Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of late summer and early autumn in every single bite - a cake so unique and tantalizing that it will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Concord Grape Cornmeal Cake is not just another ordinary dessert; it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms humble ingredients into a spectacular treat that bridges rustic charm and gourmet elegance. With its perfect balance of sweet grapes, hearty cornmeal, and tender crumb, this cake promises to become your new obsession and the star of any gathering.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups concord grapes, halved
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to create a smooth, homogeneous batter.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold half of the halved Concord grapes into the batter, reserving the remaining grapes for topping.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Arrange the remaining Concord grape halves on top of the batter, lightly pressing them into the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips
- Choose ripe, fresh Concord grapes for the most intense flavor and best texture.
- Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted for the ideal cake consistency.
- Don't overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
- For extra moisture, you can substitute some milk with Greek yogurt.
- Test the cake's doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to help it set and prevent crumbling.
- For a more decadent presentation, serve with a dollop of vanilla whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 95mg
