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Easy Vegan Cornbread

I’ve been making cornbread for decades because I grew up in the Carolinas where cornbread is a staple and necessity. This easy Vegan Cornbread is my favorite healthy recipe because it’s golden crispy on the outside and fluffy and tender on the inside.

vegan cornbread slice on silver plate with cast iron pan in background

When a group of people talks about cornbread for any length of time, the discussion will always get around to the question of whether cornbread should be sweet or savory. This is my favorite vegan cornbread recipe that can be made either way–sweet or savory!

We love this skillet cornbread because it’s…

  • Crunchy on the outside
  • Moist on the inside
  • Savory OR sweet
  • Super flavorful
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Great with soup and chili
  • Delicious

Sweet or savory vegan cornbread?

Though I like both versions, I have to admit that savory is my favorite.

The great thing is that you can make this vegan cornbread recipe both ways. If you like it savory, make it as described below. For a sweet cornbread, add 2 Tbsp of agave or another sweetener.

There are times that we want vegan cornbread muffins, and this recipe does well as muffins too.

Cooking skillet vegan cornbread

Growing up in the South, we ate a LOT of cornbread. Cornbread and beans, cornbread and sauerkraut, cornbread and soup, cornbread and milk. Of course, nowadays it’s almond or other plant milk to keep it completely dairy-free.

If you’re looking for some delicious healthy recipes for soup, stew, or chili to go with your vegan cornbread, check out the suggestions on this page. I also have an awesome Instant Pot Cabbage recipe that is ready in minutes and goes perfectly with cornbread.

cornbread in cast iron pan on wooden tabletop

I love the crispy crunch of the outside and the moist tenderness of the inside, and it’s a cast-iron skillet that makes that magic happen. 

Skillet vegan cornbread ingredients

  • yellow cornmeal
  • whole-grain flour
  • baking soda
  • salt
  • almond milk
  • creamed corn
  • onion (optional)

How to make vegan cornbread

The recipe card at the bottom of the page has the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions.

Begin by dicing the onion if you are using it. I highly recommend including it because it adds a terrific flavor to this recipe.

diced onions on cutting board

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, including the onion and creamed can of corn.

Creamed corn is completely dairy-free and is usually very easy to find in the can goods section of most grocery stores in the USA. However, if your store doesn’t carry it, or you would like to make your own, Living Vegan has an easy recipe for Easy Creamed Corn that will work just fine.

vegan cornbread ingredients in stainless steel bowl

Pour the batter into a HOT seasoned iron 12″ iron skillet or baking pan, and cook at 400°F for 30 minutes. Having the skillet nice and hot is what helps make this cornbread crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on it when time is almost up. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Slice and serve.

We love to eat cornbread with beans, sauerkraut, chili, and soup. Hopefully, you find some favorite dishes to serve it with as well.

vegan cornbread in black cast iron pan on wooden table

Moist vegan cornbread that is oil-free

My favorite thing about this cornbread is that it stays moist on the inside. The secret is that creamed corn is used as an ingredient.

What is creamed corn? Believe it or not, it is dairy-free. It is simply made by pulping corn kernels and collecting the milky residue from the corn.

Here in the States, creamed corn is readily available in cans at most grocery stores. However, it is harder (or impossible) to find in some countries.

Living Vegan has an easy recipe for Easy Creamed Corn for those in areas where it isn’t available in your local grocery store.

vegan cornbread slice on wooden backdrop

Tips and suggestions

  • Crunchy- One thing that I’ve noticed is that, after being refrigerated, the leftovers are no longer crunchy the way I like them. To solve that, simply pop them into the oven or toaster oven on a flat pan at about 350 degrees for 10 minutes or so. This cornbread crisps right back up!
  • Soup- We love cornbread around here with soup, chili, beans, sauerkraut, and just about anything!
  • Serving suggestions- This recipe is oil, egg, and dairy-free! It pairs well with other recipes like potato soup, vegetable soup, or chili beans made in a crockpot.
vegan pototo soup in white bowls with cornbread

*Originally published November 2014.

Recipes that go well with skillet cornbread

For those of you new to the whole food plant-based lifestyle, we’ve created a FREE 7-Day Plant-Based Menu Planner to help you get started!

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If you try this recipe, please let us know how you like it by rating it and leaving a comment. We love to hear from you!

vegan cornbread slice on silver plate with cast iron pan in background

Skillet Vegan Cornbread

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

I've been making cornbread for decades because I grew up in the Carolinas where cornbread is a staple and necessity. This easy vegan cornbread is my favorite healthy cornbread because it's golden crispy on the outside and fluffy and tender on the inside.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of coarse yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup of flour, spelt, whole wheat, or your favorite
  • 1 tablespoon of baking soda
  • 2 cups almond milk, you want a pancake batter consistency
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 4 ounces of can of creamed corn, this is 1/2 the can
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 small chipotle in adobe sauce, optional

Instructions

    1. Begin by dicing the onion if you are using it. I highly recommend including it because it adds a terrific flavor to this recipe.
    2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, including the onion and creamed can corn.
    3. Creamed corn is completely dairy-free and is usually very easy to find in can goods section of most grocery stores in the USA.
    4. Pour the batter into a HOT seasoned iron 12" iron skillet or baking pan, and cook at 400°F for 30 minutes. Having the skillet nice and hot is what helps make this cornbread crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
    5. Oven temperatures vary, so keep an eye on it when time is almost up. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Slice and serve.

Notes

Detailed instructions, in-process photos, and my personal helpful tips can be found in the article above.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 255Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gCarbohydrates: 67gFiber: 7gProtein: 10g

To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

Did you make this recipe?

Please rate and leave a comment because I love hearing from you. Remember SHARING IS CARING!

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Jo Carol James

Tuesday 28th of February 2023

What brand or where can I find coarse cornmeal?? Ty

Terri Edwards

Wednesday 1st of March 2023

Bob's Red Mill brand is a good one. It's carried at some grocery stores, and you can find it on Amazon as well.

Beth

Sunday 29th of January 2023

I had a package of cornbread mix, so I just measured it out and called it my "flour" and then put the rest as cornmeal for 3 cups total. Used 1 cup soy milk and 1 cup plant based yogurt, added 1/2 can of whole kernel corn for extra texture in addition to creamed corn, and 1 can mild chopped chiles instead of chipotle. All other ingredients as indicated. It was perfect - had to bake a little longer. Thanks for the reciped!

Kim

Sunday 25th of September 2022

Teri, there is nothing better than a Midwest veggie soup with hatch chilies and Cilantro with your cornbread! So very satisfying and good!

Terri Edwards

Monday 26th of September 2022

Kim- Yum! The weather here in Western North Carolina is cooling off, and fall is upon us. Soup and cornbread weather for sure. I'm so glad that you love the cornbread recipe!

Kathy Alexander

Tuesday 11th of May 2021

Made this on Mother's Day for a family gathering where I never have anything to eat, so I have to bring my own. I made greens, beans, and this cornbread. This is by far the best cornbread I have made/eaten. I had several of my omnivore family members wanting to know how I made the cornbread because it was so good.

Terri Edwards

Tuesday 11th of May 2021

Hi Kathy- OMGosh, it makes me so happy to hear this! I love that it was such a hit at your family get-together.

Molly

Friday 15th of May 2020

Question — your Country Cornbread and Easy Vegan Cornbread are virtually identical EXCEPT one calls for 1Tbsp baking powder and the other calls for 1Tbsp baking soda. Is this correct ???

Terri Edwards

Friday 15th of May 2020

Hi Molly- I really have only one cornbread recipe, but I changed the name from "Country Cornbread" to "Easy Vegan Cornbread." I like to use baking soda, but baking powder will also work.

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