Cornbread Cake (GF & DF Option)

This easy cornbread cake recipe bakes up soft, moist, and perfectly sweet with a tender crumb. Finished with homemade salted honey cream cheese buttercream, it’s a simple yet impressive dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any gathering. With gluten-free and dairy-free options, this cozy cake is one everyone can enjoy.

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The Best Cornbread Cake

Golden, tender, and just sweet enough—this cornbread cake is everything you love about classic cornbread, turned into a soft, fluffy layer cake. Topped with a salted honey cream cheese buttercream, it’s the perfect balance of rustic comfort and bakery-worthy elegance. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Class cornbread flavor: Cornbread flavor in a light, cake-like crumb.
• Dreamy frosting: Salted honey cream cheese buttercream that’s silky, sweet, and just a little tangy.
• Easy to make: Simple mixing method—no fancy techniques required.
• Flexible options: Can be made gluten-free and dairy-free without compromising texture.

Cornbread Cake Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s what goes into this cornbread cake and why each ingredient matters. Swaps and substitutions included!

For the Cake

• Flour – Cake flour gives a soft, tender crumb. Use a gluten-free 1:1 blend that contains xanthan gum for an easy swap.
• Cornmeal – Adds that classic cornbread flavor and a subtle golden color. Fine cornmeal works best for a smooth texture.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar keeps the cake moist and tender. You can use organic cane sugar or monkfruit.
• Sour cream – Adds richness and moisture. Use plant-based sour cream for dairy-free.
• Vegetable oil – Keeps the crumb soft. Any neutral oil works.
• Salted butter – Adds flavor depth. Swap for dairy-free butter if needed.
• Eggs – Provide structure and richness.
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor. Vanilla bean paste will work as well.
• Buttermilk – Creates a tender crumb and slight tang. Use plant-based buttermilk for dairy-free or make your own by adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the milk and allowing it to “curdle” for 5 minutes.

For the Frosting

• Salted butter – Creates a rich, creamy base. Swap for brick-style plant-based butter for dairy-free. Becel plant-based bricks are my go-to.
• Cream cheese – Adds a tangy flavor and smooth texture. Use brick-style dairy-free cream cheese if needed. I prefer Violife.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens and stabilizes the buttercream. You can use a sugar-free substitute such as Swerve.
• Honey – Adds a unique floral sweetness.
• Fine sea salt – Balances the sweetness for a perfect salted finish.
• Fruit Preserve (optional) – A delicious, but optional, filling. Choose whatever type of preserve, jam, or jelly you like. I went with raspberry.

Cornbread Cake Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake, frost, and assemble the most perfect cornbread cake:

Cake

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, sour cream, oil, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine batter: Add half the dry ingredients, then half the buttermilk. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and buttermilk. Mix gently—small lumps are fine.
5. Bake cakes: Divide batter evenly between pans and bake 30–35 minutes until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool 10 minutes in pans, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.

Frosting

1. Beat butter, cream cheese, and honey: In a stand mixer or large bowl with beaters, whip together butter, cream cheese, and honey until light and fluffy (about 5–10 minutes).
2. Add sugar and salt: Mix in powdered sugar and salt on low speed until combined.
3. Whip until smooth: Turn the mixer to high and beat for 5 minutes until fluffy.

Assembly

1. Layer and fill: Place one cooled cake layer on a board or plate. Spread about 2 cups of frosting evenly over the top. If using, spread the jam preserves on top of the frosting.
2. Add second layer: Place the second cake layer on top, pressing gently to level.
3. Apply crumb coat: Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to trap crumbs. Chill for 10–20 minutes until firm.
4. Final frosting: Cover the cake with a final layer of frosting using a cake smoother or offset spatula.
5. Decorate: Add any toppings or decorations you like.
6. Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Easy Cornbread Cake Recipe Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tips to make this cake come out perfectly every time:

• Use room temperature ingredients: They mix more evenly and help the cake rise better.
• Don’t overmix the batter: A few lumps are okay—overmixing can make the cake dense.
• Chill if needed: If your frosting feels soft while assembling, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes.
• Level your cakes: For easy stacking and a professional finish, trim domed tops before stacking if needed.

Cornbread Cake Flavor Twists

Cornbread cake is so scrumptiously versatile—try these variations if you’re feeling creative:

• Maple drizzle: Replace honey with maple syrup in the frosting for a cozy fall flavor.
• Citrus pop: Add orange or lemon zest to the batter for a bright, fresh twist.
• Berry layers: Spread jam or fresh berries between cake layers for a fruity surprise.
• Salty-sweet: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the frosted cake for a brunch-worthy spin.

The Easiest Cornbread Cake

Soft, golden, and topped with a decadent salted honey cream cheese buttercream, this cornbread cake is the ultimate combination of rustic charm and sweet celebration.

With easy gluten-free and dairy-free swaps, this cake is customizable for everyone to enjoy a scrumptious slice.

If you make this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and review—it helps so much! Don’t forget to tag me on social media @cakedbykatie so I can see your beautiful bakes.

Other Cozy Cake Recipes

Love a classic and cozy cake flavor? Here are a few of my favorites:

• Gluten-Free Pistachio Cake (Dairy-Free)
• Maple Bourbon Cake (Gluten-Free Dairy-Free)
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cake (Dairy-Free)

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