Golden Cornbread Cake with Honey Butter Frosting: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Favorite

Name: Golden Cornbread Cake with Honey Butter Frosting: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Favorite
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup salted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; ⅓ cup pure raw honey; ¼ cup vegetable oil (light olive oil recommended); 4 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup full-fat sour cream; 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup masa harina corn flour (Maseca); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ cup yellow cornmeal; 1 cup European-style butter (such as Kerrygold), softened; ⅓ cup pure raw honey; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; Drizzle of honey; Sprinkle of polenta (optional); Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on February 11, 2025

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Cornbread is a beloved staple in many households, often enjoyed as a side with hearty meals like chili, barbecue, or Southern comfort food. But what happens when you take the rich, slightly crumbly texture of cornbread and transform it into a decadent, layered dessert? The result is this Golden Cornbread Cake with Honey Butter Frosting—a stunning three-layer cake that combines the comforting flavors of cornbread with the indulgence of a sweet, buttery frosting.

This cake is a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with its slightly gritty texture from the cornmeal, the deep richness of honey, and a butter-forward frosting that ties everything together. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just because you love cornbread, this cake is sure to impress.

Why This Cornbread Cake Stands Out

This isn’t just a simple cornbread with added sweetness—this cake is a carefully crafted dessert that preserves the heartiness of cornbread while giving it a more delicate crumb and a flavor profile that’s distinctly indulgent. Here’s why you’ll love it:

1. A Perfect Marriage of Cornbread and Cake

If you’ve ever thought cornbread should be just a little sweeter, a little softer, or a little more dessert-like, this cake answers that wish. It retains the signature texture of cornbread but elevates it to a celebratory dessert that feels special enough for birthdays, holidays, or even a unique twist on Thanksgiving dessert.

2. The Secret Ingredient: Masa Harina

Unlike traditional cornbread recipes, this cake incorporates masa harina—a finely ground corn flour used in Mexican cuisine for making tortillas and tamales. This ingredient adds depth and a slightly nutty, toasted flavor that enhances the cornbread essence of the cake.

3. Ultra-Moist Texture

Thanks to a combination of buttermilk, sour cream, butter, and oil, this cake remains tender and moist, eliminating the risk of dryness that sometimes plagues cornbread-based recipes.

4. Honey Butter Frosting That’s Out of This World

The frosting is not just any buttercream—it’s a rich, honey-infused butter frosting that’s both fluffy and smooth, balancing sweetness with a deep, buttery flavor. A touch of cornstarch thickens it without making it overly sugary, creating a luscious texture that perfectly complements the cake layers.

5. A Stunning Visual Appeal

With three layers of golden cake and silky honey butter frosting, this cake isn’t just delicious—it’s a showstopper. The final drizzle of honey over the top and a sprinkle of polenta adds an elegant touch that makes it look straight out of a gourmet bakery.

Heavenly Ingredients:

For the Cake:

Salted butter
Granulated sugar
Pure raw honey
Vegetable oil (light olive oil recommended)
Large eggs
Buttermilk
Full-fat sour cream
All-purpose flour
Masa harina corn flour (Maseca)
Kosher salt
Baking powder
Yellow cornmeal

For the Honey Butter Frosting:

European-style butter (such as Kerry Gold)
Pure raw honey
Powdered sugar
Cornstarch
Kosher salt

For Garnishing:

Drizzle of honey
Sprinkle of polenta (optional)
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)

Layers of Sweet Perfection:

Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare three 9-inch cake pans by lining them with parchment paper and greasing thoroughly.
Cream together butter, sugar, and honey, then mix in oil.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream until smooth.
In another bowl, sift together flour, masa harina, salt, and baking powder, then mix in cornmeal.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and wet mixture into the butter mixture, stirring until fully combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 28-33 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through.
Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.
For the frosting, beat butter until smooth, then mix in honey, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt, whipping until fluffy.
Assemble the cake by stacking layers with frosting between each and covering the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with polenta for a rustic finish.

Decadent Nutrition (Per Slice Estimate):

Calories: ~574
Carbohydrates: ~74g
Protein: ~4g
Fat: ~31g
Sugar: ~59g
Fiber: ~1g

Best Ways to Enjoy Cornbread Cake

While this cake is fantastic on its own, pairing it with the right accompaniments can take it to the next level. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

1. With a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

The creamy, cool texture of vanilla ice cream provides a contrast to the slightly grainy texture of the cake, making each bite even more indulgent.

2. Drizzled with Extra Honey

For those who love a stronger honey flavor, a light drizzle of warm honey over the top adds a delicious final touch.

3. Paired with Fresh Berries

The natural tartness of fresh raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries can cut through the richness of the frosting, adding a refreshing contrast.

4. Served with Whipped Cream

If frosting is a little too sweet for your taste, a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream can balance the flavors while adding a cloud-like texture.

5. Lightly Toasted with Butter

Yes, you read that right! Leftover slices can be lightly toasted in a pan with a little butter, caramelizing the edges and creating an irresistible crispy exterior.

Creative Variations to Try

One of the best things about this cake is how versatile it is. Here are a few creative twists you can try:

1. Maple Cornbread Cake

Swap out the honey for pure maple syrup in both the cake and the frosting for a warm, autumnal flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon or pecans.

2. Citrus Infused Cake

Add a bit of orange zest or lemon zest to the batter and frosting for a bright, citrusy twist that enhances the honey flavor.

3. Spiced Cornbread Cake

If you love warm spices, try adding a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter. These spices complement the natural sweetness of the honey.

4. Nutty Crunch

For added texture, mix chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the batter or sprinkle them over the frosting.

5. Chocolate Lover’s Cornbread Cake

A handful of dark chocolate chips folded into the batter adds a rich contrast to the slightly gritty cornbread texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the Difference Between Cornbread and Cornbread Cake?

Traditional cornbread is typically less sweet and more crumbly, often served as a side dish rather than a dessert. Cornbread cake, on the other hand, is lighter, softer, and distinctly sweeter, making it more suitable for dessert rather than a savory accompaniment.

2. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 24 hours. The frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator—just bring it to room temperature and re-whip before using.

3. How Should I Store Leftovers?

At room temperature: Store covered for up to 3-4 days.
In the refrigerator: Keeps well for up to a week (bring to room temperature before serving).
In the freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

4. Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Since masa harina and cornmeal are naturally gluten-free, this substitution will maintain the intended texture.

5. Can I Use Regular Honey Instead of Raw Honey?

Absolutely! While raw honey adds a richer depth of flavor, regular honey works just fine in both the cake and frosting.

6. What Can I Use Instead of Masa Harina?

If you don’t have masa harina, you can substitute it with additional cornmeal, but the unique flavor of masa harina will be missing.

7. Can I Make This as Cupcakes Instead of a Layer Cake?

Yes! Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Final Thoughts: A Celebration of Cornbread in Cake Form

This Golden Cornbread Cake with Honey Butter Frosting is a masterpiece of flavor and texture. It takes the humble cornbread and transforms it into a show-stopping dessert, blending the rustic charm of cornmeal with the elegance of a layered cake.

The subtle crunch from the cornmeal, the deep richness of honey, and the silky smooth honey butter frosting create an experience that is both familiar and excitingly new. Whether you’re baking this for a birthday, a holiday, or just because you love trying unique desserts, this cake is bound to impress.

If you’ve ever wished cornbread could be more dessert-like, richer, and more indulgent, this is the recipe for you. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to fall in love with cornbread like never before!