Best Cornbread Cake with Honey Buttercream – Easy & Delicious!

Table of Contents: Cornbread Cake with Honey Buttercream

Cornbread Cake with Honey Buttercream

There’s something magical about the golden glow of a Cornbread Cake with Honey Buttercream—a dessert that bridges the cozy comfort of Southern home cooking with the indulgence of a classic cake. If you’ve ever craved warm, buttery cornbread with a touch of sweetness and a luxurious, honey-kissed frosting, this is your moment. For readers over 40 who remember family suppers lit by candlelight and the aroma of cornbread rising from the oven, this Sweet cornbread dessert is a nostalgic embrace reimagined. It’s not just a side—it’s the star of the table.

Whether served at holiday gatherings, Sunday brunch, or a quiet weeknight treat, this Unique cake recipe transforms a humble staple into something extraordinary. The humble cornmeal cake base is moist, slightly crumbly, and rich with the earthy sweetness that only stoneground cornmeal can bring. Paired with silky Honey buttercream cake frosting, it becomes a dessert centerpiece that feels both rustic and refined. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or sneaking a slice straight from the fridge, it’s comfort food elevated to celebration status.

Alternate Names & Variations

This beloved recipe is often searched under other charming names, including:
– Honey Butter Cornbread Cake
– Southern Sweet Cornmeal Cake
– Golden Corn Muffin Cake with Honey Frosting
– Upside-Down Honey Cornbread
– Honey Buttercream Cake (a nod to its silky, floral finish)

Variations include adding cinnamon, toasted pecans, or even a ribbon of seasonal berry compote for a modern twist. Some bakers swirl in wild blueberry preserves or top with crunchy cornmeal crumble. But at its heart, this remains a Sweet cornbread dessert rooted in tradition, made special with a few modern touches and a dreamy honey frosting.

Ingredients: Cornbread Cake with Honey Buttercream

For the Cornbread Cake base, you’ll need:

• – 2 cups all-purpose flour (325g), sifted for a lighter crumb
• – 1 cup fine stoneground yellow cornmeal, authentic and full of flavor
• – 1 tsp baking powder, for gentle lift and fluffiness
• – ¼ tsp fine sea salt, to balance the sweetness
• – ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• – 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, for balanced, golden sweetness
• – ¾ cup unsweetened apple sauce, for moisture and subtle fruitiness
• – ½ cup heavy cream, for richness and tenderness
• – ½ Tbs pure Madagascar vanilla extract, for depth and aroma

For the Honey Buttercream Frosting:

• – ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• – 2 cups confectioners’ powdered sugar, sifted to avoid lumps
• – 1 tsp vanilla extract, for warm floral notes
• – 2 Tbs raw, local honey, for a natural shine and delicate sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round springform or cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking—this ensures a clean, professional release.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, stoneground cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. This dry mixture ensures even distribution of leavening and flavor.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for airy texture.

4. Add apple sauce, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix on low until fully combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled—this is normal due to the cool cream mixing with butter.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Do not overmix—this keeps the cake tender.

6. Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.

7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (about 1–2 hours). Never frost a warm cake—heat causes frosting to melt and slide.

8. While the cake cools, make the Honey Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, cream softened butter with a mixer until pale and fluffy. Add sifted powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low to avoid a dust cloud.

9. Mix in vanilla extract and raw honey. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2–3 minutes until smooth, creamy, and pipeable. If too thick, add 1 tsp heavy cream. If too thin, add a little more sugar.

10. Once cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. For a professional look, use a piping tip to create swirls. Serve at room temperature for best texture.

Chef Tip: For extra moisture, brush cooled cake with a light honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water) before frosting.

Recipe Card Block: Cornbread Cake with Honey Buttercream (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 generous slices | Approximate Calories: 520 per serving
Keywords: Sweet cornbread dessert, Honey buttercream cake, Unique cake recipe

This Cornbread Cake with Honey Buttercream is a perfect blend of Southern tradition and modern sweetness. With its tender, golden crumb and silky, floral frosting, it’s ideal for Thanksgiving, birthday celebrations, or any time you crave easy comfort food for family dinners. The cake is subtly sweet with a rich, toasted corn flavor, while the honey frosting adds a luxurious finish that lingers on the palate.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

What sets this Unique cake recipe apart is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The stoneground cornmeal brings a toothsome bite and deep corn essence—far superior to cornbread mixes. Using apple sauce and heavy cream creates a tender, moist crumb without the grittiness some cornbreads suffer from. The real magic, though, is the Honey buttercream cake frosting: it’s not overly sweet, allowing the floral notes of honey to shine.

The substitution of half butter with apple sauce keeps the cake fluffy yet light, making it a standout Sweet cornbread dessert that’s indulgent but not overwhelming. Bake it ahead and chill—frost just before serving for a fresh finish. For an extra touch, sprinkle with edible flowers or toasted cornmeal on top. This recipe is also ideal for baking for neighbors, gifting in jars, or serving at potlucks—guaranteed to spark conversation and second helpings.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Store this Cornbread Cake with Honey Buttercream in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Beyond that, refrigerate for up to 4 days, as the cream-based frosting is perishable. For longer storage, freeze the unfrosted cake up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic, then freezer paper.

When ready to serve, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature and frost. The frosting can be frozen separately in a tub for up to 2 months—thaw in fridge, then beat with 1 tsp milk to refresh texture. For a warm experience, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds—transforms this Honey buttercream cake into a comforting, gooey delight. Ideal for weeknight desserts or after-dinner treats.

People Also Ask: Cornbread Cake with Honey Buttercream

How do you make a cornbread cake?

To make a cornbread cake, start by combining all-purpose flour and stoneground cornmeal with baking powder and salt for the base. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then blend in apple sauce, heavy cream, and vanilla. Fold in the dry ingredients gently. Pour into a prepared cake pan and bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes. The result is a moist, golden Sweet cornbread dessert with a tender crumb. Unlike traditional skillet cornbread, this version is softer and richer, ideal for layering with frosting like a classic cake.

Is cornbread cake sweet or savory?

The Cornbread Cake with Honey Buttercream leans sweet, making it a true Sweet cornbread dessert. While classic cornbread is often savory, this version uses maple syrup-like apple sauce, heavy cream, and a generous amount of sugar for a cake-like sweetness. The Honey buttercream cake frosting elevates it into indulgent dessert territory. However, it’s not cloying—the cornmeal keeps it earthy and balanced. For a savory twist, skip the frosting and add cheddar cheese or green onions to the batter. This makes it a versatile Unique cake recipe for all tastes.

How to make honey buttercream frosting?

To make honey buttercream frosting, beat softened unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and raw honey. Beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until creamy and pipeable. The honey adds a natural sweetness and subtle floral depth, making this frosting perfect for this Honey buttercream cake. Avoid overbeating to prevent graininess. If too thick, add ½ tsp heavy cream. Use immediately or refrigerate, refreshing texture by re-beating before use.

What pairs well with cornbread cake?

This Cornbread Cake with Honey Buttercream pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, warm apple compote, or bourbon caramel sauce. It’s also a delightful contrast to spiced teas or strong coffee, which balance its richness. Serve it alongside ham or pulled pork for a Southern dinner upgrade—the sweet cake cuts through salty, smoky flavors. For a dessert board, include grapefruit slices, pecans, and dark chocolate. The Sweet cornbread dessert also shines at breakfast with a side of fried eggs—a Unique cake recipe that straddles meal boundaries.

Conclusion: Cornbread Cake with Honey Buttercream

There’s no dish quite like this Cornbread Cake with Honey Buttercream to bring warmth, nostalgia, and joy to your table. It’s a recipe that feels like a hug from an old friend—familiar, comforting, and just sweet enough to make you smile. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, a backyard BBQ, or as a surprise after-dinner treat, this Unique cake recipe will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe).

We’d love to see your version! Snap a photo, tag us, and share your favorite honey on Instagram. Did you add cinnamon? Swap honey for maple syrup? Did it become your family’s new favorite dessert? Drop a comment below and let us know. Baking is better when shared—so pull out those mixing bowls, fire up the oven, and let this Sweet cornbread dessert become a new tradition.

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