Cake made with sour cream and cornbread
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American Southern-Inspired
Meal Type: Brunch / Dessert / Snack
Introduction
If you’ve ever been torn between making cornbread and baking a moist cake, this recipe is for you. Our Sour Cream Cornbread Cake blends the hearty texture of Southern-style cornbread with the tender richness of sour cream cake. The result is a fluffy, slightly sweet, golden cake with just the right amount of corn flavor and a moist, almost melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Unlike traditional cornbread, which can be crumbly and dry, the sour cream in this recipe helps keep the cake soft and rich. Serve it warm with a drizzle of honey, a pat of butter, or even whipped cream and berries for a twist.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
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1 cup yellow cornmeal
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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1 tbsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
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2 large eggs
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1 cup sour cream (full fat preferred)
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½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
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Honey or maple syrup
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Powdered sugar
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Whipped cream
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Fresh berries
Special Equipment
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9-inch round cake pan or 8×8-inch square pan
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Mixing bowls (large and medium)
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Whisk and rubber spatula
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Cooling rack
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
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Cornmeal
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All-purpose flour
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Granulated sugar
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
This dry mixture provides the structure and classic cornbread flavor while balancing sweetness and rise.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together:
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Eggs
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Sour cream
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Milk
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Melted butter
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Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and fully combined. The sour cream adds richness and moisture to the cake without making it too dense.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk. Mix just until no dry streaks remain—do not overmix.
Tip: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Stir just until the ingredients come together.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (if serving later), or serve warm.
Optional: Drizzle warm honey or maple syrup over the top just before serving for an extra boost of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
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As Dessert: Serve with whipped cream, berries, or a lemon glaze.
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For Brunch: Pair with fried eggs, sausage, and fresh fruit.
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As a Side Dish: Serve with chili, stews, or BBQ.
Flavor Variations
Variation | Add to Batter |
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Sweet Corn | ½ cup canned or frozen corn kernels (drained) |
Spicy Kick | 1–2 minced jalapeños |
Savory | 1 cup shredded cheddar + ¼ cup chopped scallions |
Fruit-Filled | ¾ cup blueberries or diced peaches |
Maple Nut | ¼ cup chopped pecans + 2 tbsp maple syrup |
Nutrition Information (Per Slice, based on 10 slices)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 260 kcal |
Protein | 4 g |
Carbohydrates | 34 g |
Sugars | 14 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Saturated Fat | 7 g |
Cholesterol | 60 mg |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sodium | 240 mg |
Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.