Hearty Griddle Corncakes
Experience the rustic charm of early American cuisine with these Hearty Griddle Corncakes, a versatile and satisfying dish rooted in pioneer traditions. Once a staple for hunters, farmers, and trappers, these corn-based cakes offer a robust flavor and comforting texture that pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Made with simple ingredients like cornmeal and flour, these griddled delights can be enjoyed during any occasion—from family breakfasts to grassy picnics or cozy camping trips. Unlike fluffy pancakes, these corncakes present a denser but delightful bite, reminiscent of the hearty breads of yesteryear. Serve them warm with butter, jams, or apple butter for a taste of edible history that you can savor today.
N/A
Servings
90
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornmeal
2 cups (none)
Unbleached white flour or whole wheat flour
1 cup (none)
Baking powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Milk or Buttermilk
2.5-3 cups (whisked with eggs)
Butter
as needed (for greasing the griddle)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to fully integrate the dry ingredients; this ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. For a tangier flavor, you can substitute buttermilk for regular milk.
3
Gradually pour the milk and egg mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a fork to gently mix until just combined; ensure there are no dry patches. The batter should be thicker than standard pancake batter but smooth enough to pour.
4
Preheat your griddle over medium to medium-high heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter, ensuring it’s spread evenly to avoid excessive browning.
5
Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each cake, forming rounds about 3-4 inches in diameter.
6
Cook the corncakes until bubbles begin to appear on the surface and the bottoms are golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip each cake and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until golden on both sides and cooked through.
7
Adjust the heat as necessary, and if the cakes are browning too quickly while the centers remain wet, consider reducing the heat and adding a little extra milk to the batter for more consistency.
8
Lightly re-butter the griddle between batches, using just enough to avoid sticking and promote browning, without creating a fried effect.
9
Serve the corncakes warm with a spread of your choice, such as butter, jelly, or apple butter, and enjoy a taste of history!
Nutrition Information
2.3g
Fat
14g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Hearty Griddle Corncakes?
Hearty Griddle Corncakes are a rustic, corn-based dish rooted in early American pioneer traditions, offering a robust flavor and comforting texture.
What is the historical significance of corncakes?
They were once a staple food for early American hunters, farmers, and trappers due to their simple ingredients and satisfying nature.
How do these differ from standard pancakes?
Unlike fluffy pancakes, these corncakes have a denser bite that is more reminiscent of hearty traditional breads.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk or buttermilk, and butter for greasing.
What type of flour can I use?
You can use either unbleached white flour or whole wheat flour depending on your preference.
How much cornmeal is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cornmeal.
Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?
Yes, substituting buttermilk for regular milk is recommended if you prefer a tangier flavor.
How much milk should be added to the batter?
You should use between 2.5 to 3 cups of milk or buttermilk to achieve the right consistency.
What is the correct way to mix the dry ingredients?
Combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and use a whisk to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
How should the eggs and milk be prepared?
In a separate bowl, whisk the 2 eggs and the milk together until they are well combined before adding to the dry ingredients.
What is the ideal consistency for the corncake batter?
The batter should be thicker than standard pancake batter but still smooth enough to pour easily.
What tool should I use to mix the wet and dry ingredients?
Use a fork to gently mix the ingredients until just combined, ensuring there are no dry patches remaining.
At what temperature should I preheat the griddle?
Preheat your griddle over medium to medium-high heat.
How do I prevent the corncakes from sticking?
Lightly grease the griddle surface with butter, spreading it evenly to avoid excessive browning or sticking.
What is the recommended size for each corncake?
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each cake to form rounds approximately 3-4 inches in diameter.
How long do I cook the first side?
Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes until bubbles begin to appear on the surface.
How do I know when to flip the corncakes?
Flip the cakes once bubbles appear on the top and the bottoms have turned a golden brown.
How long does the second side take to cook?
The second side typically takes an additional 2-3 minutes to become golden and fully cooked.
What should I do if the cakes are browning too quickly?
Reduce the heat and consider adding a little extra milk to the batter for better consistency.
Should I re-butter the griddle between batches?
Yes, lightly re-butter the griddle between batches to prevent sticking without creating a fried effect.
What are some suggested toppings for serving?
They are delicious served warm with butter, jam, jelly, or apple butter.
Are these corncakes good for outdoor activities?
Yes, they are perfect for picnics and cozy camping trips due to their hearty nature.
How many calories are in a serving of these corncakes?
Each serving contains approximately 90 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is approximately 2.3g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving provides about 14g of carbohydrates.
How much protein do these corncakes provide?
Each serving contains approximately 2g of protein.
Are these considered a bread alternative?
Yes, they serve as an excellent hearty bread alternative for various meals.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 7 simple ingredients.
Can I adjust the salt in the recipe?
Yes, while the recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon, you can adjust the salt to your personal taste.
What kind of flavor profile do these corncakes have?
They offer a robust, savory corn flavor with a slight sweetness depending on your choice of milk and toppings.