Low Sugar Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Cornbread

Total time45 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time25 min

Low Sugar Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Cornbread

This skillet cornbread gets its warmth from a generous swirl of cinnamon worked through the batter in a figure-eight pattern, so every square shows off those toasty ribbons once it's sliced. The base comes together with cornmeal and flour for that classic tender-but-sturdy crumb, brightened with a quick vegan buttermilk made from plant-based milk and apple cider vinegar, and a flax egg keeps everything bound without any dairy or eggs in sight. Melted vegan butter swirled into a hot cast iron skillet before baking gives the edges that deep golden, slightly crisp crust that pulls away clean, while the center stays soft and pillowy. It bakes up fast, rests just long enough to set, and slices into nine generous squares perfect for serving warm. This one is a great fit for anyone steering clear of added sugar, since the sweetness leans entirely on spice and technique rather than anything poured from a bag. Keep it on repeat for chili night, brunch spreads, or just a snack straight from the skillet.

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Ingredients

9 servings

For the flax egg

For the cinnamon swirl

3 tbsp packed brown sugar
Chef's tip
Use the same volume. Brown-sugar replacements vary in moisture, spread, and browning, so follow the package's baking guidance and start checking a few minutes early.
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp vegan butter, melted

For the batter

1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup organic cane sugar
Chef's tip
Use the same volume. Baking behavior varies by blend: some brown faster or stay softer, while others brown less. Follow the package's baking guidance and start checking a few minutes early.
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup plant-based milk
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
⅓ cup vegan butter, melted

For the skillet

2 tbsp vegan butter

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Stir together the ground flaxseed and 3 tbsp water in a small bowl until combined, then set aside for 5 minutes until thickened and gel-like.
2
In a separate small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tbsp melted vegan butter until a thick paste forms. Set aside.

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