A Pleasant Cookbook

Molasses & Buttermilk Cornbread

A rustic, dense cornbread with a golden crust made with molasses and buttermilk. Baked in a cast iron skillet, it's delicious on its own or served with beans and salsa.

Prep 10 minCook 25 minServes 6-8 servings

Ingredients

  • *2 tablespoons butter
  • *1 1/2 cups cornmeal
  • *3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • *2 tablespoons molasses
  • *1 teaspoon salt
  • *2 teaspoons baking powder
  • *1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • *1/2 cup water
  • *1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • *1 egg
  • *1 teaspoon lard or bacon drippings for the skillet

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place a 9-inch cast iron skillet (#7) in the oven to preheat.

  2. 2

    Mix together the cornmeal, flour, molasses, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl.

  3. 3

    Add the water, buttermilk, and egg to the dry ingredients and mix until combined. (Optional: substitute 1 can cream of corn for the water if preferred.)

  4. 4

    Remove the hot skillet from the oven and add 1 teaspoon lard or bacon drippings. Swirl to distribute evenly.

  5. 5

    Pour the batter into the hot skillet.

  6. 6

    Bake for approximately 25 minutes. Check for doneness: the top should feel solid and the bread should have pulled away from the sides of the skillet.

  7. 7

    Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before flipping the skillet to remove the bread. Serve warm.