Creamy Cornmeal Cake (Bolo de Fubá Cremoso): A Step-by-Step Guide
Bolo de Fubá Cremoso, or Creamy Cornmeal Cake, is a beloved Brazilian dessert known for its incredibly moist and delicate texture. Unlike traditional cakes, this version achieves its creaminess through a generous use of milk, cheese, and sometimes coconut milk, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s a simple cake to make, requiring minimal ingredients and equipment, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure your Bolo de Fubá Cremoso turns out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cornmeal Cake
* **Unbelievably Creamy Texture:** The high liquid content results in a cake that’s almost custard-like. It’s unlike any other cake you’ve tried!
* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
* **Easy to Make:** No fancy techniques or equipment needed. Just blend, bake, and enjoy!
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with gluten sensitivities (always double-check ingredient labels!).
* **Versatile:** Can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for any occasion.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of cornmeal, cheese, and coconut milk (if using) creates a unique and irresistible flavor profile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients:
* **1 cup (120g) Fine Cornmeal (Fubá):** This is the key ingredient that gives the cake its characteristic flavor and texture. Use fine cornmeal for the smoothest result. Don’t substitute with polenta flour unless it’s very finely ground.
* **4 Large Eggs:** Eggs provide structure, richness, and moisture to the cake.
* **1 cup (200g) Granulated Sugar:** For sweetness, of course! You can adjust the amount to your liking.
* **4 cups (960ml) Whole Milk:** Milk is crucial for the creamy texture of the cake. Whole milk provides the best richness, but you can use other types of milk (see substitutions below).
* **1/2 cup (120ml) Vegetable Oil:** Oil adds moisture and tenderness to the cake. Canola or sunflower oil work well.
* **1/2 cup (50g) Grated Parmesan Cheese:** This might sound unusual in a cake, but trust us, it adds a wonderful savory note that complements the sweetness perfectly. It also contributes to the creamy texture. Freshly grated is best.
* **1 tablespoon (15ml) Baking Powder:** Baking powder is the leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
* **Pinch of Salt:** Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
* **Optional: 1 cup (240ml) Coconut Milk:** Adds a delicious tropical flavor and extra creaminess. Use full-fat coconut milk for the best results.
* **Optional: 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the sweetness.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Blender:** A blender is essential for creating the smooth batter.
* **9-inch Round Baking Pan:** You can also use an 8-inch square pan. The baking time may vary slightly.
* **Parchment Paper (Optional):** For lining the baking pan to prevent sticking.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For pre-measuring ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Oven:** For baking the cake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect Bolo de Fubá Cremoso:
**1. Prepare the Baking Pan:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease a 9-inch round baking pan (or an 8-inch square pan) with butter or cooking spray.
* For easy removal, line the bottom of the pan with a circle of parchment paper. This is optional, but highly recommended.
**2. Combine Wet Ingredients in the Blender:**
* In a blender, add the eggs, sugar, milk, oil, and coconut milk (if using).
* Blend on medium speed for about 1 minute, or until the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy.
**3. Add Dry Ingredients to the Blender:**
* Add the cornmeal, Parmesan cheese, baking powder, and salt to the blender.
* Blend again on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, or until the batter is completely smooth and there are no lumps of cornmeal. It’s important to blend well to ensure a smooth texture. The batter will be quite liquidy, which is normal.
**4. Pour Batter into the Prepared Pan:**
* Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
**5. Bake the Cake:**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The baking time will vary depending on your oven. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly.
* If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
**6. Cool the Cake:**
* Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This is crucial for the cake to set properly. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
* Cooling in the refrigerator will help the cake to solidify faster.
**7. Slice and Serve:**
* Once the cake is completely cool, run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen it.
* Invert the cake onto a serving plate and remove the parchment paper (if used).
* Slice and serve the cake. It can be served warm or cold. Some people prefer it straight from the refrigerator.
Tips for the Perfect Bolo de Fubá Cremoso
* **Use Fine Cornmeal:** Coarse cornmeal will result in a gritty texture. Fine cornmeal (fubá) is essential for the creamy consistency.
* **Blend Thoroughly:** Make sure to blend the batter well to avoid lumps of cornmeal. This is crucial for a smooth, creamy texture.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking will result in a dry cake. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly.
* **Let it Cool Completely:** Allowing the cake to cool completely is essential for it to set properly. Be patient!
* **Adjust Sweetness to Taste:** You can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup.
* **Add-ins:** Feel free to add other ingredients to the batter, such as shredded coconut, raisins, or a pinch of cinnamon.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon before serving. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
* **Storage:** Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Substitutions
* **Milk:** You can substitute whole milk with reduced-fat milk, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. However, keep in mind that using a lower-fat milk may result in a slightly less creamy cake. For a richer flavor, use evaporated milk.
* **Vegetable Oil:** You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter or coconut oil. Butter will add a richer flavor, while coconut oil will impart a subtle coconut flavor.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with another hard cheese, such as Pecorino Romano. You can also omit the cheese altogether, but it does add a unique flavor and texture.
* **Sugar:** Use brown sugar for a slightly more intense molasses taste. You can also use a sugar substitute like erythritol for a sugar-free alternative.
* **Coconut Milk:** Omit for a cake without coconut flavor, or substitute with an additional cup of regular milk.
Variations
* **Chocolate Bolo de Fubá Cremoso:** Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the batter.
* **Coconut Bolo de Fubá Cremoso:** Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the batter, in addition to the coconut milk.
* **Orange Bolo de Fubá Cremoso:** Add the zest of one orange to the batter.
* **Guava Bolo de Fubá Cremoso (Bolo de Fubá com Goiabada):** Cut small cubes of guava paste (goiabada) and scatter them over the batter before baking. The guava paste will melt slightly and create a delicious sticky topping.
* **Lemon Bolo de Fubá Cremoso:** Add the zest of one lemon to the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Bolo de Fubá Cremoso is a versatile cake that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **As a Dessert:** Serve it as a simple dessert after lunch or dinner.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** It’s a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.
* **For Breakfast or Brunch:** Enjoy it as a sweet treat for breakfast or brunch.
* **For Parties and Gatherings:** It’s a great cake to bring to parties and gatherings.
* **With Fruit:** Serve it with fresh berries or other fruits.
* **With Ice Cream:** Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* **Calories:** Approximately 300-350 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* **Fat:** 15-20g
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-40g
* **Protein:** 5-7g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*
Conclusion
Bolo de Fubá Cremoso is a delightful and easy-to-make Brazilian cake that’s sure to impress. Its creamy texture, simple ingredients, and versatile flavor make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll discover why it’s a beloved dessert in Brazil and beyond. Enjoy!