Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Layered Cornbread Cake combines the savory, slightly gritty texture of cornbread with the sweetness of honey butter frosting, creating a decadent and unexpected dessert. It’s a fusion of cornbread and cake, using cornmeal and masa harina for a unique, slightly tangy flavor. The whipped honey butter frosting adds richness and depth, making each slice irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress at a gathering or treat yourself to something indulgent, this cake is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- For the cake:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup masa harina
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (preferably European butter)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, masa harina, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat together butter, oil, eggs, milk, and honey until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, cornstarch, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are cooled, stack them with a generous amount of frosting between each layer.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Bake time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
Variations
- Add a twist of citrus: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter or frosting for a fresh, bright flavor.
- Spiced version: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the frosting for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the cornbread.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it for longer, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make this cake without masa harina?
Yes, you can substitute masa harina with more cornmeal or flour, though it will slightly change the texture and flavor.
Can I use regular butter instead of European butter?
European butter has a higher fat content, making the frosting richer. You can use regular butter, but the taste may not be as buttery.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw before assembling.
How do I prevent the frosting from being too thick?
If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I make this cake without the frosting?
Yes, the cornbread cake is delicious on its own, or you could opt for a simple glaze if preferred.
Can I make this a single-layer cake?
Yes, you can adjust the recipe to make a single-layer cake, just use a larger pan and bake for a longer time.
Can I use honey in the frosting instead of powdered sugar?
Honey may not work as a direct substitute for powdered sugar in frosting. Powdered sugar helps the frosting set properly, so it’s recommended to use it.
What can I serve this cake with?
This cake pairs well with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
How can I make the frosting lighter?
If you want a lighter texture, whip the frosting longer to incorporate air and make it fluffier.
Can I add nuts to the cake?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch and complement the cake’s texture.
Conclusion
This Layered Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter Frosting is a delightful combination of savory and sweet, perfect for any occasion. The rich honey frosting enhances the moist, cornmeal-based cake, making it a unique and indulgent dessert. Whether you’re serving it for a special gathering or just craving something different, this cake will be a showstopper that everyone will love!
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Layered Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Layered Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter Frosting is a delicious fusion of savory cornbread and sweet cake, creating an indulgent and unique dessert. The moist, slightly tangy cornmeal-based cake is complemented by a rich honey butter frosting, making every bite irresistible. Whether for a special occasion or a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress with its unexpected flavors and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup masa harina
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (preferably European butter)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, masa harina, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat together butter, oil, eggs, milk, and honey until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat together butter, powdered sugar, cornstarch, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are cooled, stack them with a generous amount of frosting between each layer.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Notes
- Add a Twist of Citrus: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter or frosting for a fresh, bright flavor.
- Spiced Version: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the frosting for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the cornbread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern Fusion
