Introduction
Polenta cake is a simple yet elegant dessert with deep Italian roots. It’s made with cornmeal (polenta), which gives it a unique golden color and slightly crumbly texture. Because it doesn’t use wheat flour, this cake is naturally gluten-free—perfect for those avoiding gluten.
This rustic treat fits any occasion. You can serve it at a family brunch, enjoy it with afternoon tea, or dress it up for a dinner party. It’s moist, rich, and full of citrus flavor, often thanks to lemon or orange zest. The use of almond flour and olive oil (or butter) makes it soft and satisfying with every bite.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need to make the perfect polenta cake. From the ingredients to helpful baking tips, we’ve got you covered. Ready to get started? Let’s bake a moist and flavorful polenta cake that everyone will love.
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Why You’ll Love This Polenta Cake
Moist and Tender Crumb
Polenta and almond flour give this cake a soft, rich texture. It’s moist, slightly crumbly, and melts in your mouth.
Subtle Citrus Flavor
Lemon or orange zest adds a fresh, zesty note. It balances the sweetness and lifts the flavor beautifully.
Naturally Gluten-Free
This polenta cake is 100% gluten-free. It’s a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivity or those who enjoy lighter, flourless desserts.
Simple Pantry Ingredients
You don’t need anything fancy. Just polenta, almond flour, eggs, citrus, sugar, and oil or butter. You probably already have most of these at home.
Perfect Anytime Treat
Serve it for breakfast with tea, enjoy it as a light dessert, or bring it to a brunch. This cake fits every occasion.
Key Ingredients for a Moist Polenta Cake
Polenta (or Fine Cornmeal)
Polenta adds texture and gives the cake its golden color. Use fine cornmeal for a smoother bite.
Almond Flour
Almond flour keeps the polenta cake moist and tender. It also adds a light nutty flavor.
Lemon or Orange Zest
Citrus zest brings a bright, fresh taste. It cuts through the richness and makes every slice pop with flavor.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Butter
Both choices work well. Olive oil gives a fruity finish, while butter makes the cake soft and rich.
Eggs and Sugar
These basics hold the cake together. Eggs add structure, and sugar gives the perfect amount of sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking the Cake
Preheat Oven and Prepare Your Cake Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. This helps the cake release easily.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together polenta, almond flour, and baking powder. Make sure there are no lumps.
Whisk Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light. Then add olive oil (or melted butter) and your citrus zest. Mix until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures Gradually
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients slowly. Stir gently until everything is well combined. Don’t overmix.
Bake Until Golden
Pour the batter into the pan. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top turns golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Tips for Success and Variations
Use Finely Ground Polenta
Choose fine polenta or cornmeal for a softer, smoother cake texture. It blends better with almond flour and gives a lighter bite.
Substitute Orange Zest for Lemon
Switch lemon zest with orange if you want a deeper, warmer citrus flavor. It adds a sweet and fragrant twist to your polenta cake.
Add a Glaze or Syrup
Drizzle the baked cake with lemon syrup or citrus glaze. This boosts moisture and gives it a glossy, irresistible finish.
Serve with Whipped Cream or Greek Yogurt
Top slices with freshly whipped cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt. It balances the sweetness and makes it feel like a special treat.
Make It Dairy-Free
Skip the butter and use extra virgin olive oil instead. It keeps the cake moist and makes it perfect for dairy-free diets.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
Serve Warm or at Room Temperature
Enjoy your polenta cake while it’s warm or let it cool to room temperature. Both ways bring out its moist and flavorful texture.
Pair with Coffee or Tea
This cake pairs perfectly with a warm drink. Enjoy it with a cup of espresso, black tea, or a soothing herbal blend for a cozy and satisfying treat.
Store in an Airtight Container
Keep leftovers fresh by storing the cake in an airtight container. It stays moist for up to 4 days at room temperature.
Freeze Individual Slices
Cut the cake into slices and wrap them well. Store in the freezer for quick, ready-to-serve portions later.
Reheat Slightly Before Serving
Warm up the cake in the microwave or oven for a soft, just-baked feel. This brings back its rich, fresh-baked flavor.
Moist and Crumbly Polenta Cake – Gluten-Free
Moist and Crumbly Polenta Cake – Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a small round pan (6–7 inches) and line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix polenta, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until light. Add oil and lemon zest. Mix well.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir just until smooth.
- Pour batter into pan.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool, then dust with powdered sugar.
- Slice and serve!
FAQs about Polenta Cake
1. What is polenta cake made of?
Polenta cake is made with cornmeal (polenta), almond flour, eggs, sugar, citrus zest, and either butter or olive oil. It’s naturally gluten-free and has a moist, slightly crumbly texture.
2. Is polenta cake gluten-free?
Yes, most polenta cakes are naturally gluten-free since they use polenta and almond flour instead of wheat flour.
3. Can I use cornmeal instead of polenta?
Yes. Fine cornmeal works just like polenta in this cake recipe. It gives the same texture and golden color.
4. What does polenta cake taste like?
It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor with a soft, moist texture. The citrus zest adds a fresh and zesty touch.
5. Can I make this polenta cake dairy-free?
Yes. Use olive oil instead of butter and serve it without cream-based toppings to keep it completely dairy-free.
Conclusion
This moist polenta cake is simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. You only need a few basic ingredients, but the result looks and tastes impressive.
You can enjoy it as-is or get creative. Try different citrus zests or add a sweet glaze on top. Make it your own version of the perfect polenta cake.
Give it a try and see how easy it is to bake something special. Don’t forget to share your results in the comments below. We’d love to hear your favorite twist!
And if you enjoy gluten-free desserts, check out more cake recipes on our blog. There’s always something sweet waiting for you.
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