Vegan Cornbread Recipe: 4 Tips for Making Vegan Cornbread

Vegan cornbread is an egg- and dairy-free variation of cornbread, a buttery, crumbly quick bread made with finely ground cornmeal. While eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter are responsible for cornbread’s signature texture, the vegan version calls on a range of alternate ingredients, including applesauce, flaxseed meal, and coconut milk, to make up the difference.

Depending on your preference, you can make sweet vegan cornbread with a gritty and rustic texture or a springy, cakey one. Change the cornmeal you use for different results (coarse grinds for gritty fans and fine grinds for cake people), and dial back the sugar as needed. Here’s what else to know about making vegan cornbread:

1. 1. Egg substitutions: Applesauce and coconut oil are popular egg substitutes in vegan baking. For a boost of fiber, try flax eggs, which mimic the effect of eggs thanks to the gelatinous, gluey texture of the rehydrated seeds. You can make flax eggs by combining one tablespoon of flaxseed meal and three tablespoons of water.
2. 2. Flour substitution: For a lighter vegan cornbread, swap the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour, which has a higher protein content, fewer carbohydrates, and more vitamins and nutrients, like calcium, potassium, and iron.
3. 3. Buttermilk substitution: Instead of buttermilk, combine plant-based milk with either lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, which will provide the acid needed to achieve a proper reaction with rising agents like baking soda or baking powder.
4. 4. Gluten-free substitution: To make gluten-free cornbread, combine cornmeal with almond flour or use gluten-free flour blends, which you can find in most grocery stores or online.

Enjoy vegan cornbread as a side dish or accompaniment to many dishes, including:

• Chili: Chili and Southern cornbread pair well together. Serve vegan cornbread alongside a brothy vegan chili with beans, lentils, chickpeas, chopped vegetables, and spices. Add finely minced jalapeño to the batter for mild heat.
• Soups and stews: A square of cornbread complements most bowls of steaming soup or stew. Vegan cornbread can accompany a hearty mushroom stew or potato-celery soup.
• Roasted vegetables: Roast sweet potatoes or squash until they’re soft enough to spread, then serve them atop a slice or two of vegan cornbread. Drizzle with hot honey or maple syrup for a burst of sweetness.