Sour Cream and Cornbread Cake

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Sour Cream and Cornbread Cake – A Cozy Southern Classic

Moist, tender, and perfectly balanced — this Southern-style cake combines the homey comfort of cornbread with the delicate sweetness of vanilla cake. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s just as perfect for Sunday brunch as it is for afternoon tea.

Enriched with sour cream for that creamy tang and swirled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping, this cake smells like comfort and tastes like home. Every slice feels like a cozy invitation to slow down and savor the moment.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cornbread meets cake: A cross between buttery cornbread and soft vanilla sponge.
• Sweet cinnamon swirl: Adds just the right hint of warmth and spice.
• Stays moist for days: Thanks to sour cream and butter.
• Versatile & crowd-pleasing: Great for brunch, dessert, or snacks.
• Simple ingredients, big flavor: No fancy steps or tools needed.

 Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pan
• Two mixing bowls (wet & dry)
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack

 Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
• 1 cup (140g) yellow cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (240g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
• ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

• ¼ cup (½ stick / 56g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9-inch round pan with butter or nonstick spray, and dust with flour or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry

Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture.
Use a spatula to gently fold until just combined — don’t overmix!

Step 5: Pour Batter & Make Topping

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon for the topping.

Step 6: Swirl & Bake

Drizzle the cinnamon mixture over the top and swirl gently with a knife or toothpick.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Serve warm, room temperature, or slightly reheated — each bite is pure comfort.

 Pro Tips

• Use full-fat sour cream: Keeps the cake rich and moist.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking makes cornbread tough.
• Tastes better next day: The flavors deepen overnight.
• Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
• Glaze it: Drizzle with vanilla icing for a dessert-style finish.

 Serving Ideas

• Serve with coffee or sweet tea for a Southern-style snack.
• Pair with fresh fruit, lemon curd, or applesauce for contrast.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant presentation.
• Perfect addition to holiday brunches or bake sales.

 Variations & Substitutions

• Greek yogurt or buttermilk: Works as a sour cream substitute.
• Coconut oil: Swap for butter for a light tropical hint.
• Gluten-free blend: Works well with 1:1 GF flour and cornmeal.
• Add-ins: Try blueberries, orange zest, or chopped nuts for fun twists.

 Storage

• Room temp: Up to 2 days, covered.
• Fridge: Up to 5 days, sealed airtight.
• Freezer: Up to 3 months; thaw at room temp before serving.
• Reheat: Microwave 15–20 seconds or warm in oven at 350°F for 8–10 mins.

This Sour Cream and Cornbread Cake is the definition of comfort — golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and kissed with cinnamon sweetness. It’s a reminder that simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something truly memorable.

Whether you’re sharing it at brunch, wrapping slices for friends, or sneaking a warm piece at midnight, this cake brings joy one forkful at a time.