Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake
Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake Recipe - Authentic & Delicious
Introduction
Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. This rich and flavorful cake is made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and cornmeal, resulting in a moist and delicious treat that is perfect for any occasion.
History
Cornmeal pound cake has its roots in early American cooking, where cornmeal was a staple ingredient in many recipes. This cake was often made in rural areas where corn was plentiful, and it quickly became a favorite dessert for families to enjoy together.
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1.25 cup sifted pastry flour
- 0.75 tsp baking powder
- 0.25 cup sifted white cornmeal
- 0.13 tsp freshly grated nutmeg (or 0.25 tsp prepared ground nutmeg)
- 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp vanilla
- 2 tsp brandy, preferably apple brandy
How to prepare
- Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and cornmeal.
- Blend the dry ingredients into the batter by hand, alternating with the brandy and vanilla.
- Pour the batter into a greased shallow cake pan.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1.5 hours.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Invert the cake onto a cake rack and remove the wax paper.
Variations
- Add a handful of raisins or chopped nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finishing touch.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy to ensure a light and airy texture.
- Sift the dry ingredients together to ensure a smooth and even batter.
- Be sure to alternate adding the dry ingredients with the brandy and vanilla to prevent the batter from becoming too thick.
- Grease the cake pan well to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
Serving Suggestions
Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake is best served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cooking Techniques
Creaming the butter and sugar together until fluffy is essential for a light and tender cake.
- Sifting the dry ingredients together ensures a smooth and even batter.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have apple brandy, you can substitute with rum or bourbon for a different flavor profile.
- You can use yellow cornmeal instead of white cornmeal for a slightly different texture and color.
Make Ahead Tips
Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the cake on a decorative cake stand and garnish with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake contains approximately 30g of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake contains approximately 12g of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake contains approximately 4g of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake is a good source of iron and calcium.
Alergens
This recipe contains dairy (butter, eggs) and gluten (flour), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.
Summary
Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides some essential vitamins and minerals.
Summary
Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake is a classic dessert that is easy to make and full of rich, buttery flavor. This old-fashioned recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household for years to come.
How did I get this recipe?
I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I flipped through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and worn, the binding cracked and fragile, but the recipes within were a treasure trove of culinary delights.
As I turned the pages, a faded piece of paper fell out from between the worn pages. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake. The handwriting was elegant and flowing, the ink faded but still legible. I could almost imagine the hands that had penned these words so many years ago, carefully measuring out the ingredients and mixing them together to create a delicious cake.
I knew immediately that I had stumbled upon something special. This was not just any recipe - it was a piece of history, a window into the past. I could almost picture the early American settlers, using simple ingredients like cornmeal and molasses to create a cake that was both hearty and delicious.
Excited to try my hand at making this old-fashioned treat, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. The recipe called for cornmeal, flour, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and a touch of molasses. As I mixed the ingredients together, I could almost feel the presence of those who had come before me, the women who had baked this cake for their families with love and care.
The scent of the cake baking in the oven was like a warm hug, filling the kitchen with a comforting aroma that brought back memories of childhood and family gatherings. When the cake was finally done, I took it out of the oven and marveled at its golden-brown crust and tender crumb.
I couldn't wait to taste it, to see if it lived up to the expectations set by the recipe and the history behind it. As I took my first bite, I closed my eyes and savored the flavors - the sweetness of the sugar and molasses, the earthy richness of the cornmeal, the buttery goodness of the cake itself.
It was everything I had hoped for and more. The Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake was a triumph, a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the simple joys of baking. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a way to connect with the past and honor those who had come before me.
And so, as I sat at the kitchen table, savoring each bite of that delicious cake, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the lessons of my grandmother and the heritage that had been passed down to me through the generations. The Early American Corn Meal Pound Cake was more than just a recipe - it was a link to the past, a reminder of the enduring power of food to bring us together and nourish both body and soul.
Categories
| American Desserts | American Recipes | Brandy Recipes | Corn Recipes | Cornmeal Recipes | Dessert Recipes | Pastry Flour Recipes |