Gluten-Free Cornbread {Dairy Free}

Whether you are making a quick weeknight family meal or taking a dish to a potluck, gluten-free cornbread is one of the most versatile side dishes you can make, and everyone loves it! Bake the recipe in a pan for traditional, flaky cornbread or pour the batter into muffin tins for tender, sunshine-colored gluten-free cornbread muffins. 

Made with honey and dairy-free “buttermilk” this recipe is healthier than the processed sugar recipes and it’s allergen-friendly. This is one of our family’s favorite recipes and I have found that I can whip up a batch quickly and it can bake while I am prepping the rest of our meal. 

This cornbread pairs perfectly with these crispy baked chicken drumsticks!

Gluten-Free Cornbread

The aroma of cornbread baking always takes me back to the simpler days of my childhood. I can’t help but close my eyes when I take the first steaming, buttery bite, savoring the moment. I just love the fresh, moist texture and the subtly sweet flavor. 

Sure, you could go buy a gluten-free cornbread mix, but homemade is always better and gluten-free cornbread is quick and easy to make. 

Traditionally, cornbread is served with heavy, winter foods like chili, soups and stews, but we love it as a light, warm-weather side dish, too. Some of our favorite summertime recipes to have with cornbread are Lemony Cedar Planked Salmon, Flanken Ribs, and London Broil. 

Dairy-Free “Buttermilk”

To make gluten-free dairy-free cornbread, you need to make dairy-free buttermilk. It is simple to make and makes all the difference in this recipe, which typically calls for buttermilk. Mixing the coconut milk and apple cider vinegar together gives the same reaction as traditional buttermilk.

Canned Coconut Milk

I use the Thai Kitchen brand of canned coconut milk in this recipe, since it’s extra thick and creamy. 

Apple Cider Vinegar

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, you can also use fresh squeezed lemon juice, or white distilled vinegar. 

This mock dairy-free “buttermilk” makes this recipe rich and delicious. Not to mention, it also aids in leavening, so please don’t omit it from the recipe!

Is All Cornmeal Gluten-Free?

NO! As with all ingredients, you must make sure you are purchasing a certified gluten-free product. Although cornmeal on its own does not have gluten, it is often processed with equipment that also processes foods containing gluten, so cross-contamination is possible. 

How to Store Gluten-Free Cornbread

If you have leftovers, they can easily be stored for another meal and cornbread warms up nicely in the microwave. The best way to keep your cornbread moist is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will keep on the counter for a day or two. 

What To Do with Leftovers

• Warm up leftovers for breakfast –  it goes great with a frittata or scrambled eggs
• Use in place of gluten-free breadcrumbs to make crunchy chicken nuggets
• Make croutons or gluten-free cornbread stuffing
• Crumble over soup or salad 

Of all of the recipe conversions I have done, making cornbread gluten-free is one of the easiest and tastiest. Put this on your menu today! 

I hope you enjoy this gf cornbread as much as my family does! 
xoxo, 
Mēgan

Gluten-Free Cornbread Recipe:

Gluten-Free Cornbread

Yield: 12-16 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Whether you are making a quick weeknight family meal or taking a dish to a potluck, gluten-free cornbread is a versatile side dish everyone loves!

Print

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 oz.) coconut milk, full fat
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups gluten-free cornmeal
• ¾ cup tapioca starch
• ¾ cup sorghum flour
• ½ cup millet flour
• ½ cup organic brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup vegan butter, melted
• ½ cup coconut oil, melted
• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 large eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F) and lightly grease a 9x13” baking pan.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the canned coconut milk and apple cider vinegar. Set aside to sit for at least 10 minutes (this creates a dairy-free “buttermilk”).
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free cornmeal, tapioca starch, sorghum flour, millet flour, organic brown sugar, xanthan gum, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt.
4. Add the melted vegan butter and coconut oil, honey, and eggs.
5. Now slowly stir in the coconut milk/vinegar mixture. Mix until just blended.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. The batter will be thick, so use a spatula to spread it evenly on the bottom of the pan. Bake for 25-35 minutes (the cornbread tends to cook faster in a metal pan vs. a glass one), or until a toothpick comes out clean when poked into the center of the cornbread.
7. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
   
   

Notes

CANNED COCONUT MILK

I use the Thai Kitchen brand of canned coconut milk in this recipe, since it’s extra thick and creamy. 

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, you can also use fresh squeezed lemon juice, or white distilled vinegar. 

VEGAN BUTTER

If you are unable to use vegan butter, you can also use more coconut oil, or ghee (if you tolerate it).

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 282Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 309mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 2gSugar: 12gProtein: 4g

*Did you make this gf cornbread recipe? Please give it a star rating and leave an honest review below! 

Don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @allergyfreeak and #allergyfreealaska with your cornbread gluten-free pics!