Depending on where you are, "classic" cornbread refers to Northern- or Southern-style. Here are the differences between the two.
Fluffy and tender, northern cornbread is made with a light batter and usually baked in a baking dish. Two ingredients that are present—flour and sugar—separate the Northern-style from its Southern cousin.
True southern cornbread includes no flour or sugar within the recipe. The lack of flour makes for a hearty, rustic crumb. Although this cornbread can be baked in a baking dish, it’s often poured into a hot cast iron skillet (heated with oil or bacon fat) to promote a well-browned, crisp crust.
The recipe featured in this class is a Southern style cornbread; for a Northern version check out the recipe here.