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Most traditional cornbread recipes are loaded with sugar, butter, and salt. This healthy cornbread recipe keeps the traditional flavor with lighter, lower calorie ingredients. The balance of whole grain cornmeal, light buttermilk, and heart-healthy oil creates a moist, tender crumb, with no gluten, no refined flour, no added sugar, and no saturated fat. You've found a healthy recipe for cornbread that is naturally low in sodium with no sugar, making it a great bread recipe for a diabetic-friendly diet. You can make this diabetic cornbread in under an hour, and it serves well as a heart healthy side dish, a healthy snack, or part of a healthy dinner meal prep plan for the week.
Key Health Highlights
Why This Cornbread Supports Heart, Blood Sugar, and Low Sodium Diets
- Diabetic-friendly, no added sugar – Uses 100% cornmeal and just a touch of honey for gentle sweetness.
- Low sodium and low cholesterol – No added salt, butter, cheese, or high-fat dairy. With no saturated fat, this is a low cholesterol corn bread recipe.
- Lower fat and lower calories than traditional cornbread – Light buttermilk and canola oil create moisture without heaviness.
Is cornbread good for diabetics?
This healthy corn bread recipe is recommened by HealthEcooks dietitians for people following low carb guidelines for a diabetic diet. Our cornbread recipe is naturally sweet from cornmeal and honey with no added sugar nor high carb ingredients. Like all HealthEcooks diabetic recipes, this diabetic cornbread was developed by professional chefs and dietitians in the HealthEcooks Recipe Test Kitchen.
More Healthy Side Dish Recipes for Chili
If you enjoyed this cornbread with chili, here are a few other healthy side dishes you might love:
Healthy Cooking Tips to Make a Lighter Cornbread
Healthy cooking start with healthy ingredients. Try these ingredient swaps for a healthy cornbread. Many recipes include white flour, sugar, or butter, which increase carbs, fat, and calories. This version keeps it light with just a touch of honey, heart-healthy olive oil, light buttermilk, and pure cornmeal not flour. The result is a tender, golden cornbread that’s both heart-healthy and sugar free. Since cornmeal is naturally gluten-free, it’s also a perfect recipe for gluten-free diets when made with certified gluten-free ingredients.
Here are some other gluten free baking recipes you may like!
Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
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Ingredients
Recipe yields 12 servings
Directions
-
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°. Lightly coat an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
-
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Add the honey, oil, egg and buttermilk and stir to combine. Do not overmix. Pour into prepared baking pan.
-
Step 3
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until top is golden.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving Size:
2 x 3-inch piece
114
Calories
2
g
Fat
15
mg
Cholesterol
240
mg
Sodium
21
g
Carbs
0
g
Sat. Fat
2
g
Fiber
3
g
Protein
Serving & Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4–5 days.
-
Freeze tightly wrapped slices in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
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Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.
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Serve with chili, soups, or top with avocado for a balanced snack.
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For a crispy edge, toast leftovers in a dry skillet or oven.