Fluffy & Golden: The Best 25-Minute Gluten-Free Cornbread Recipe Ever

David Cooper
Servings: 9 Total Time: 40 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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A quick and fluffy Southern-style cornbread made entirely gluten-free—with a dairy-free option included!
Golden gluten free cornbread slice with a crispy crust and soft inside, topped with melting dairy-free butter. pinit View Gallery 5 photos

🌽 Golden 25-Minute Gluten-Free Cornbread Recipe (Dairy-Free Option)

Introduction

Looking for the best gluten free cornbread recipe that’s both fluffy and easy to make? You’ve just found it. This golden, fluffy gluten-free cornbread recipe delivers all the warmth and flavor of the original—without the wheat. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for pairing with chili, soups, BBQ, or as a stand-alone treat.

gluten free cornbread recipe
Fluffy & Golden: The Best 25-Minute Gluten-Free Cornbread Recipe Ever 6

Made with simple pantry ingredients and naturally sweetened with a touch of honey or maple syrup, this recipe bakes up moist on the inside with a crispy golden crust. Best part? It’s gluten-free, with a dairy-free option for even more flexibility. Whether you’re hosting dinner or need a quick weeknight side, this cornbread won’t disappoint!

Ingredients

Flat lay of gluten-free cornbread ingredients arranged on a white countertop.
Fluffy & Golden: The Best 25-Minute Gluten-Free Cornbread Recipe Ever 7
  • 1 cup gluten-free cornmeal
  • 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup

Instructions

Cornbread batter being poured into a greased cast iron skillet.
Fluffy & Golden: The Best 25-Minute Gluten-Free Cornbread Recipe Ever 8
  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan or cast iron skillet.
  2. Make buttermilk substitute: Mix almond milk with apple cider vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, sweetener, and the “buttermilk.”
  5. Combine & pour: Mix wet into dry until just combined—don’t overmix. Pour batter into the greased pan.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool slightly before slicing and serve warm with dairy-free butter or jam.
Gluten-free cornbread rising in the oven inside a cast iron pan.
Fluffy & Golden: The Best 25-Minute Gluten-Free Cornbread Recipe Ever 9

Variations

  • Add ½ cup shredded dairy-free cheese or jalapeños for a Tex-Mex twist.
  • Make it sweet by adding 1 mashed banana and a dash of cinnamon.
  • Use coconut oil for a tropical flavor profile.

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave.
  • Freeze slices for up to 2 months—wrap in foil and store in freezer bags.

Optional Serving Ideas

  • Serve with a hearty chili or lentil soup.
  • Top with dairy-free butter and maple syrup for breakfast.
  • Use leftovers to make gluten-free cornbread stuffing.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving – yields 9 squares)

  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbs: 32g
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Fiber: 2g

FAQ

Q: Is cornmeal gluten-free?
A: Yes, but always use certified gluten-free cornmeal to avoid cross-contamination.

Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes! Use flax eggs and maple syrup instead of honey.

Q: Can I bake this in muffin form?
A: Definitely. Bake in a muffin tin for 15–18 minutes.

Q: Why use apple cider vinegar?
A: It reacts with baking soda to create a fluffy texture—like buttermilk would!

Q: Can I use oat flour instead of gluten-free flour?
A: You can try it, but the texture will be more rustic and dense.

Conclusion

This Golden Gluten-Free Cornbread Recipe is everything you want in a classic side dish—fluffy, tender, slightly sweet, and crispy on the edges. With just one bowl and under 30 minutes, you’ve got a versatile dish that fits nearly every dietary need. Whether served at your next BBQ, alongside soup, or toasted for breakfast, this cornbread is sure to become a gluten-free favorite.

About Chef David Cooper

Chef David Cooper believes that everyone deserves delicious comfort food—no matter their dietary restrictions. His simple, inclusive recipes help families enjoy timeless favorites made healthy, flavorful, and allergy-friendly.

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Golden gluten free cornbread slice with a crispy crust and soft inside, topped with melting dairy-free butter. pinit
Print Recipe

Fluffy & Golden: The Best 25-Minute Gluten-Free Cornbread Recipe Ever

Author: David Cooper
Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 40 mins
Cooking Temp: 200  C Servings: 9 Estimated Cost: $ 5 Calories: 230 kcal per serving
Best Season: Fall

Description

This fluffy and golden gluten free cornbread recipe is the perfect side for chili, BBQ, or cozy fall dinners. Made with simple pantry staples and a dairy-free option, it's ready in just 25 minutes and loved by kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease an 8x8 inch baking pan or cast iron skillet.

Create Buttermilk Substitute:

In a small bowl, mix almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Set aside for 5 minutes to curdle.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, honey (or maple syrup), and prepared almond milk mixture.

Combine Batter:

Add wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.

Pour & Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top.

Bake:

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool & Serve:

Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with dairy-free butter, jam, or alongside your favorite chili.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 9

Amount Per Serving
Calories 230kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Cholesterol 35mg12%
Sodium 240mg10%
Potassium 110mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 5g
Protein 5g10%
Calcium 60 mg
Iron 1.2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For the best texture, allow the batter to sit for 5 minutes before baking. This gives the cornmeal time to hydrate and ensures an even crumb. Want extra crispiness? Use a preheated cast iron skillet for a gorgeous golden crust!

Keywords: gluten free cornbread recipe, dairy free cornbread, easy cornbread recipe, southern cornbread gluten free, healthy cornbread, fluffy cornbread
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Is cornmeal gluten-free?

Yes, but always use certified gluten-free cornmeal to avoid cross-contamination.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Use flax eggs and maple syrup instead of honey.

Can I bake this in muffin form?

Definitely. Bake in a muffin tin for 15–18 minutes.

Why use apple cider vinegar?

It reacts with baking soda to create a fluffy texture—like buttermilk would!

Can I use oat flour instead of gluten-free flour?

You can try it, but the texture will be more rustic and dense.