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Southern Hoe Cake

Southern Hoe Cake


  • Author: Marcus
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 hoe cakes 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Southern Hoe Cake is a classic pan-fried cornbread dish featuring a crispy exterior and a tender, fluffy inside. Enhanced with smoked turkey bacon for a savory smoky depth, this recipe combines simple, natural ingredients for a comforting and versatile treat perfect for any meal or snack.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup coarse-ground cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon natural baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup plant-based milk
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (natural) (optional)

Additional Flavorings

  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
  • 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Instructions

  1. Mix your dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, natural baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This blend creates the foundation for the signature fluffy yet crisp texture of the hoe cake.
  2. Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Stir in the plant-based milk and maple syrup (natural), if using. Gradually pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently blend until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep some lumps for tenderness.
  3. Cook the smoked turkey bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces to bring a rich smoky flavor to the dish.
  4. Combine and cook: Fold the chopped bacon and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) into the batter. Heat a lightly oiled cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of batter to form small, thick cakes. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through, developing a crispy crust without burning.
  5. Serve hot: Transfer the hoe cakes to a plate and serve warm. Garnish optionally with plant-based butter, natural honey, or fresh herbs. Enjoy with greens, vegetable stew, scrambled eggs, or as sliders with plant-based cheese.

Notes

  • Use coarse cornmeal to achieve the ideal crunchy texture with a soft center.
  • Do not overmix the batter to retain a tender crumb texture with some lumps.
  • Cook on medium heat to develop a crisp exterior without burning the cakes.
  • Oil the pan well to prevent sticking and tearing of the hoe cakes.
  • Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to hydrate the cornmeal and improve texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 hoe cake
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: Southern Hoe Cake, Cornbread, Smoked Turkey Bacon, Plant-based, Southern Cuisine, Comfort Food, Gluten Free