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Southern sweet cornbread strikes the perfect balance of sweet, but never too much. It’s soft and moist, with just the right amount of chew from the crumbly cornmeal texture. Add in the juicy burst of secret ingredient pineapple, and every bite becomes a warm, sweet-salty-satisfying Southern delight!

Golden sweet pineapple cornbread

This sweet cornbread recipe starts with a classic cornmeal mix, sugar, and butter… Then takes a flavorful turn with two secret ingredients: crushed pineapple and cream cheese.

The result? A light, tender cornbread that’s sweet with a subtle richness, yet sturdy enough to stand proudly next to all the other soulful favorites on your table.

Ingredients

Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix – Jiffy has been a pantry favorite in Southern kitchens for generations. It brings that nostalgic, slightly sweet cornbread flavor we know and love. (Instructions for using yellow cornmeal are included in the below recipe card.)
Butter – for richness and that classic Southern flavor
Sugar – to enhance the sweetness
Crushed pineapple – the star ingredient for tropical sweetness and moisture
Pineapple juice – a secret ingredient that amplifies the fruity flavor
Cream cheese – this ingredient adds creaminess and contributes to a tender crumb

How to make sweet pineapple cornbread

This cornbread is made just like classic Southern cornbread using cornmeal or a cornmeal mix, butter, and a touch of sugar. However, it features a delightful, sweet, and creamy twist! While it starts with classic Southern roots, this version is softer, sweeter, and just a little more indulgent. What sets it apart? The addition of crushed pineapple and cream cheese.

Preheat the oven and melt the butter. I used a pre-slotted cornbread pan that makes each serving size proportionate and easy to share. When using this type of pan, melt the butter in a separate dish and spray the pre-slotted pan with cooking oil before baking.
Combine the remaining ingredients with the melted butter and add the cornbread mixture to the pan.
Bake, serve, and enjoy!

Best cornbread texture

The perfect cornbread strikes a delicate balance of crisp golden edges, a moist and tender center, and just the right touch of sweetness. To achieve that ideal texture, your batter should be moist and slightly loose. If it’s too thick or dense, you risk ending up with a dry, tough cornbread instead of the soft, satisfying bite you’re aiming for.

Using a cake pan or muffin tin

If you don’t have a pre-slotted cornbread pan, a muffin pan for sweet cornbread muffins works just as well, and the cook time should remain about the same.

If you’re using a traditional round cake pan or a cast-iron skillet, expect it to take 5–10 minutes longer to cook.

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cornbread is ready. If not, return it to the oven in five-minute intervals, checking again until it’s fully baked.

Southern Sweet Cornbread With Pineapple

This Southern sweet cornbread starts with the classic mix of cornmeal, butter, and a touch of sugar, but gets a delicious upgrade with crushed pineapple and cream cheese. The result is a softer, sweeter, and more indulgent version of the traditional favorite. Perfect as a standout side dish or sweet-savory treat!

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Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 30

Course: Appetizer, Bread

Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern Food

Servings:

Calories: 251kcal

Author: Shaunda Necole

Equipment

Pre-slotted cornbread pan , muffin pan, round baking pan, or an 8" cast-iron skillet

Ingredients

8 ½ oz cornbread mix 1 box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (Or use yellow cornmeal. The instructions for yellow cornmeal are in the recipe notes below.)
4 tablespoons butter unsalted
¾ cup pineapple crushed (canned or fresh)
¼ cup pineapple juice
2 tablespoons sugar granulated
8 oz cream cheese whipped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the butter in an 8-inch baking pan or cast-iron skillet and melt in the oven for approximately 5 minutes.
While the butter is melting, combine the Jiffy box mix, crushed pineapple, pineapple juice, sugar, and cream cheese in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Pour the melted butter from the baking pan into the mixing bowl and mix all the ingredients.
Pour the cornbread mixture into the pan.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, then serve warm, and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Sweet cornbread made with yellow cornmeal: follow the instructions below to make this cornbread with yellow cornmeal.

1 cup of medium grind yellow cornmeal
⅔ cup of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
¾ cup of crushed pineapple (canned or fresh)
¼ cup of pineapple juice
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
8 oz. of whipped cream cheese

Instructions – Preheat the oven to 350°F, then melt the butter. Combine the remaining ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Follow steps 4 through 6 above.

Nutrition

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The Ultimate Soul Food Recipes Guide

What is soul food? Soul food recipes are African-American recipes full of flavor! A legacy of Southern cooking the Black way. Check out this collection of the best soul food recipes!

Check out this recipe!