Cornmeal cake

Cornmeal cake - a rustic delicacy that combines the fine texture of flour with the unmistakable aroma of cornmeal, bringing a touch of nostalgia to every slice. This simple yet refined recipe is ideal for any occasion: from a quick dessert after dinner to a savory snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Let's discover together how to achieve the perfect cornmeal cake!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

- 300 g cornmeal
- 250 g white flour
- 150 ml oil (preferably sunflower or corn)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 150 g sugar
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 3 eggs (at room temperature)
- Milk as needed (about 200 ml)

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by taking the eggs out of the fridge and letting them reach room temperature. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and well-aerated cake. Also, make sure you have all the ingredients at hand.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal with the white flour, salt, and baking soda. Use a spatula or whisk to mix the dry ingredients well, ensuring the baking soda is evenly distributed. This mixture will give the cake a light texture and help it rise during baking.

3. Preparing the wet mixture: In another bowl, add the eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Using a mixer, beat the mixture well for about 2-3 minutes until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture becomes frothy. Add the grated lemon zest and oil. Mix again until well combined.

4. Combining the ingredients: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently mix, being careful not to form lumps. Then, patiently add the milk gradually until you achieve a soft but not liquid consistency. The ideal texture is similar to that of pancake batter.

5. Preparing for baking: Line a baking tray (approximately 30x20 cm) with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the mixture into the tray, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat). Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cooling: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestions

The cornmeal cake is delicious both plain and with various toppings. You can dust it with powdered sugar, serve it with fruit jam, or accompany it with a dollop of sour cream. Additionally, a savory combination is to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce.

Variations and useful tips

1. Fruit additions: You can add pieces of apples or pears to the batter before baking for extra moisture and flavor.

2. Alternative flavors: If you want to change the flavor, you can replace the lemon zest with orange zest or add a teaspoon of cinnamon.

3. Whole wheat flour: For a healthier option, you can replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour.

Nutritional benefits

The cornmeal cake is a good source of carbohydrates, providing you with quick energy. Cornmeal is rich in fiber, which can aid digestion. The oil used in the recipe brings healthy fats, and the eggs are an excellent source of protein.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why should the eggs be at room temperature? Eggs at room temperature mix better and contribute to aerating the batter, making the cake fluffier.

2. What should I do if the cake is too dense? Make sure you added enough milk and mixed the batter well, avoiding lumps.

3. How can I store the cornmeal cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

This cornmeal cake will transport you to a world of unique flavors and textures. It is simple yet full of character, a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create magic in the kitchen. Dare to experiment with flavors and textures, and don't forget to share the joy of making this cake with your loved ones!