Get ready to fall in love with Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting—a stunning, tender cake that brilliantly marries the hearty, cozy flavors of classic cornbread with the decadent sweetness of a dreamy honey buttercream. This cake is everything you adore about Southern comfort, elevated to dessert royalty. The golden crumb has just the right touch of sweetness and rustic texture, and with that cloud-like honey frosting, every bite feels like a big, buttery hug. Whether you’re looking for a new twist on cornbread or you want to wow at your next gathering, this cake will have everyone swooning—myself included.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms humble, familiar ingredients into something magical. Each component, from the golden cornmeal to the creamy butter and luscious honey, plays a starring role in the taste, texture, and color of this unforgettable Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting.
- Yellow cornmeal: Brings that nostalgic, hearty corn flavor and creates the cake’s signature rustic crumb.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and supports the softness of the finished cake.
- Baking powder: Gives your cake the perfect lift so it stays fluffy.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for added tenderness and a gentle rise.
- Salt: Balances all the flavors, making sweet and savory notes shine.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake without overpowering its classic cornbread essence.
- Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Creates richness while keeping the crumb moist.
- Large eggs: Add structure and lusciousness to the batter.
- Buttermilk: Lends gentle tang and keeps things deliciously moist.
- Whole milk: Makes the batter smooth and supple; don’t skip it!
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with fragrant warmth.
- Softened unsalted butter (for frosting): Essential for a silky, fluffy frosting base.
- Powdered sugar (sifted): Ensures the buttercream is lump-free and beautifully smooth.
- Honey: Adds floral sweetness and pairs perfectly with cornbread.
- Heavy cream: Whips the frosting into an irresistibly airy cloud.
- Vanilla extract (in frosting): Deepens the frosting’s luxurious flavor.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Makes all the sweet notes pop and balances the honey.
How to Make Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). While the oven heats, grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This quick step ensures you’ll have a flawless cake release (no sticking disasters!) and perfectly shaped layers every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. This mix is what gives the Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting its wonderful structure and flavor—make sure no lumps remain for the best crumb.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the melted and cooled butter, eggs, buttermilk, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This is where the cake’s rich tenderness and depth of flavor come to life.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into your bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir the batter until just combined—it’s okay if it looks a little rustic. Over-mixing can lead to dense cake, so stop as soon as no dry streaks remain.
Step 5: Bake
Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops, then slide them into your hot oven. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the cakes are golden on top and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing—and that’s half the fun!
Step 6: Cool the Cake Layers
Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes—this allows them to firm up. Turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting; patience now will give you the prettiest, fluffiest Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting later.
Step 7: Whip Up the Honey Buttercream Frosting
Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until it’s light and fluffy—a couple of minutes on medium speed does the trick. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low to avoid clouds of sugar. Pour in the honey, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt, then whip on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until the frosting is dreamy and airy.
Step 8: Assemble and Frost
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of whipped honey buttercream. Top with the second cake layer, then blanket the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Swirl or smooth to your heart’s content!
How to Serve Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting
Garnishes
Bring a final flourish to your Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting by drizzling a bit of golden honey over the top or sprinkling with flaky sea salt. Fresh edible flowers, a scattering of corn kernels, or a dusting of powdered sugar also make this cake photo-ready and extra enticing.
Side Dishes
This unique cake shines on its own, but if you’d like to create a full dessert spread, pair it with ripe berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a chilled citrus salad. Each side dish will only heighten the classic-southern comfort of Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your cake in wedges for a homespun look, or go dramatic with tall stacked slices on vintage cake plates. Try making mini cakes using a muffin tin for individual servings, or transform the dessert into elegant trifle glasses by layering cubes of cake with the honey buttercream and a drizzle of extra honey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting well in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to one day, or refrigerate for up to four days to keep the buttercream fresh and the cake wonderfully moist.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped for up to two months. Frosting can be frozen separately in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw both in the refrigerator, whip up the frosting to refresh, and assemble your Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting as close to serving time as possible for best texture.
Reheating
Gently allow chilled cake slices to come to room temperature before serving to let the buttercream soften for maximum flavor and comfort. If you prefer your cake slightly warm, pop it (unfrosted, if possible) in a low oven for a few minutes, then frost before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this cake gluten free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend. The result will be a delightful Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting that everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to get fluffy frosting?
Make sure your butter is completely softened before whipping with the powdered sugar and always mix in the heavy cream gradually. You want to whip at medium-high speed for a couple of minutes until the buttercream becomes light and airy—it’s the key to that signature whipped texture.
Can this recipe be made as cupcakes?
Definitely! Divide the batter evenly between lined cupcake tins (this recipe makes about 24). Bake at the same temperature for about 15–18 minutes, and decorate each with a swirl of honey buttercream. Perfect for parties or sharing.
Do I need a stand mixer for the frosting?
A hand mixer works beautifully to achieve the silky, fluffy texture in the honey buttercream. Just be sure to give it a good 2–3 minutes of whipping for the best Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting possible.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes! Both the cake layers and frosting can be made a day ahead. Store cake layers tightly wrapped and the frosting refrigerated. Bring everything to room temperature, re-whip the frosting if needed, then assemble just before serving for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm Southern breeze and tastes like pure comfort, you just can’t beat this Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting. It’s an absolute showstopper whether you’re celebrating with friends or treating yourself. Don’t be surprised when it disappears in a flash—enjoy every sweet, buttery bite!
