Name: Irresistible Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter Frosting
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 33 min
Total time: 108 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Salted Butter (or unsalted for less salt); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (do not substitute for optimal sweetness); ½ cup Pure Raw Honey (substitute regular honey if unavailable); ½ cup Vegetable Oil (light olive oil also works); 3 large Eggs (use large size); 1 cup Buttermilk (substitute with milk + vinegar or lemon juice); ½ cup Full Fat Sour Cream (Greek yogurt can be used); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (measure properly for best results); 1 cup Masa Harina Corn Flour (no substitutes recommended); ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt (sea salt is acceptable); 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (ensure it's fresh); 1 cup Cornmeal (adds texture); 1 cup Kerry Gold Butter (can substitute with other butters); 2-3 cups Powdered Sugar (to taste); 2-3 tablespoons Pure Raw Honey; 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (for consistency)

The scent of warm cornbread wafts through the kitchen, transporting me to sun-soaked afternoons spent with family. Today, I’m excited to share my decadent Layered Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter Frosting—a delightful fusion that brings the cozy comfort of cornbread into cake form. This unique recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but offers the perfect balance of moist texture and rich flavor, plus it’s a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting to elevate a weeknight dessert, this cake is sure to impress. Who can resist the allure of three layers of cornbread, all topped with luscious, honey-infused frosting? Want to discover the secrets behind this irresistible treat? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why is Cornbread Cake So Irresistible?

Unique Twist: This layered cornbread cake reimagines a classic, delivering a scrumptious fusion of fluffy cornbread and velvety frosting.
Honey Delight: The whipped honey butter frosting bestows a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the cake’s heartiness.
Moist & Flavorful: Thanks to ingredients like masa harina and buttermilk, each bite bursts with moisture and rich flavor, making it hard to stop at just one slice.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or cozy family dinners, it pleases every palate, even those who claim they don’t like cornbread!
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this showstopper without any fuss, similar to how you would create Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home-cook, this cake will surely become a family favorite!

Cornbread Cake Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need to create this delightful Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter Frosting.

For the Cake

Salted Butter – Provides richness and flavor; for a less salty version, use unsalted butter.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake, balancing flavors; avoid substitutions for optimal sweetness.
Pure Raw Honey – Adds natural sweetness; substitute regular honey if raw honey isn’t available.
Vegetable Oil – Enhances moisture in the cake; light olive oil adds a lovely flavor.
Eggs – Act as a binder and leavener; ensure you’re using large eggs.
Buttermilk – Contributes to moisture; mix 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice with whole milk as a substitute.
Full Fat Sour Cream – Adds richness; Greek yogurt could work in a pinch.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; measure properly for best results.
Masa Harina Corn Flour – Delivers unique cornbread flavor and texture; no substitutes recommended.
Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; sea salt is an acceptable alternative.
Baking Powder – Leavens the cake; make sure it’s fresh for proper rise.
Cornmeal – Adds texture and a subtle corn flavor to the cake.

For the Frosting

Kerry Gold Butter – Essential for a rich frosting; can substitute with any European or regular butter.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens frosting, contributing to its fluffy texture.
Cornstarch – Thickens the frosting without added sweetness; it’s crucial for consistency.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Decadent Layered Cornbread Cake with Rich Honey Butter Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it heats, prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by tracing and cutting parchment paper to fit the bottoms. Grease each pan generously with nonstick spray, ensuring the cake layers will easily slide out after baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened salted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed, until the mixture appears light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. Slowly incorporate ½ cup of pure raw honey and ½ cup of vegetable oil, mixing until fully combined and smooth, creating a decadent base for your cornbread cake.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup of buttermilk, and ½ cup of full-fat sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It’s crucial that all wet ingredients are well mixed, as this will ensure a tender crumb in your Decadent Layered Cornbread Cake. Once combined, set the bowl aside for now.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of masa harina, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon of baking powder. This aeration of the dry ingredients is vital for achieving the cake’s fluffy texture. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the wet mixture, until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans and gently tap them on the counter to eliminate air bubbles. Place the pans in the preheated oven, baking for 28-33 minutes. When done, the cake layers should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remember to rotate the pans halfway through baking for even cooking.

Step 6: Cool the Cake Layers
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert them onto wire cooling racks, removing the parchment paper. Let the cake layers cool completely—about 30-45 minutes—before frosting, ensuring that the whipped honey butter frosting doesn’t melt when applied.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
While the cake layers cool, prepare the frosting by beating 1 cup of softened Kerry Gold butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add 2-3 cups of powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of pure raw honey, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Beside this, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to achieve the desired fluffy consistency; adjust as necessary.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost the Cake
Once the cake layers are cool, place one layer on a serving plate and generously spread frosting on top. Repeat with the second layer, adding more frosting in between. Finally, place the last layer on top and smoothly coat the top and sides of the entire Decadent Layered Cornbread Cake with the remaining frosting, creating an inviting and luscious finish.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve
For an elegant touch, drizzle some extra honey on top of the frosted cake and sprinkle optional polenta around for added texture. Slice into beautiful pieces and serve your delightful cornbread cake with whipped honey butter frosting at room temperature, delighting your friends and family with this heavenly dessert.

Make Ahead Options

These Decadent Layered Cornbread Cakes with Whipped Honey Butter Frosting are perfect for busy home cooks seeking time-saving strategies! You can prepare the cake layers up to 3 days in advance by baking and then tightly wrapping each cooled layer in plastic wrap before refrigerating. The whipped honey butter frosting can be made up to 24 hours beforehand; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its fluffy texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply bring the cake layers to room temperature, frost generously, and garnish with honey. This make-ahead approach ensures the cake is just as delightful on serving day, saving you precious time!

Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter Frosting Variations

Feel free to customize this delicious cornbread cake with these fun and inviting options to make it your own!

Gluten-Free: Swap out all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a delightful gluten-free version.
Spice it Up: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, aromatic twist that elevates the flavor profile.
Fruity Addition: Throw in some cranberries or diced apples for a sweet burst of flavor and a pop of color within each layer.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch in every bite, bringing an enjoyable texture contrast.
Vegan Alternative: Use flax eggs, coconut oil, and a dairy-free yogurt to make this cake vegan-friendly while staying deliciously moist.
Chocolate Lovers: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolatey twist that pairs surprisingly well with the honey butter frosting.
Zesty Lemon: Mix in lemon zest into the batter and replace some of the butter with lemon juice for a refreshing citrusy flair.
Savory Hint: Experiment with a touch of jalapeño or cheddar cheese in the batter for a savory kick that surprises and delights.

Each of these variations opens a world of flavor possibilities while keeping the heartiness of this remarkable cornbread cake! And for an easy dessert to whip up, check out my Crockpot Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes for a delightful family treat!

Expert Tips for Cornbread Cake

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always check your baking powder and flour for freshness; stale ingredients can lead to a dense, flatter cake.
Measure Accurately: For the best results, use the spoon and level method for measuring flour, ensuring you’ll achieve the perfect texture in your cornbread cake.
Cool Completely: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. Frosting on warm layers can melt and ruin the fluffy appearance you desire.
Perfectly Sweet Frosting: When making your whipped honey butter frosting, gradually add powdered sugar to adjust sweetness without compromising the texture; if it becomes too soft, just incorporate a bit more cornstarch.
Cake Storage: Keep any leftover cornbread cake in an airtight container for 3-4 days at room temperature to maintain its moistness and flavors.
Elevate Flavors: If you want a creative twist, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an interesting flavor profile.

How to Store and Freeze Cornbread Cake

Room Temperature: Store the cornbread cake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain its moistness and delightful flavor.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week, but be sure to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before frosting or serving.

Reheating: If desired, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a comforting taste of this cornbread cake with whipped honey butter frosting.

What to Serve with Layered Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter Frosting

Indulge your senses by creating a delightful spread that complements the sweet, moist layers of cornbread cake.

Crisp Garden Salad: A refreshing mix of greens and vegetables adds crunch and balances the rich frosting elements.
Savory Chili: A warm bowl of chili enhances the cornbread flavors, providing a comforting, hearty contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: The natural sweetness of glazed carrots harmonizes with the cake’s honey notes, creating a delightful flavor synergy.
Grilled Chicken: Juicy, char-grilled chicken with herbs offers a savory counterpart to the dessert, perfect for a well-rounded meal.

Pairing these suggestions not only elevates your dining experience but creates a harmonious showcase of flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Red Wine: A glass of fruity red wine complements the cake’s richness while enhancing flavors, making each bite a gourmet experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream brings coolness and sweetness, creating a luscious contrast to the warmth of the cake.
Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling dark chocolate over the cake adds a gourmet touch, amplifying the sweetness with a hint of bitterness for a complex finish.

Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Butter Frosting Recipe FAQs

What type of masa harina should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, use a fine-ground masa harina. This type of corn flour is fundamental in achieving that distinctive cornbread essence. Look for brands like Maseca or Bob’s Red Mill, which are readily available in most grocery stores.

How should I store leftover cornbread cake?
After you savor the first slice, be sure to keep the cornbread cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you live in a warm climate, refrigeration might be a better option, but wrap it in plastic to maintain moisture!

Can I freeze the cornbread cake for later enjoyment?
Very much! To freeze, wrap each cooled cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting it—it’s like having a piece of homemade happiness waiting for you!

Why did my cornbread cake come out dense or flat?
If your cake didn’t rise as expected, make sure to check a couple of things. First, always use fresh ingredients, especially baking powder—stale baking powder can cause flat cakes. Second, avoid overmixing your batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients to keep that fluffy texture intact!

Can I use a sugar substitute in the frosting for dietary reasons?
The more the merrier! If you’re considering using a sugar substitute in the frosting, I recommend choosing ones like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, which can work well. However, keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, so you may need to adjust the cornstarch to achieve the desired consistency. Always taste test along the way for the perfect sweetness!

Is this cornbread cake safe for pets?
No, it’s best to keep this cornbread cake away from pets. Ingredients like sugar and butter, as well as the sweetness of honey, can be harmful to animals, particularly dogs. Always ensure that any baked goods are stored safely out of their reach!