Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Zest of 1 fresh lemon (about 1 tsp)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
Additional Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 425ºF (220ºC) with the cast iron skillet inside, allowing the skillet to heat along with the oven for even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Prepare lemon zest and juice: Zest one fresh lemon to yield about 1 teaspoon and squeeze approximately 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for the batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Use your hands to gently massage the lemon zest into the dry mixture to release its aromatic oils.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, cooking oil, egg, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until all the dry ingredients are moistened. The batter should still be slightly lumpy; do not overmix.
- Butter the hot skillet: Carefully remove the preheated skillet from the oven and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Use a brush to spread the melted butter evenly up the sides of the skillet to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Add batter and blueberries: Pour the prepared batter into the hot skillet. Evenly sprinkle the frozen blueberries over the top and gently push them into the batter using your fingers.
- Bake: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top and sides are a deep golden brown. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cornbread to cool slightly in the skillet before slicing into 8 wedges and serving warm.
Notes
- Do not thaw the frozen blueberries before adding; this prevents the batter from becoming watery.
- Using a preheated cast iron skillet helps achieve a crispy crust with tender interior.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
- For extra lemon flavor, consider adding a glaze of lemon juice and powdered sugar once the cornbread has cooled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American