Sweet corn cake, also known as “pastel de elote” or “tamal de elote” in Mexican cuisine, is a delicious and comforting dessert that features the natural sweetness of fresh corn. This moist and fluffy cake is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a dessert or a side dish. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make sweet corn cake from scratch using simple ingredients. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a taste of Mexico, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients for Sweet Corn Cake
- 6 ears of fresh corn, husked
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
How to Make Sweet Corn Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- Cut the kernels off the ears of corn and place them in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the pureed corn to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cornmeal, milk, baking powder, salt, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the baking dish for 10-15 minutes before serving.
About the Main Ingredients
- Fresh Corn: Fresh corn is the star ingredient in this cake, providing natural sweetness and a soft texture. Using fresh corn is key to achieving the best flavor and texture.
- Butter: Butter adds richness and moisture to the cake, making it tender and flavorful.
- Sugar: Sugar sweetens the cake and balances the natural sweetness of the corn.
- Cornmeal: Cornmeal adds a slightly gritty texture to the cake and enhances the corn flavor.
- Milk: Milk adds moisture and richness to the cake, helping to create a soft and tender crumb.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder helps the cake rise and gives it a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cake, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
- Ground Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is optional but adds a warm and spicy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.
