Sour Cream Cornbread Cake

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🌽🍰 Sour Cream Cornbread Cake

Moist, golden, slightly sweet, and perfect with butter or honey — a hybrid between classic cornbread and a tender cake.

🧁 Introduction & Origin

Sour Cream Cornbread Cake is a delicious twist on traditional Southern cornbread. It blends the rustic charm of cornbread with the rich, moist texture of a cake, thanks to the addition of sour cream. This simple addition changes the game — making the crumb softer, the flavor tangier, and the overall experience more luxurious.

It’s ideal as a side dish, snack, or even a dessert, depending on how you serve it!

🌍 Cultural Significance

Cornbread has deep roots in Native American and Southern U.S. cuisine, where cornmeal was a staple long before European settlers arrived. Over time, variations evolved — from skillet-baked, unsweetened versions to sweet, cake-like versions. This recipe walks the line beautifully, honoring tradition while leaning into a comforting, modern interpretation.

Adding sour cream is a home-cooking innovation that brings softness and richness, transforming it into a hybrid between cornbread and coffee cake — perfect for everyday meals or festive tables alike.

🥣 Ingredients & Quantity (Serves 8–10)

  • 1 cup (125g) cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240g) sour cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted (or oil)

✨ Optional Additions

  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1–2 chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick
  • Drizzle of honey or maple syrup after baking
  • Chopped herbs like chives or thyme for savory version
  • A swirl of blueberry jam for a breakfast twist

🧠 Tips for Success

  • Do not overmix the batter — stir until just combined to keep it tender.
  • Use full-fat sour cream for the richest texture.
  • Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before baking — it helps hydrate the cornmeal.
  • A cast iron skillet gives a golden crust, but any 8–9 inch baking dish works.
  • If using corn kernels, toss them lightly in flour to prevent sinking.

🍳 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch square or round baking dish, or line with parchment.
  2. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl: cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Whisk wet ingredients in another bowl: eggs, sour cream, milk, and melted butter.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently. Stir just until combined — the batter will be thick.
  5. Optional: Fold in corn, cheese, jalapeños, or other additions.
  6. Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool slightly, then serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite spread.

🍯 Description

This cornbread cake is soft and tender, with a slightly dense, moist crumb from the sour cream. It has the sweetness of a coffee cake with the texture and heartiness of cornbread. Golden on the outside, rich and fluffy inside — it’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at the table.

🧮 Nutritional Information (Per slice, based on 10 servings – approximate)

  • Calories: 230
  • Fat: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: ~250mg

Note: Add-ins like cheese or corn will slightly increase calories and protein.

✅ Conclusion

This Sour Cream Cornbread Cake is the ultimate blend of comfort food and crave-worthy baking. It’s versatile, delicious, and simple to make. Whether served with chili, roasted vegetables, fried chicken, or as a sweet brunch treat, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.

💬 Recommendation

Make it once — and you’ll want to try it again with different variations. Sweet? Add berries. Savory? Add cheddar and herbs. It’s the kind of recipe that adapts to your mood, meal, or season.

Try serving it with:

  • Chili or stew
  • Grilled meats or BBQ
  • Fried eggs for brunch
  • Tea or coffee as a snack cake

🌱 Embracing Healthful Indulgence

While this recipe leans toward indulgence, it’s made with wholesome ingredients: cornmeal, eggs, dairy, and natural fat. By making it from scratch, you avoid additives and preservatives — and gain full control over sweetness and richness. Serve it mindfully, pair it with nourishing mains, and enjoy every warm, golden bite.

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