I am absolutely OBSESSED with this Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting recipe! It’s a delightful fusion of cornbread and cake, creating a rich, three-layer dessert that will impress at any gathering. The buttery honey frosting elevates the flavor, making it perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Once you try this cake, you may never look back to regular cornbread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of cornbread and sweet frosting offers a unique twist that’s both comforting and indulgent.
- Versatile Dessert: Suitable for various occasions like birthdays, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Easy to Make: Step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Impressive Presentation: The three layers and luscious frosting create a stunning centerpiece for your table.
- Perfect Pairing: Enjoy it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance the richness.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or large mixing bowl
- Three 9-inch cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Fine mesh strainer
- Offset spatula
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Saves time and effort in beating the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Offset spatula: Helps in spreading the frosting evenly across the cakes for a professional finish.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Cornbread Cake:
For the Cake
- 3/4 cup salted butter (1 and 1/2 sticks, softened)
- 2 and 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup pure raw honey
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup full fat sour cream
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup masa harina corn flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 cups cornmeal
For the Frosting
- 2 cups Kerry Gold Irish butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup pure raw honey
- 4 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For Garnish
- Polenta (to sprinkle on the cake, totally optional)
- Extra honey (to drizzle on the frosted cake)
- Vanilla ice cream (or whipped cream)
How to Make Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Trace the outline of three 9-inch cake pans on parchment paper. Cut out the circles and place them in the bottom of each pan. Grease each pan thoroughly with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Beat the Butter
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat 3/4 cup softened butter until smooth.
Step 3: Add Sugar
Add 2 and 1/3 cups granulated sugar. Beat for about 2 minutes, stopping once to scrape down the sides.
Step 4: Incorporate Honey
Pour in 2/3 cup raw honey. Beat until well combined.
Step 5: Mix in Oil
Add in 3/4 cup light olive oil, beating until fully integrated.
Step 6: Combine Eggs and Buttermilk
In another bowl, whisk together 5 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, and 1/2 cup sour cream. Set aside after mixing.
Step 7: Sift Dry Ingredients
Place a fine mesh strainer over another bowl. Add in:
* 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 3/4 cup Maseca corn flour
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
Stir until sifted well.
Step 8: Combine Mixtures
Remove strainer. Add in:
* 1 and 1/2 cups cornmeal
Mix well. Alternate adding buttermilk mixture and dry ingredients to butter mixture, stirring each time until just combined.
Step 9: Divide Batter
Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans using a kitchen scale for accuracy if desired.
Step 10: Bake Cakes
Bake at 325 degrees F for about 28–33 minutes or until edges are golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Step 11: Cool Cakes
Let cakes cool on a rack for about 10–15 minutes before removing from pans. Optionally chill them in the freezer for quicker cooling.
Step 12: Make Frosting
Beat together:
* 2 cups softened Kerry Gold butter
Add:
* 3/4 cup pure raw honey
Mix until fluffy. Gradually add:
* First, add 1 cup powdered sugar, then mix.
* Follow with 2 teaspoons cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; mix again.
Continue adding remaining powdered sugar until very fluffy.
Step 13: Assemble Cake
Once cakes are completely cool, spread some frosting on your cake stand to secure the first layer. Place first cake layer down.
Step 14: Stack Layers
Spread about 1 and 1/2 cups frosting evenly on top of the first layer. Repeat with second layer before placing final layer on top.
Step 15: Frost Entire Cake
Use remaining frosting to cover entire cake evenly on top and sides.
Step 16: Garnish
Optionally sprinkle edges with polenta for crunch. Drizzle extra honey over the top before serving! This makes an excellent pairing with vanilla ice cream or lightly sweetened whipped cream. Small slices work best due to its richness!
Enjoy your homemade Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting!
How to Serve Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting
Serving your Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting can elevate any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy family gathering, the rich flavors and delightful textures make it a standout dessert.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing that complements the sweetness of the cake.
- Honeycomb Ice Cream: Adds a unique texture and enhances the honey flavor in the frosting.
Drizzle with Extra Honey
- Honey Drizzle: A simple touch that boosts the sweetness and creates a beautiful presentation on each slice.
- Flavored Honey: Try lavender or cinnamon-infused honey for a gourmet twist.
Serve with Fresh Berries
- Mixed Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add tartness that balances the richness of the cake.
- Berry Sauce: A quick puree of berries can serve as a delicious sauce over each slice.
Add Whipped Cream
- Sweetened Whipped Cream: A light topping that adds creaminess without overpowering the cake’s flavor.
- Honey Whipped Cream: Incorporate honey into your whipped cream for an extra layer of sweetness.
How to Perfect Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting
Creating the perfect Cornbread Cake is all about attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting helps to remove lumps and ensures even distribution of baking powder and salt.
- Check for Doneness Early: Start checking for doneness at the lower end of baking time to avoid overbaking your cakes.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Proper cooling prevents melting your frosting and helps achieve clean layers when assembling.
- Adjust Honey Based on Thickness: If your honey is thin, you may need more powdered sugar in your frosting to get the right consistency.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add zest or extracts like vanilla or almond to enhance flavors in both cake and frosting.

Best Side Dishes for Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting
A sweet dessert like Cornbread Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options that complement its flavors beautifully.
- Grilled Peaches: These bring out natural sweetness, adding a warm, juicy element alongside your cake.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon can provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cake texture.
- Savory Salad: A light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can balance the richness of the frosting.
- Cheese Platter: Include creamy cheeses like goat cheese or brie for a deliciously rich combination.
- Chocolate Ganache Dip: For chocolate lovers, a rich ganache can be served on the side for dipping slices of cake.
- Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote such as apple or cherry adds moisture and tartness against the sweet cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making cornbread cake with whipped honey buttercream frosting can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure your ingredients are accurate, especially flour and sugar.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to confirm that your oven is at 325 degrees F when baking.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the cakes to cool completely before frosting is crucial. Frosting on warm cakes can lead to melting and a messy finish.
- Using cold butter for frosting: Room temperature butter is essential for creamy frosting. Cold butter will not whip up properly, affecting texture and spreadability.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cornbread cake in an airtight container.
- It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting
- Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Wrap the cake in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm gently, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cornbread cake with whipped honey buttercream frosting gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Make sure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How do I store leftover cornbread cake with whipped honey buttercream frosting?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it as directed above.
Can I customize the flavors of cornbread cake?
Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or mix in fruits such as blueberries or cranberries for added flavor.
What’s the best way to serve cornbread cake with whipped honey buttercream frosting?
This cake pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. Small slices work great due to its rich flavor.
How long does it take to prepare cornbread cake?
The preparation time is about 30 minutes, followed by approximately 30 minutes of baking time. Total time is around 60 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This cornbread cake with whipped honey buttercream frosting is a delightful blend of flavors that will impress anyone who tries it. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences, making it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate; give this recipe a try and experience its deliciousness yourself!

Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Discover the irresistible Cornbread Cake with Whipped Honey Buttercream Frosting, a delectable dessert that marries the comforting flavors of cornbread with the sweet allure of honey frosting. This three-layer cake is perfect for any occasion, from festive birthdays to cozy family gatherings. The buttery honey frosting adds an indulgent twist, creating a stunning centerpiece that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Once you take a bite of this moist and flavorful cake, you’ll understand why it stands out among traditional desserts.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup salted butter
- 2 and 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup pure raw honey
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup full fat sour cream
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup masa harina corn flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 cups cornmeal
- 2 cups Kerry Gold Irish butter (for frosting)
- 3/4 cup pure raw honey (for frosting)
- 4 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for frosting)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (for frosting)
- Polenta (to sprinkle on the cake, totally optional)
- Extra honey (to drizzle on the frosted cake)
- Vanilla ice cream (or whipped cream)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare three 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper and nonstick spray.
- Beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in honey and oil.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and sour cream; set aside.
- Sift together flour, corn flour, salt, and baking powder; combine with wet ingredients alternately until just mixed.
- Divide batter among pans and bake for 28–33 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on racks.
- For frosting, beat butter until creamy; add honey and gradually mix in powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Assemble by layering cakes with frosting in between and frost the entire cake.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor variations.

