Hey Lykkers! Are you in the mood for something sweet and comforting? Let me introduce you to this Brazilian-style sweet cornmeal cake! It's super easy to make from scratch, and it's healthy too.
In Brazil, this cake is a popular treat, especially with a cup of coffee for breakfast. It has a texture similar to cornmeal bread, but it's sweet, making it the perfect treat to enjoy at any time of day.
This cake is also quite versatile—you can add your favorite seeds or nuts, like walnuts, to the batter before baking if you're in the mood for some extra crunch. Let's dive into the recipe!
Ingredients You'll Need
To make this delicious cake, here's what you'll need:
• 2 cups of cornmeal
• 1 ½ cups of white sugar
• 1 cup of regular milk
• 1 cup of coconut milk
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs
• ⅓ cup of vegetable oil (you can use coconut oil for a richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
These ingredients come together to create a soft, sweet cake with a delightful texture that's not too heavy. If you're ready to bake, gather everything, and let's get started!
How to Make It
Let's begin by preheating your oven to 340°F (170°C). While that's warming up, grease and flour a 10-inch round cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking when it's done baking.
Now, grab a blender or a food processor to make things easier. Add the cornmeal, sugar, milk, coconut milk, flour, eggs, and vegetable oil into the blender. Blend everything together until it's smooth and well combined. Once the mixture is smooth, add the baking powder and blend again for a few seconds to make sure it's fully incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen as it bakes, and you'll know it's ready when you see that golden brown color.
Optional Variations
While the cake is amazing as it is, there are a few fun ways you can customize it! In Brazil, it's common to add a pinch of fennel seeds to the batter, which adds a unique and aromatic flavor. My mom always used fennel seeds, but I like to mix in walnuts instead. I add walnuts to almost everything because I love the crunch and flavor they bring!
If you're not a fan of coconut milk, no worries! You can substitute regular milk for the coconut milk, and you'll still get a tasty cake. Just be sure to increase the amount of vegetable oil to 1 full cup if you're using regular milk, as the coconut milk adds a bit of richness that you'll want to balance out.
Tips for Success
A couple of quick tips to make sure your sweet cornmeal cake turns out perfectly:
• Be careful not to overmix the batter. Just blend it until it's smooth and stop there. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, and we want this cake to be light and fluffy!
• The baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the cooking time. If it's golden and a toothpick comes out clean, you're good to go!
Why You'll Love This Cake
This Brazilian-style sweet cornmeal cake is a total winner! It's super simple to make, and it's a great option for anyone looking for a healthier sweet treat. The texture is wonderfully soft, and the flavor is just sweet enough without being overwhelming. Plus, it's perfect for pairing with your morning coffee or enjoying as a snack any time of day.
It's also a great cake to share with friends and family. Whether you're having a casual get-together or just enjoying some time at home, this cake will definitely be a hit!
Final Thoughts
Lykkers, this Brazilian-style sweet cornmeal cake is one of those recipes you'll want to keep in your back pocket. It's easy, delicious, and a little different from the usual cakes you might make. Try it out and let me know how it turns out for you. If you add walnuts or fennel seeds, I'd love to hear how that goes too! Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!
