWheat on social media!

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Gluten Free Cornbread

Author: Celeste Noland | Life After Wheat

https://thereislifeafterwheat.com

4.5 from 2 votes
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Prep 10
Cook 20
Total 30
Soft and tender with beautiful, crisp edges, this gluten free cornbread is easy to make and works with just about any gluten free flour. Don’t skip the secret ingredient—it’s what makes this recipe shine!
Servings 8 servings
Course Gluten Free Bread Recipes

Start Cooking

Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter
  • 2 T sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 ¼ cups milk
  • 1 cup high quality gluten free flour see notes
  • ¾ cup gluten free cornmeal
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup frozen corn

Equipment

  • 12″ cast iron skillet (preheated)
  • Mixing bowl and whisk or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the butter in a cast iron skillet and put the skillet in the oven while it preheats so the butter melts and the skillet gets hot.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, and milk until combined.
  3. Stir in the gluten free flour, cornmeal, salt, baking powder, and frozen corn. Mix gently with a spoon just until the batter is smooth—don’t overmix.
  4. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and add the melted butter, swirling to coat the bottom. Pour the batter into the preheated skillet and spread it evenly.
  5. Bake 18–20 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Serve warm, topped with honey butter or your favorite spread.

Nutrition

Serving1
Calories251kcal
Carbohydrates29g
Protein5g
Fat13g

Notes

Gluten free flour blends that work well in this recipe:

  • Better Batter (favorite)
  • Cup4Cup
  • Bob’s Red Mill 1:1
  • Pamela’s Artisan Blend
  • King Arthur Measure for Measure
  • gfJules

Most blends will work—just avoid Namaste for this recipe.

Private Notes

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