Homemade Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

By Ann Fulton

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Homemade Jiffy corn muffin mix beats the boxed version any day, and it can be made gluten-free!

Most of us have a short list of recipes that, for one reason or another, we return to again and again.  One of the recipes from my own time-honored list is a cross between baked corn and cornbread that my friend Jen gave me shortly after I graduated from college.  The easy-to-make dish goes with seemingly everything, relies on pantry staples, can be made ahead, freezes well and– perhaps most importantly– is a consistent crowdpleaser.

Corn Spoon Bread, as it’s called, is a welcome addition to every holiday table from Thanksgiving through Easter as well as a convenient weeknight staple.  Plus, it tastes even better when reheated, making it an ideal recipe to take to a friend in need.  (I often pair it with another simple comfort food–Slow Roasted Whole Chicken–along with a salad or green veggie.)

One item on the short list of ingredients is a small box of corn muffin mix, which made the much-loved recipe for corn spoon bread off limits for gluten-free family and friends.  After a specific request from a family member who missed this flavorful casserole after having to give up wheat products several years ago, I created a homemade version of the boxed muffin mix.  Since then, I’ve served the dish countless times and no one can ever tell whether it’s been made with the store-bought or copycat mix.

For many years, I only used my gluten-free flour blend, which I concocted ten years ago when my dad developed a wheat allergy.  More recently, I’ve also used Bob’s Red Mill’s gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour for a convenient and delicious option.

 

Tip: When substituting gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour, I like to let the batter rest in the baking pan for 10 to 15 minutes before placing it in the oven.  This gives the rice flour in the GF blend extra time to absorb liquid from the batter and eliminates any grittiness than can be associated with gluten-free baked goods.

Homemade Jiffy corn muffin mix beats the boxed version any day, and it can be made gluten-free!The homemade mix can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for at least a month.The easy recipe for Corn Spoon Bread is a great way to use the copycat Jiffy mix and can be made in one 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch pie plates.

Homemade Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
Yield: 8.5 ounces or 1-1/2 cups dry mix (the equivalent of one box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix)

Will make 6 corn muffins.
For the muffin mix
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (may use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
To make muffins
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup milk (plus 1-2 extra tablespoons to bring batter together as batter will be stiff; see notes)
  • Optional but highly recommended: 1/2 cup (half an 8.5-ounce can) creamed corn
  • Other optional ingredients: 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese; 2 ounces canned chilies
Instructions
  1. Combine the first 5 ingredients in a bowl, mix well.
  2. Whisk in vegetable oil and mix until the mixture is smooth and the lumps are gone. May be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several weeks.
  3. If a recipe calls for a box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, simply add the above mixed ingredients to that recipe in lieu of the mix.
  4. To make Corn Muffins, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F, and grease 6 cups of a standard-size muffin tin.
  5. Combine mix with egg, milk and creamed corn and any other optional mix-ins, being careful not to over mix. Allow the batter to rest for 2-3 minutes. You will see the batter becomes light and fluffy.
  6. Scoop the batter into the greased muffin cups, distributing evenly. For light and tender muffins, take care not to overwork and “deflate” the batter. Bake for 11-14 minutes, plus or minus a minute or two, depending on use of optional ingredients and typical oven variances. You want the muffins to be just cooked through the center. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, and then remove to a rack.
  7. The muffins are moistest the day of baking, but I use an easy trick to freshen any leftovers: Once cool, wrap any leftovers and refrigerate. When ready to eat, place on a plate and wrap in a damp paper towel. Reheat very gently for moist, almost new muffins.
Notes
  • When using the creamed corn, the extra tablespoon or so of milk to bring the batter together will not be necessary. Use of the creamed corn will heighten the corn flavor and provide good moisture. Also, any dairy or plant-based milk may be used. Muffins made with coconut milk or whole milk are slightly moister than muffins made with nonfat milk.
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Comments

  1. Emily

    Can you make this recipe in bulk and store it according, that way you can take out however much necessary when you need it?

    Reply
    1. Ann Post author

      You absolutely can, Emily. I do that often and the convenience is great. I store the mix in box-size portions rather than making a big bulk batch, but either way works.

      Reply
    1. Ann Post author

      Hi Gayle, I haven’t tried myself, but if you reduce the baking powder by about a teaspoon a use a scant 1/2 teaspoon of salt, you should be able to use the self-rising cornmeal with good results. If you try, I’d love to know how you make out!

      Reply
    1. Ann Post author

      Hi Cheryl, The recipe actually calls for baking powder, not baking soda. Because it’s more concentrated, a similar amount of baking soda would likely create an off flavor. If you try again with baking powder, I think you will be pleased.

      Reply
  2. Debbie Harris

    I have used this recipe and substituted the corn meal with semolina, as my husband is allergic to corn. I like to substitute sour cream for the milk when making the actual corn bread. It has the same texture as corn bread and is a great alternative for those who are allergic to corn.

    Reply
    1. Ann Post author

      Debbie, This is great feedback. Thanks so much for taking the time to mention. I’m delighted you like the recipe and that you found a solution for those who cannot tolerate corn.

      Reply
  3. Kacie Zajic

    I’m going to use this recipe tomorrow! I’ve started a low-FODMAP diet, so gluten free everything for 4 weeks. Then I’ll slowly start reintroducing foods to see which might be causing me problems. I am thinking gluten and I do not mix as I’ve been feeling pretty good without it!

    Reply
    1. Ann Post author

      I hope you like it as much as we do, Kacie, and good luck with the low-FODMAP diet. I hope it provides some good answers!

      Reply
  4. Amanda

    Hi! Thanks for posting this! Just wondering would I use the entire batch in place on one jiffy box? Thanks again!

    Reply
    1. Ann Post author

      Yes, Amanda. You can use the full amount in place of a standard (8.5 ounce) box of the Jiffy mix. Enjoy!

      Reply
  5. Margaret Post author

    I love this and am totally making the gluten-free option to use in your spoon bread recipe. Thanks for helping us figure out these little kitchen dilemmas!

    Reply