Easy Sweet Vegan Cornbread with Applesauce Recipe

Introduction

This easy sweet vegan cornbread is delightfully moist and flavorful, thanks to the natural sweetness of applesauce and agave. Perfect as a snack or a side, it’s gluten-free friendly and made with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal (162 grams, gluten-free if needed)
• 1/2 cup non-GMO cornstarch (71 grams)
• 1/2 cup raw organic cane sugar
• 6 tablespoons oat flour (42 grams, gluten-free if needed)
• 2 tablespoons white rice flour (18 grams)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (vegan-friendly)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup vegan butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons agave syrup

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Lightly oil the sides of the pan to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, cornstarch, cane sugar, oat flour, white rice flour, baking powder, salt, xanthan gum, and baking soda until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the applesauce, melted vegan butter, and agave syrup until smooth and fully mixed.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick but evenly mixed.
5. Step 5: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 25 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Allow the cornbread to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty depth, try adding 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter before baking.
• Replace agave syrup with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
• If you don’t have oat flour, grind rolled oats in a food processor until fine as a quick substitute.
• Ensure your vegan butter is melted but not hot to avoid cooking the wet ingredients prematurely.

Storage

Store leftover cornbread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months. Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave briefly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flours?

Yes, you can substitute all the gluten-free flours with an equal amount of all-purpose flour if gluten is not a concern. This may slightly change the texture but will still yield delicious cornbread.

Is xanthan gum necessary in this recipe?

Xanthan gum helps bind the ingredients and improves texture, especially in gluten-free baking. If you don’t have it, you can try substituting with an equal amount of ground flaxseed mixed with water or omit it, but the cornbread may be more crumbly.

Easy Sweet Vegan Cornbread with Applesauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews

This easy sweet vegan cornbread recipe uses wholesome ingredients like cornmeal, oat flour, and applesauce to create a moist and flavorful treat without any animal products. Naturally sweetened with agave and cane sugar, this gluten-free-friendly cornbread is perfect for a cozy snack or a delicious side dish.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Total Time: 37 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings (about 9 squares) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal (162 grams, gluten-free if needed)
• 1/2 cup non-GMO cornstarch (71 grams)
• 1/2 cup raw organic cane sugar
• 6 tablespoons oat flour (42 grams, gluten-free if needed)
• 2 tablespoons white rice flour (18 grams)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (vegan-friendly)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/3 cup vegan butter (melted)
• 3 tablespoons agave

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the sides of the pan with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the cornmeal, cornstarch, cane sugar, oat flour, white rice flour, baking powder, salt, xanthan gum, and baking soda until well combined.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, melted vegan butter, and agave syrup. Whisk these wet ingredients together until fully blended and smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick but should form a cohesive mixture without dry pockets.
5. Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and slice: Allow the cornbread to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, remove from the pan using the parchment paper edges and slice into servings. Enjoy your sweet vegan cornbread!

Notes

• Ensure your gluten-free flours are certified gluten-free if needed.
• You can substitute the vegan butter with coconut oil if preferred.
• For a nuttier flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• This cornbread also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Keywords: vegan cornbread, gluten-free cornbread, sweet cornbread recipe, applesauce cornbread, easy vegan baking