Heart Healthy Corn Bread

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 8/14/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Diabetic | Vegetarian

Looking for a heart-healthy cornbread recipe for diabetics? This homemade Southern cornbread is fluffy and slightly sweet with no added sugar, no gluten, and no saturated fat. It’s naturally sweet from cornmeal and honey, tender on the inside, and golden on top. Whether you're managing blood sugar, reducing sodium, or cutting back on gluten, this healthy recipe brings the flavor without the crash, making this a good cornbread for diabetes. In fact, this low carb cornbread one of our best diabetic snack recipes. Pair  cornbread with one of these healthy chili recipes for a deliciously crumbly bite.

 

Total Time
45 minutes
Servings
12
Calories
114

Why You’ll Love This Heart-Healthy Cornbread

Most traditional cornbread recipes are loaded with sugar, butter, and salt. This healthy recipe keeps the flavor but lightens up the nutrition. 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 can make this gluten-free, low-sodium cornbread in under an hour, and it works as a side dish, snack, or make-ahead option for the week.

 

Key Health Highlights

Why This Cornbread Supports Heart, Blood Sugar, and Gluten-Free Diets

  • Diabetic-friendly, no added sugar – Uses 100% cornmeal and just a touch of honey for gentle sweetness.
  • Gluten-free and celiac-safe – Made without wheat or refined flour. Choose certified gluten-free cornmeal to avoid cross-contamination.
  • Low sodium and cholesterol – No added salt, butter, cheese, or high-fat dairy.
  • Lower fat and calories than traditional cornbread – Light buttermilk and canola oil create moisture without heaviness.

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.

  • Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.

  • Serve with chili, soups, or top with avocado for a balanced snack.

  • For a crispy edge, toast leftovers in a dry skillet or oven.

FAQs About Gluten-Free Cornbread

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free cornmeal, this recipe contains no wheat, barley, or rye. Always double-check your ingredients to be safe.

It is. This diabetic recipe for cornbread contains no added sugar and uses whole grain cornmeal, which digests slower than refined flour. Pair with protein or healthy fat for even better blood sugar balance.

Yes. Substitute the buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk plus lemon juice, and use a dairy-free yogurt or plant-based sour cream if needed for extra moisture.

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
Health eCooks Cookbook on Amazon

Ingredients

Recipe yields 12 servings

How to Make Corn Bread

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400°. Lightly coat an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.

  2. 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.

  3. Step 3

    Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until top is golden.

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

More Recipes Like Healthy Cornbread

For more sweet treats to nibble on, try a slice of Cranberry Nut Bread or Banana Bread. Other delicious but healthy sides include our Jalapeno Corn Muffins, Cheddar Bacon Muffins and Pumpkin Muffins. And if you can’t get enough cornbread, be sure to check out another Homemade Cornbread recipe, as well as our Cornbread Stuffing.