Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter

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Introduction

Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter is a delightful twist on classic cornbread, transforming it into a moist, tender cake that’s perfect for dessert or a special side dish. This recipe combines the comforting, slightly sweet flavor of cornbread with the delicate texture of a cake, making it a crowd-pleasing treat. Topped with a generous swirl of whipped honey butter, this cornbread cake is an absolute winner that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

This cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory in the making. I first experimented with this recipe during a summer barbecue, aiming to create something unique and memorable. The result was an instant hit, with the warm, golden cake perfectly complementing the smoky flavors of the grill. The whipped honey butter adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess that elevates the cake to another level.

Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter is perfect for any occasion – from casual family dinners to elegant holiday gatherings. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to impress. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this cornbread cake is a comforting and satisfying treat that’s bound to become a new favorite. If you’re looking for a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting, this is the recipe to make!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight family dinners
• Holiday gatherings
• Summer barbecues
• Brunch
• Potlucks

Why You’ll Love This

Here’s why you’ll love Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter and it will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Comforting Flavors: Combines the sweet and savory flavors of cornbread with the rich and creamy taste of honey butter.
• Moist and Tender Texture: Unlike traditional cornbread, this cake is incredibly moist and has a tender, cake-like texture.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing: The delightful flavor and texture of this cake appeal to all ages and palates.
• Versatile: Perfect as a dessert, side dish, or even a sweet snack.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 60g, Fat: 25g, Protein: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter:

For the Cornbread Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups yellow cornmeal
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil

For the Whipped Honey Butter:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Ingredient Highlights

• Yellow Cornmeal: Provides the signature flavor and texture of cornbread.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tanginess, enhancing the cake’s tenderness.
• Unsalted Butter: Contributes to the rich flavor and moist texture of both the cake and the whipped honey butter.
• Honey: Sweetens the whipped butter and adds a unique, floral flavor that complements the cornbread.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Here’s how to make Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter:

Prepare the Cornbread Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, yellow cornmeal, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vegetable oil.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Whipped Honey Butter:

1. Cream the Butter: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Honey and Salt: Gradually add the honey and salt, and continue to beat until well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Whip Until Light: Continue to whip the honey butter for another 1-2 minutes until it becomes even lighter and more voluminous.
4. Serve: Once the cake is cooled, spread the whipped honey butter generously over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter

Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter can be served in various ways to elevate its presentation and flavor:

• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve slices of warm cornbread cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• As a Side Dish: Pair it with chili, barbecued meats, or roasted vegetables for a comforting side.
• With Fresh Berries: Garnish with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a pop of color and flavor.
• Elegant Plating: Plate individual slices with a swirl of whipped honey butter and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sophisticated presentation.
• Brunch Staple: Include it as part of a brunch spread alongside eggs, fruit, and other breakfast favorites.

Additional Tips for Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter

Follow these tips for the best Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients ensures even mixing and a better cake texture.
• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake to check for doneness. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Soften Butter Properly: Make sure the butter for the whipped honey butter is softened but not melted. This will ensure a light and fluffy texture.
• Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the cake and honey in the butter to suit your taste preferences.

Recipe Variations for Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter

Here are 10 variations to customize your Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter:

1. Spiced Cornbread Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
2. Creamed Corn Cornbread Cake: Mix in a can of creamed corn (drained) to the batter for extra moisture and sweetness.
3. Jalapeño Cornbread Cake: Add diced jalapeños (adjust to your spice preference) for a spicy kick.
4. Cheddar Cheese Cornbread Cake: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese to the batter for a savory twist.
5. Maple Syrup Cornbread Cake: Substitute granulated sugar with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
6. Brown Sugar Cornbread Cake: Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a more caramel-like sweetness.
7. Citrus Zest Cornbread Cake: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor.
8. Honey Lavender Cornbread Cake: Infuse the honey with lavender for a floral, aromatic twist on the whipped butter.
9. Coconut Cornbread Cake: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
10. Blueberry Cornbread Cake: Gently fold in fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity, summery treat.

Freezing and Storage for Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter

• Freezing: Cornbread cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cornbread cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The whipped honey butter should be stored in the refrigerator and will keep for up to 1 week. Bring it to room temperature before serving to restore its fluffy texture.

Special Equipment for Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter

Here are some items that make preparing Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter easier:

1. 9-inch Round Cake Pan: Essential for baking the cake into a perfect round shape.
2. Mixing Bowls: Various sizes are needed for combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
3. Whisk: Helps to blend dry ingredients smoothly and incorporate air into wet ingredients.
4. Electric Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and whipping the honey butter to a light, fluffy consistency.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate measurements for all ingredients.
6. Rubber Spatula: Useful for scraping the sides of the bowl and folding ingredients gently.
7. Wire Rack: Allows the cake to cool evenly after baking, preventing condensation and maintaining its texture.
8. Toothpick: Used to test the cake for doneness by inserting it into the center and checking for clean removal.
9. Offset Spatula: Makes spreading the whipped honey butter evenly over the cake easier.
10. Cake Stand: Enhances the presentation of the cornbread cake, making it an elegant centerpiece.

FAQ Section for Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter

1. Can I use self-rising cornmeal for this recipe?
   No, it’s best to use regular yellow cornmeal and add baking powder and baking soda separately to control the rise.
2. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
   If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 ½ cups of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
3. Can I use honey powder instead of liquid honey?
   Liquid honey is recommended for the whipped honey butter to achieve the best texture and flavor.
4. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
   Greasing and flouring the cake pan thoroughly will prevent the cake from sticking. You can also use parchment paper at the bottom of the pan.
5. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
6. What other toppings can I use besides whipped honey butter?
   Other great toppings include regular butter, jam, maple syrup, or a drizzle of honey.
7. Can I add vanilla extract to the whipped honey butter?
   Yes, adding ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the whipped honey butter enhances its flavor.
8. How do I make the cake even more moist?
   Adding a can of drained creamed corn or increasing the amount of buttermilk can make the cake more moist.
9. Can I use a different type of oil instead of vegetable oil?
   You can use canola oil, coconut oil, or melted butter as a substitute for vegetable oil.
10. How do I store leftover whipped honey butter?
    Store leftover whipped honey butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let it soften slightly before serving to restore its fluffy texture.

Conclusion for Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter

Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, offering a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors in a moist, tender cake. The light and fluffy whipped honey butter adds a touch of elegance, making this cake an ideal dessert or side dish for any occasion.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility; whether you’re serving it warm with ice cream, alongside a hearty meal, or as part of a brunch spread, it’s sure to be a hit. And with so many variations to choose from, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences and create a truly unique and memorable treat.

Ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to try this delightful recipe! Don’t forget to share your delicious creations and tag me on social media—I love seeing how you make it your own! Enjoy every satisfying bite!