Description
Honey Cornmeal Cake is a traditional cake made using a combination of all-purpose flour, cornmeal, honey, and butter. The cornmeal lends a slight rustic texture to the cake, while the honey adds a natural sweetness and moistness. It’s a great alternative to more common cakes, offering a unique taste and texture that can be enjoyed by all ages. The cake is typically baked in a round or square cake pan, and it can be served with a variety of toppings, from powdered sugar to extra honey drizzle, depending on personal preference.
Ingredients
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup honey (preferably raw or unfiltered for extra flavor)
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1/4 cup sugar (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup milk (whole or buttermilk works best for richness)
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Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for added fragrance)
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Powdered sugar or additional honey for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it lightly with butter and flour, or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures that your cake doesn’t stick and is easy to remove once it’s baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cornmeal
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
If you are using lemon zest for extra fragrance, you can add it to the dry ingredients as well. Mix everything together until well combined, then set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Honey
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened butter and 1/2 cup honey using an electric mixer. If you like your cake sweeter, add 1/4 cup sugar (optional). Beat the mixture for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as it helps to incorporate air into the mixture, making the cake light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add the 2 large eggs, one at a time, to the butter and honey mixture. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Afterward, stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the 1/2 cup milk. Start by adding a third of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the milk. Continue alternating, ending with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the batter; stir until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the cake in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should have a golden brown top, and the sides should slightly pull away from the pan.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake has cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle extra honey on top for added sweetness and decoration. Serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
This Honey Cornmeal Cake is simple yet full of comforting flavors. Perfect on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries. It’s a delightful treat for breakfast, tea time, or dessert!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Honey Cornmeal Cake