Looking for a unique and delicious cake that can be enjoyed at any time of the day? Look no further than the New England Spider Cake. This dense and lightly sweet cream-topped cornmeal cake is a true delight for breakfast or as a rustic after-dinner dessert. With its irresistible taste and versatility, you’ll find yourself craving it over and over again.
Preparing the New England Spider Cake is a breeze. The batter consists of simple ingredients like flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking soda, and eggs. In a separate bowl, you’ll combine milk with vinegar, creating a clabbered mixture that adds that extra tanginess.
Next, melt some butter in a cast iron skillet and pour the batter over it. Just before baking, pour cream into the center of the batter, allowing it to spread out and create a delightful spider-like pattern. As it bakes, the cream beautifully sets on top and seeps into the cornmeal crumb, giving the cake its well-deserved name.
This cake is a marvelous combination of textures, with the satisfying cornmeal bite complementing the creamy topping. Its sturdy yet unfussy nature is sure to impress. Whether you savor it with a drizzle of maple syrup for breakfast or indulge in a slice for dessert, the New England Spider Cake is guaranteed to leave you wanting more.
Recipe
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 4 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Maple syrup, for serving
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, combine milk and vinegar and set aside to let it sour.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs to the soured milk and whisk until well combined. Stir this mixture into the dry ingredients and set aside.
- Melt butter in a 12-inch cast iron skillet. Pour the batter into the skillet, then pour the cream into the center of the batter.
- Gently slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve the New England Spider Cake in wedges and, if desired, drizzle with maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
Enjoy this delightful recipe adapted from New York Times Cooking, and remember, by sharing this recipe, you’re making mealtime meaningful by helping fund meals for families in need!
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