cornmeal cakes

How to Make Cornmeal Sponge Cake: A Simple Guide

Cornmeal sponge cake, a beloved traditional snack, is fluffy, slightly sweet, and pairs perfectly with tea or coffee. Here’s an easy recipe to make it at home.

Ingredients:

- 200g cornmeal (medium or fine grind)

- 150g all-purpose flour

- 50g sugar (adjust to taste)

- 7g active dry yeast

- 300ml warm water (around 40°C)

- A pinch of salt

Steps:

1. Activate the yeast: Mix yeast with 1 tbsp warm water and 1 tsp sugar; let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

2. Combine dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, and salt.

3. Make the batter: Pour the yeast mixture and remaining warm water into the dry ingredients. Stir until smooth (no lumps). Cover and let rest in a warm place for 1–2 hours until doubled in size.

4. Steam the cake: Grease a round cake pan. Pour the batter in, cover, and steam over medium heat for 25–30 minutes. Insert a toothpick—it should come out clean.

5. Finish: Let it cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Tips: For extra flavor, add raisins, red bean paste, or pumpkin puree to the batter. Ensure the water isn’t too hot to kill the yeast. Enjoy this wholesome treat fresh!