You thought you had several blue boxes… and then you don’t and dinner is already started. Been there, but I’ve got you covered.
Instead of sprinting to the store, make this Copycat Jiffy Cornbread Mix with pantry staples in about 5 minutes. It gives you that classic sweet, tender corn muffin mix texture, but without the box, preservatives, or lard.
I tested this side-by-side with the real thing so you don’t have to. One batch makes the equivalent of one 8.5-ounce box of Jiffy, and you can use it for cornbread, muffins, corn casseroles, or any recipe that calls for “1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix.”
Chef Jessica Approved ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
America’s favorite cornbread mix, but homemade- what’s not to love!
- Doctor it up – Make this mix and doctor it up as you see fit or leave it plain and garnish it with a pat of butter for a snack. Turn it into biscuits, delicious muffins, a dessert, a cornbread crust for pizza or anything else you can come up with!
- Make in a pinch – This is made with simple pantry ingredients and great for when you realize you’re out of the store bought mix.
- Tested– I tested this mix multiple times next to the Jiffy box to dial in the sweetness and texture. I use it myself instead of the box now!
How to Use This Homemade Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix as a Substitute
This recipe makes the same amount as 1 (8.5-ounce) box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix. To replace 1 box of Jiffy in a recipe:
- Use 1 full batch of this homemade corn muffin mix
- Add 1 egg and ⅓ cup milk (or buttermilk)
- Follow the baking time and pan size from your original recipe
Use it in corn casseroles, cornbread stuffing, corn pudding, or any recipe that lists “1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix” in the ingredients.
Ingredients from the Pantry
These basic ingredients and pantry staples are used to make the jiffy cornbread mix only. You will also need the wet ingredients to make actual cornbread. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Flour – We need something to hold these muffins together, and all purpose flour will do just that. I would steer clear of whole wheat flour.
- Yellow corn meal – You can’t have a homemade cornbread mix without cornmeal! It gives it that delicious, grainy texture. The brand of cornmeal can make this mix different hues of yellow. White corn meal can also be used!
- Sugar – Perfect for the sweet cornbread lover, this mix needs an element of sweet besides the corn. This adds just the right amount of sweetness to make these from scratch muffins taste delicious.
- Baking powder – This will act as our leavening agent and help to make this homemade version of a box of jiffy mix to achieve it’s delicious grainy consistency.
- Salt – To help balance out the flavors, we need just a touch of salt. I like to use fine sea salt.
Of course you can store this in the pantry for later use, but to make this mix into actual cornbread or a delicious muffin, you’ll need oil or butter and milk. Whole milk will give the richest and moistest results. Use a natural oil or a good quality butter. Bright yellow European butters will yield more golden muffins or bread (as pictured).
Let’s Make It- Muffins & Mini Loaves
Remember, this homemade mix only consists of the dry ingredients. You will need to follow the steps below to make the actual corn bread.
- Make batter. To dry mixture, add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter, 1/3 cup milk and 1 egg. Mix well. For lumpier muffins, reduce milk to 1/4 cup.
- Add to liners. Spoon into 6 lined muffin tins and bake. If tops start to brown, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Or loaf pans. To make two mini loaves: Split batter between two ceramic loaf pans sprayed with non-stick spray.
- Bake. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
Make the Cornbread
The Jiffy cornbread recipe is just as simple, but only makes a small pan. Those boxes are tiny!
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease an 8×8 baking dish or 10-inch cast iron skillet.
- Make Batter. Combine 1/3 vegetable oil or melted butter, 1/3 cup milk and 2 eggs with DOUBLE this recipe (or two boxes of Jiffy cornbread muffin mix). Mix until no dry spots remain- mixture will be a little lumpy, do not overmix.
- Bake. Bake for 18 – 23 minutes or until golden brown.
- Rest. Cool 10 minutes.
5S Philosophy 👩🏻
- Salt – I already use fine sea salt to season this jiffy cornbread mix. It helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Seasonings – Try adding 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh jalapenos or jarred jalapenos. Think poblano, habanero or ghost peppers if you really want to sweat. Nothings pairs better than chewy, salty little bits of bacon. Use 1/2 cup in the batter to jazz it up. Chop up a few fresh herbs from the garden and add them in! Sage, thyme, rosemary, dill, cilantro and parsley all work. Add one packet of dry ranch seasoning for a fun flavor.
- Sauces – A southern staple and classic, add a dollop of sour cream on top of your slice. Looking for a sweet cornbread? Try adding 1-2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, honey or agave nectar to the batter. You can also drizzle or baste this on top after it comes out of the oven. Kind of like a simple syrup basting onto butter cake. For sweet and spicy, try hot honey. While the muffins are still hot, baste with maple butter, molasses butter or honey butter.
- Swaps – Swap out the milk for buttermilk or half and half for richer bread with a tang. Swap out 2 tablespoons of milk for the juice in a jar of jalapenos.
- Senses – Golden, warm, and irresistibly fluffy, Jiffy cornbread fills the air with the comforting aroma of sweet corn and butter. Each bite is a perfect balance of lightly crisp edges and a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with its rich, buttery flavor, while the slightly grainy texture adds a rustic charm.
Make Them a Meal
Soups and stews are an obvious choice. Cabbage soup, broccoli cheddar soup and chicken noodle soup are among my favorites. As is white chicken chili and Skyline Chili, although it typically is served with white bread and not cornbread.
But it can also pair nicely with nearly any meal like our famous Marry Me Chicken Recipe, Mississippi Pot Roast or Baked Chicken Thighs. Serve it with your next holiday meal.
Sometimes I make the cornbread the entree and serve it with several other sides. Creamed onions, broccolini and creamed spinach are favorites. Of course, alongside a salad. Or I’ll do you one better- use our Cornbread Salad Recipe! You can always make cornbread desserts too!
Jiffy Cornbread Mix FAQs
wo things: fat and time. Use enough milk and oil/butter, don’t overbake, and let the cornbread rest for 10 minutes so it sets. For extra moisture, stir in 1–2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt or a splash of buttermilk. And remember: dry edges usually mean it baked a few minutes too long.
It is likely there isn’t enough binder or fats or it was overcooked and dried out. The recipe on the box is meant to be crumbly. If you want a more bread-like cornbread, add 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream, plain greek yogurt or even ¼ cup of freshly shredded cheese.
Yes! This recipe makes the equivalent of one 8.5-ounce box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix. Use one batch anywhere a recipe calls for “1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix,” then add the egg, milk, and oil/butter the original recipe specifies- see notes in the recipe card for how to make the box instructions.
Classic Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix is famous for its flavor but it does contain lard, which means it isn’t vegetarian. My copycat Jiffy cornbread mix uses neutral oil or melted butter instead, so you can keep it vegetarian by choosing a plant-based fat.
This is designed to taste very close to the blue box: lightly sweet, not dessert-level cake. If you like sweeter cornbread, add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the batter.
More Cornbread Recipes
Cornbread is a great side dish and even a base for other dishes. Here are more of our best cornbread recipes.
Copycat Jiffy Cornbread Mix (Homemade Corn Muffin Mix)
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup flour
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Sift or whisk together together the 2/3 cup flour, 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Store in a plastic airtight container, make into muffins or into bread. See notes/post for cooking instructions.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Video
Notes
How to Store
This jiffy cornbread mix will be shelf stable for up to a year. Store in an airtight container at room temperature until you are ready to make the cornbread. Cooked into bread or muffins, store in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap in a damp paper towel and reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds at 50% power.Can I Freeze Jiffy Cornbread Mix?
You can also store this mix in the freezer. This helps to preserve the flavor longer. Place into a plastic freezer bag, squeezing as much air out as possible and then freeze for up to a year.Nutrition
Does this recipe make the same amount as one box of Jiffy?
Yes
Hi! Can I use equal amounts of corn meal to flour or a third? Thank you.
Hi! I am sure you can, but the texture might be a little more bready and less corny… if you get what I am saying 🙂
Thank you for this. You comment that jiffy is made from real ingredients, but part of the ingredients include unhealthy preservatives and such. Everyone shud want to use this, or another copy cat recipe, to avoid consuming what very well may be detrimental. I will not eat the box stuff although I agree it’s yummy in taste. What lies beneath that most are blind or choose ignorance to, is frightening. Thanks for your recipe, please amend your write up to include a phase that sez that by using this recipe one will avoid any chemicals or preservitieves that are included in the original box. Thnks!
Loving those in this world enough to speak truth! Lanie
Lanie, I so agree with you, on YouTube I get my info from Dr. Robert Lustig, everyone needs to be aware of this ultra processed food that is making us so sick, we need to be eating real food.
I made this mix and am making it in a regular pan not muffin pan.
Hoping it comes out well.
It doesn’t seem like very much batter for a little square pan.
Added shredded cheese.
How many muffins is this supposed to make?
Only 6?
So I need to double this recipe for making it in a pan.
Hi Randi! Yep, it only makes 6, which is the same as one of the small boxes of Jiffy mix. It can easily be doubled if needed.
What type flour?
Regular all-purpose flour.
Is it all purpose or self rising flour?
Always regular unless otherwise noted.
I quadrupled this recipe before measuring the exact amount to use per recipe. How many cups would I need to make a regular batch of the muffins?
Hi Helen, about 1 1/2 cups! Enjoy!
What temperature do you bake these at?
400 degrees 🙂
My family doesn’t like the box jiffy anymore now that I have the cheat recipe.It saves money not having to buy any, when you have the ingredients at home.
Thank you or the recipe, I just sub gluten free flour and can then it’s ok for my GF daughter!
There you go! Happy Thanksgiving!