
Rum Butter Cornbread
If you’ve been craving a sweet, moist, buttery cornbread with a little Jamaican flair, Rum Butter Cornbread is for you. This Sweet Cornbread with Appleton Rum Butter Glaze is the one you need to make ASAP. At Jerk Tavern, we LOVE putting a Jamaican twist on American classics, and this recipe is the perfect fusion of cozy southern comfort and bold island flavor.
We grew up on cornbread at Sunday dinners, but adding Appleton rum? That takes it to another level. The glaze melts into the warm cornbread and gives it a rich, caramel-like finish that tastes like pure comfort. It’s one of those recipes that keeps people slicing “just one more piece,” and it’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, Sunday dinners, or whenever you’re craving a sweet side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Cornbread
- Moist and tender every time – no dry cornbread here.
- Appleton Rum Butter Glaze adds a deep, caramel Jamaican flavor that makes this unforgettable.
- Easy, simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen.
- Perfect for holidays + Sunday dinners (Americans LOVE sweet cornbread, so this will bring you tons of traffic).
- A Jamaican twist without overpowering the classic flavor.
Ingredients for Cornbread
Dry Ingredients
- Yellow cornmeal– Gives the cornbread its classic texture and slight crunch.
- All-purpose flour– Balances the cornmeal so the cornbread stays soft and tender.
- Granulated sugar– Makes the cornbread sweet, moist, and flavorful.
- Baking powder– Helps the cornbread rise and stay fluffy.
- Salt– Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Wet Ingredients
- Eggs– Add structure, richness, and moisture.
- Milk or coconut milk– Keeps the cornbread moist. Coconut milk adds a Jamaican twist.
- Melted butter– Adds buttery flavor and creates a tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil– Prevents dryness and keeps the texture soft.
- Vanilla– Adds warmth and enhances the sweetness.
Rum Butter Glaze
- Butter– Creates a rich, creamy base for the glaze.
- Brown sugar– Adds caramel sweetness and helps thicken the glaze.
- Honey– Makes the glaze glossy and helps it soak into the cornbread.
- Appleton rum– Adds deep Jamaican flavor with warm, fruity, caramel notes.
- Cinnamon (optional)– Adds warmth and a subtle spice.

How to Make Sweet Cornbread with Appleton Rum Glaze
Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 375°F.
Grease an 8×8 baking dish or cast iron skillet.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl combine:
- cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt
- Whisk well.


Stir Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl mix together:
- eggs, coconut milk (or milk), melted butter, oil, vanilla
Stir until smooth.


Combine Everything
Pour the wet mixture into the dry and gently fold together.
Do NOT overmix — lumps are okay.
Add to your prepared baking dish.
Bake
Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until golden on top and a toothpick comes out clean.


Make the Appleton Rum Butter Glaze
In a small saucepan:
- Melt the butter.
- Add brown sugar + honey.
- Stir and cook until bubbly and glossy — about 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in Appleton Rum.
- Brush the warm glaze over hot cornbread so it soaks in beautifully.




What to Serve with this Cornbread
This cornbread is perfect with:
Or honestly? Just slice it and eat it warm with more butter. It’s THAT good.
Tips for the Best Sweet Cornbread
- Don’t overmix the batter– This keeps it light and fluffy.
- Bake it in cast iron– It gives the bottom the BEST buttery crust.
- Use coconut milk for a Jamaican twist-Adds natural sweetness + richness.
- Add extra rum for more flavor– If you like it boozy, add ½–1 tbsp more rum after removing the glaze from heat.
- Let the glaze soak in– Brush it on while the cornbread is HOT.

Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature– Store covered for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerator– Lasts up to 5 days.
- Freezer– Wrap slices and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat– Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds — the glaze melts right back in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different rum?
Of course! But Appleton gives the BEST flavor for this recipe.
Is it possible to make this without alcohol?
Sure — replace the rum with 1–2 tablespoons of orange juice or pineapple juice.
Can I use self-rising cornmeal?
You can, but reduce the baking powder to 1 teaspoon.
Is it ok to double this recipe?
Yes — bake in a 9×13 pan for 28–33 minutes.

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. Proverbs 28:13
Wisdom
Our God is a merciful God; he loves us so much that he sent his son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross so we could be forgiven for all the sins we have committed. Once we repent of our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us. But those out there who refuse to repent, who believe they have no sin.
Who believe that everything they do is right all the time, will be punished. They will not prosper unto eternal life. We all fall short of the glory of God. We all have done wrong in our life. We curse people, we hate people, we fight people, we mock and gossip about people. Some kill people, some steal from people, others treat people poorly.
Some lie to people, some deceive people, and so many things we all do to each other that are not right. All of us will be judged for our actions, and only those who confess and forsake their sins will have mercy; those who do not will not prosper. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Rum Butter Cornbread
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup coconut milk or whole milk
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp vanilla
Appleton Rum Butter Glaze
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2-3 tbsp Appleton Rum
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- How to Make Sweet Cornbread with Appleton Rum Glaze
- Preheat Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F. Grease an 8×8 baking dish or cast iron skillet.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl combine:
- cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt
- Whisk well.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl mix together:
- eggs, coconut milk (or milk), melted butter, oil, vanilla
- Whisk until smooth.
Combine Everything
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry and gently fold together. Do NOT overmix — lumps are okay.
- Pour into your prepared baking dish.
Bake
- Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until golden on top and a toothpick comes out clean.
Make the Appleton Rum Butter Glaze
- In a small saucepan
- Melt the butter.
- Add brown sugar + honey.
- Stir and cook until bubbly and glossy — about 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in Appleton Rum.
- Brush the warm glaze over hot cornbread so it soaks in beautifully.

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