Sweet Cornmeal Oat Cake

This delightful Sweet Cornmeal Oat Cake is a scrumptious blend of wholesome ingredients, creating a dessert that's both hearty and satisfying. Made with simple pantry staples like sour cream, cornmeal, and oats, it offers a moist texture and luscious flavor. The recipe is versatile, allowing for various jams and dried fruits to be incorporated, making it unique to your taste. Rich and lightly sweetened by your choice of jam, it eliminates the need for additional sugar. Whether enjoyed for brunch, dessert, or as a teatime snack, this cake is sure to delight. The buttery richness comes through with every bite, ensuring it's everyone's favorite. The addition of dried fruits adds a chewy texture and depth of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the cake. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, it's a perfect treat for any occasion. And the best part is, this recipe can be personalized with your choice of flavorings and spices.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup oats (barley, wheat, or rye flakes also work)
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup jam (I used sweet strawberry jam; no extra sugar needed)
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine (100g)

Optional Additions:

• Dried fruits (raisins, dates, and a bit of marmalade)

Leavening Agent:

• 1 tsp baking soda

Preparation Time

• Total: 60 minutes (with 10 minutes prep time and 50 minutes bake time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Start by mixing the oats with your chosen jam in a large bowl, then stir in the sour cream. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the cornmeal with the baking soda thoroughly. Let it sit for a moment to incorporate.
3. Melt the butter or margarine over low heat in a small saucepan. Add the raisins and chopped dates to the melted butter for an added burst of flavor.
4. Now, combine the wet oat mixture with the dry cornmeal mixture. Stir well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients; the dough should be thick and spoonable.
5. Prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly. Pour half of your batter into the dish.
6. Sprinkle chopped marmalade pieces over the first layer. This step is crucial to prevent the baked cake from sticking to the dish, making for easy removal.
7. Gently spread the remaining batter on top, covering the marmalade fully.
8. Preheat your oven to 180°C (about 356°F).
9. Place the cake into the oven, baking it for approximately 50 minutes. To ensure even baking, tent the cake with aluminum foil halfway through.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the dish for a few minutes. This will help it set and be easier to handle.
11. Once cooled, carefully remove it from the baking dish. The cake is incredibly tender and moist, making it easy to slice without crumbling.

Tips

• Substitution: You can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor.
• Serving: Wait until the cake is fully cool before slicing; this helps maintain its shape.
• Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container to retain moisture.

Nutritions

• Calories: 320 per slice
• Protein: 5g
• Fats: 12g
• Carbs: 45g

Variations

• You might consider adding nuts such as walnuts or almonds for additional crunch.
• Substitute the cornmeal with almond flour for a gluten-free version.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Serve with fresh fruit on the side for a refreshing contrast.

Best Places

1. La Pastelería - Renowned for its delicious pastries and cakes. Location: Calle Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.
2. Baker’s Delight - Offers the best baked treats in a cozy setting. Location: Queen Street, London, UK.
3. Sweet Treat Café - A popular spot for delightful desserts. Location: 5th Avenue, New York, USA.
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5. Pâtisserie Parisienne - Known for classic French pastries and cakes. Location: Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
6. Café Konditorei - Offers a wide range of sweet delights. Location: Kaiserstraße, Vienna, Austria.
7. Gâteaux & Chocolats - A haven for cake and chocolate lovers. Location: Rue des Grandes Arcades, Strasbourg, France.
8. Sugar & Spice Café - Known for its warm ambiance and tasty cakes. Location: Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia.
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10. Cake Heaven - Offers a fabulous selection of cakes in a chic setting. Location: Civic Circle, Hong Kong, China.