Growing up with the flavors of Mexican cuisine has always been a delight for me. One dish that never fails to bring a smile to my face is the sweet Mexican corn cake. This traditional dessert combines the sweetness of corn with a moist, cake-like texture that is simply irresistible.
In this article, I’ll share with you my favorite sweet Mexican corn cake recipe that’s easy to make and bursting with authentic flavors. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or simply craving a taste of Mexico, this dessert is sure to impress your taste buds and transport you to the vibrant streets of Mexico.
Get ready to indulge in a slice of Mexican culinary heritage with this delightful sweet corn cake recipe that will have you coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into the recipe and savor the rich and comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine.
Ingredients
To make this delightful sweet Mexican corn cake, you will need a handful of staple ingredients found in most kitchens. Here’s what you will need to create this scrumptious dessert.
- 1 cup of cornmeal
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 can (15.25 oz) of cream-style corn
- 2 eggs, beaten
Equipment Needed
To create this delicious sweet Mexican corn cake, you will need the following essential equipment:
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Oven
Having these basic kitchen tools ready will ensure a smooth and successful baking experience.
Instructions
I am excited to guide you through the process of making this delectable sweet Mexican corn cake. Follow the steps below to create a delightful dessert that will surely impress your taste buds and those of your loved ones.
Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Fold in the sweet corn kernels until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even finish.
Cook
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the corn cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the corn cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. The cake will firm up as it cools, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Slice the sweet Mexican corn cake into squares or wedges, depending on your preference.
- Serve the warm corn cake on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
- Enjoy the rich, moist texture and sweet corn flavor of this traditional Mexican dessert with your friends and family.
Tips for the Sweet Mexican Corn Cake
I always aim for perfection when making my sweet Mexican corn cake. Here are some tips to ensure your corn cake turns out moist, flavorful, and delicious every time:
1. Use Fresh Sweet Corn
Fresh sweet corn kernels are the highlight of this dish, so opt for fresh corn whenever possible. The sweetness and crunch of fresh corn elevate the flavors of the cake and provide a delightful texture.
2. Properly Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
To achieve the perfect consistency, ensure that you mix the dry ingredients, such as flour, cornmeal, sugar, and baking powder, thoroughly before incorporating the wet ingredients. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, resulting in a well-risen cake.
3. Gently Fold in Corn Kernels
When adding the sweet corn kernels to the batter, gently fold them in using a spatula. Avoid overmixing to prevent the kernels from breaking down. The whole kernels will add pockets of sweetness and texture to the cake.
4. Monitor Baking Time Carefully
Keep a close eye on the baking time to prevent overcooking the corn cake. Bake it until it turns a beautiful golden brown on top. Overbaking can dry out the cake, so a watchful eye is essential for a moist and delicious end result.
5. Allow Cake to Cool Before Serving
Once the corn cake is baked to perfection, allow it to cool completely before serving. This cooling period helps the flavors meld together and ensures that the texture sets properly. Serve the cake slightly warm or at room temperature for the best experience.
These tips guarantee that your sweet Mexican corn cake will be a decadent treat that delights your taste buds and transports you to the vibrant flavors of Mexico.
Serving Suggestions
After baking your delicious sweet Mexican corn cake to perfection, I recommend serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy element complements the moist cake texture and adds a delightful contrast of temperature.
Another fantastic way to enjoy this corn cake is by drizzling a generous amount of warm caramel sauce over each slice. The combination of the sweet cake with the rich caramel sauce creates a decadent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans on top of the cake before serving. The added texture elevates the dish and provides a pleasant surprise with every bite.
To enhance the flavor profile even further, you can dust the cake with a hint of ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of chili powder for a unique twist. These spices add a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the corn cake beautifully.
Lastly, to create a stunning presentation, garnish the cake with fresh mint leaves or a few whole corn kernels to add a pop of color and freshness. Your guests will be impressed not only by the delicious taste but also by the visually appealing presentation of this Mexican-inspired dessert.
How to Store
After indulging in the delightful sweet Mexican corn cake, it’s essential to store any leftovers properly to maintain freshness and flavor. Here’s how I recommend storing your delicious cake:
Refrigeration:
- Allow the corn cake to cool completely at room temperature.
- Once cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Place the covered cake in an airtight container or cake keeper before storing it in the refrigerator.
- Properly stored, the corn cake can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment:
- If you want to freeze the corn cake for later consumption, it’s important to ensure it remains moist and delicious.
- Wrap individual slices of the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bags.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Frozen corn cake can maintain its quality for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to enjoy the frozen corn cake, remove the desired number of slices and defrost them in the refrigerator overnight.
- To reheat, place the slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
- Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for a quick reheating option.
By following these storage tips, you can savor the taste of your sweet Mexican corn cake even after it’s been baked, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the first.
Conclusion
Creating a delicious sweet Mexican corn cake is a delightful culinary experience that can elevate any meal or celebration. By using fresh corn kernels and following simple instructions, you can enjoy a decadent dessert that captures the essence of Mexican flavors. Enhance your dining experience by serving this corn cake with your favorite toppings or accompaniments. Remember, proper storage is key to preserving the cake’s freshness and taste, whether in the refrigerator or freezer. With these tips in mind, you can savor the flavors of this delectable treat long after it’s been baked.