Cornbread Cake Recipe

Bursting with down-home charm and delectably sweet flavor, Cornbread Cake is your invitation to experience the ultimate comfort classic—reimagined as a dessert. It’s light and tender with a hint of sunny corn flavor, perfectly golden on the surface, and so easy to fall in love with. Whether you’re serving it as an after-dinner treat, sweet snack, or a Southern-inspired brunch item, this Cornbread Cake delivers on all fronts. Get ready to impress yourself and your guests with this irresistible bake that feels just like a warm hug from your favorite kitchen memories.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cornbread Cake lies in its down-to-earth ingredients. Each component brings a unique role: crisp texture from cornmeal, fluffiness from flour, richness from butter, and natural sweetness from sugar. Don’t skip a thing—each one guarantees the perfect color, flavor, and crumb.

• Cornmeal: The heart and soul of Cornbread Cake; it lends unmistakable flavor and a pleasant bite.
• All-purpose flour: Lightens the texture and gives the cake its signature tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds that sweet, cake-like finish you crave—no subtlety here!
• Baking powder: Provides all the lift for a tall, fluffy outcome.
• Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness and brings balance to each bite.
• Milk: Keeps the batter moist and helps everything blend together smoothly (buttermilk makes it even more tender, if you want to try it!)
• Large eggs: Bind ingredients together, ensuring the perfect cake texture.
• Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Adds classic richness you can taste in every forkful.
• Vanilla extract: Delivers a subtle, aromatic warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Cornbread Cake

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Heat the Oven

Set yourself up for success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×9-inch baking dish and give it a generous greasing with butter or a slick of parchment paper to prevent any risk of sticking. A prepared pan makes for easy release, so those golden edges stay intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This thorough mixing helps distribute the leavening agent and makes sure your Cornbread Cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl for your milk, eggs, melted butter (let it cool just a touch first), and vanilla extract. Whisk until the eggs break down and everything comes together in one creamy, fragrant mixture.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour that lovely wet mixture into your dry flour-cornmeal blend. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon—just until the last streaks of flour disappear. This step is key: don’t overmix or you’ll end up with a dense, heavy cake. Stop as soon as you see a smooth batter.

Step 5: Bake!

Scrape your batter into the prepared baking dish and use a spatula to smooth out the top. Slide it into the preheated oven, set your timer for 30–35 minutes, and let the Cornbread Cake work its golden magic. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean and the surface of your cake will be lightly golden and springy to the touch.

Step 6: Let Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, give the cake a short rest—just enough so that it isn’t piping hot but still spreads warmth when served. Slicing too soon could lead to crumbly pieces, but patience pays off: you’ll have perfectly shaped squares ready to plate and enjoy.

How to Serve Cornbread Cake

Garnishes

Elevate your Cornbread Cake with a drizzle of honey, a swipe of soft butter, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream also transform it into something downright celebratory. Every garnish brings a new burst of flavor or color to make your slices shine.

Side Dishes

Cornbread Cake pairs beautifully with classic Southern mains like chili, barbecue, or roasted meats, but it’s just as dreamy with cozy, creamy soups or spicy stews. For dessert, serve it alongside fresh fruit, custards, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting Cornbread Cake into fun shapes using cookie cutters for brunch spreads or parties—or layer pieces with sweetened cream cheese and berries for an easy trifle. You can even cube leftovers and toast them lightly for Cornbread Cake croutons atop salads or creamy soups.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any remaining Cornbread Cake fresh by covering tightly or transferring to an airtight container. It stays moist and tasty for up to 3 days at room temperature, though refrigeration can stretch its shelf life another few days (just let slices come to room temp before eating).

Freezing

Cornbread Cake freezes beautifully! Cut leftovers into squares and wrap individually in plastic, then store in a freezer bag up to two months. Thaw pieces on the counter for a few hours or overnight in the fridge for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, pop individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or reheat in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5–7 minutes. If you’re adding butter or a drizzle of honey, do it after warming for irresistible melt-in-your-mouth decadence.

FAQs

What makes Cornbread Cake different from regular cornbread?

Cornbread Cake leans sweeter, with a softer, more cake-like texture than traditional cornbread. The higher sugar content and the addition of vanilla extract give it a luscious dessert vibe without losing that iconic cornmeal flavor.

Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?

Absolutely! Swapping in buttermilk makes Cornbread Cake extra tender with a slight tang, elevating the overall flavor and giving the crumb an almost melt-in-your-mouth quality.

How do I prevent my cake from being dry?

The key is not to overbake and not to overmix your batter. Make sure to remove the Cornbread Cake from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean, and measure your dry ingredients accurately for perfectly moist results.

Can I add extras like corn kernels or jalapeños?

Yes! Stir in up to ½ cup of corn kernels or chopped jalapeños for a twist—these extras add vibrant color and delightful flavor pops in every bite without overpowering the Cornbread Cake’s classic appeal.

Is Cornbread Cake better served warm or at room temperature?

Both are wonderful! Warm Cornbread Cake is soft and comforting, especially fresh with butter or honey. At room temperature, it slices cleanly and makes the perfect addition to lunchboxes or picnic baskets.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s equal parts nostalgic and novel, you can’t go wrong with Cornbread Cake. Its simple prep, unforgettable flavor, and fluffy texture will win over both dessert lovers and fans of classic Southern baking. Give it a try—there’s every chance it will become your new go-to treat!

Print