TRADITIONAL CORNMEAL CAKE – SOFT, FLUFFY, AND LOVED BY ALL AGES

Cornmeal cake is a beloved traditional dessert in our region. I was delighted to see it featured in café menus and even happier to hear children love it. Amidst all the flashy sweets in stores, this humble cake wins hearts with its simple charm.

To make it fluffier, I add a bit of fine semolina, but you can replace it with cornmeal for a gluten-free version.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 min

🍳 Bake Time: 40 min
🍰 Yields: One 28×18 cm cake (8-10 servings)

🥄 Ingredients

3 eggs
125 g sugar
2 packets vanilla sugar
450 g full-fat yogurt (Greek yogurt 10% fat recommended)
50 ml milk
100 ml oil
150 g cornmeal (medium grind)
50 g fine semolina
2 tsp baking powder

👩‍🍳 Instructions

🌾 Mix cornmeal, semolina, and baking powder together in a bowl.
🥚 Separate the eggs. In a mixer, beat egg yolks with sugar and 50 ml yogurt until thick and pale yellow.

Optional: Add grated lemon or orange zest for extra aroma alongside vanilla sugar.

🥄 Gradually drizzle oil into the yolk mixture while mixing. Add the rest of the yogurt and mix for 1 minute. Add milk and mix briefly.
🌧️ Slowly fold the dry cornmeal mixture into the wet ingredients using a whisk, stirring gently.
🍳 Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold egg whites into the batter in three additions, careful not to deflate. The batter should be light, flowing, and self-leveling.
🧈 Butter a 28 x 18 cm baking pan. Pour the batter slowly and evenly into the pan.
🔥 Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for 40 minutes until golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
❄️ Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with fruit sauce (raspberry works beautifully).

💡 Tips

Adding semolina improves fluffiness but is optional for gluten-free cornmeal cake.
Gently fold egg whites to keep batter airy and soft.
Serve with fresh fruit sauce for added freshness.

🎉 Perfect For

Traditional family desserts
Casual tea or coffee time treats
Kid-friendly homemade cakes

📝 Final Thoughts

This soft and fluffy cornmeal cake is a comforting classic that brings nostalgic flavors to your table. Simple to make and versatile in serving, it’s a sure winner for all ages.