How Many Carbs Are in a Slice of Homemade Cornbread?

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard 3" x 3" slice of homemade cornbread can contain around 30.5 grams of total carbohydrates, according to some nutrition trackers. The exact carb count, however, is heavily influenced by ingredients and preparation methods, which is why it's crucial to understand what goes into your recipe when asking how many carbs are in a slice of homemade cornbread.

Quick Summary

The carb count in homemade cornbread varies significantly based on ingredients. Sweeteners, flour type, and portion size are key factors to consider when calculating the nutritional value.

Key Points

Variable Carb Count: The carb count in homemade cornbread is highly variable and depends on the specific recipe used.
Key Ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, and sugar are the primary carbohydrate sources that determine the final carb count.
Low-Carb Alternatives: Swapping traditional flour with alternatives like almond or coconut flour is an effective way to lower the carb content.
Recipe Variations: Sweetened cornbread recipes will have a significantly higher carb count than more traditional, savory versions.
Portion Control is Key: An accurate carb count relies on consistent portion sizes. Weighing slices with a food scale is the most precise method.
Sugar Reduction: Reducing or eliminating sugar, or using non-caloric sweeteners, is a simple way to decrease the overall carb load.

The Core Carb Culprits in Cornbread

When you're determining how many carbs are in a slice of homemade cornbread, it's essential to look at the primary ingredients. The main sources of carbohydrates are cornmeal, flour, and any added sugar or sweeteners.

Cornmeal: The Foundation

Cornmeal, the star of cornbread, is a significant source of carbohydrates. While it contains fiber, it is not considered a low-carb food, especially compared to nut flours. Different types of cornmeal can slightly vary in their carb density, but all are carb-heavy. For example, some recipes for traditional Southern-style cornbread use only cornmeal, while others mix in a portion of all-purpose flour for a softer texture.

Flour and Sweeteners: Hidden Carbs

Many homemade recipes incorporate all-purpose flour to lighten the texture, adding more refined carbs to the mix. The most dramatic carb increase often comes from added sugar. Northern-style cornbread, known for being sweeter, can contain a considerable amount of granulated sugar, sometimes as much as 1/2 cup or more per recipe. A typical homemade recipe might contain between 28 and 33 grams of carbs per slice, with a significant portion coming from added sugar.

Recipe Variations and Their Carb Impact

Your cornbread's carb content isn't fixed; it's a direct result of the recipe you follow.

Traditional vs. Sweetened Cornbread

Traditional Southern-Style: Often made with white cornmeal, buttermilk, and little to no sugar. The result is a savory, dense bread, but it still has a notable carb count from the cornmeal and buttermilk. A recipe using buttermilk and a smaller amount of flour might yield a slice with around 30.5 grams of total carbs.
Sweet Northern-Style: These recipes include more sugar and typically yellow cornmeal. The added sugar significantly increases the overall carb count and calorie density per slice. Some commercial mixes or heavily sweetened homemade versions can push the carb count closer to 33 grams per serving.

The Impact of Portion Size

Serving size is arguably the most important factor to consider. A small, 3"x3" slice is the basis for many nutritional estimates. However, a larger, self-cut slice from a 9x13 inch pan can easily contain double the carbs and calories. Always weigh your food with a food scale to be precise, as recommended for accurate carb tracking.

A Comparison of Cornbread Carb Counts

To illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of various cornbread recipes and their approximate carb counts.


Cornbread Type	Estimated Carbs per Slice	Key Ingredients	Notes
Homemade Traditional	~30-32 grams	Cornmeal, buttermilk, minimal sugar	Results in a savory, dense texture. Carb count is primarily from cornmeal.
Homemade Sweet	~33+ grams	Cornmeal, flour, significant added sugar	A sweeter version common in many modern recipes. Higher sugar increases carbs.
Boxed Mix	~33 grams	Enriched cornmeal, flour, sugar, leavening agents	Often includes added sugar for a sweet, cake-like texture.
Keto/Low-Carb	~4-10 grams	Almond flour, coconut flour, cornmeal substitute	Uses alternative flours to dramatically reduce the net carb count.

Tips for Making Lower Carb Homemade Cornbread

If you are monitoring your carbohydrate intake, you can still enjoy homemade cornbread with a few modifications.

Swap the Flour: Replace a portion or all of the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Almond flour is a popular substitute for low-carb baking.
Reduce Sugar: For sweeter cornbread, cut the sugar in half or replace it with a non-caloric sweetener like stevia or erythritol. For savory cornbread, omit the sugar entirely.
Use Alternatives: Look for dedicated low-carb cornbread recipes that use cornmeal substitutes, cheese, and cream.
Control Your Portions: Use a food scale to ensure you are consuming your intended serving size. You can also bake the cornbread in smaller muffin tins for built-in portion control.

Conclusion: Mindful Consumption of Homemade Cornbread

At its core, homemade cornbread is a flavorful comfort food. A slice of homemade cornbread is a calorie- and carb-dense food, and the exact count is highly variable based on your recipe. Traditional recipes with minimal added sugar will have a lower carb count than sweeter versions or those made from commercial mixes. For those watching their carb intake, simple swaps with alternative flours and sweeteners can significantly reduce the carb load. Ultimately, enjoying cornbread is about mindful consumption and making adjustments to fit your dietary needs. For more details on the nutritional breakdown of cornbread, refer to this detailed guide from Healthline.

Frequently Asked Questions

The net carb count in a 3"x3" slice of homemade cornbread is typically around 29 to 31 grams, with net carbs being calculated by subtracting the fiber content from the total carbohydrates.

Unless specifically made with gluten-free flour, standard homemade cornbread is not gluten-free. Many recipes mix cornmeal with all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, use a dedicated gluten-free flour blend.

Adding sugar increases the carbohydrate and calorie count, which can make it less suitable for those managing their sugar intake or watching their weight. A sweet cornbread is not inherently unhealthy, but should be consumed in moderation.

The type of cornmeal (white, yellow, stone-ground, etc.) has a minor effect on the overall carb count compared to other ingredients like added sugar or flour. They are all relatively carb-dense.

For a low-carb alternative, many recipes substitute almond flour, coconut flour, or a specialized low-carb baking mix for the traditional cornmeal.

To get an accurate carb count for your unique recipe, add up the total carbohydrates from all ingredients. Then, divide the total carb count by the number of servings or slices your recipe yields. Using a food scale to weigh ingredients and final portions will increase accuracy.

While cornbread contains some dietary fiber from cornmeal, it is generally not a high-fiber food. A standard slice provides only a small amount, typically around 1.3 to 1.5 grams.