Upside-down Berry Cornmeal Cake

Oh yes, you read that right...it says cornmeal cake. We know it sounds weird, but as we've all been shown at one time or another, it's usually the things that sound weird that taste the best! Do you think that's because the flavors are unexpected? We sure do. We first tried this recipe last summer, when we were spending one of many Sunday nights cooking out and looking for something different to try. I had seen in it BHG and thought it had possibilities...and when I showed it to Sheri, she raised an eyebrow at me and said, "Really...cornmeal in a cake? Hmmmm." Always up for trying something new, we dove right in. And we were not disappointed. Not in the least!

Trust us, folks...this is something worth trying. It's simple, yet elegant enough to serve to guests or take to a cookout. Everyone will be asking for the recipe, and you will be the star of the show!

Upside-down Berry Cornmeal Cake

2 - 2 1/2 c. fresh blueberries, raspberries, and/or blackberries
1 1/3 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. cornmeal
1 Tbsp finely snipped fresh basil
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 c. sugar
2/3 c. milk
1/3 c. canola oil
fresh basil and/or mint (opt)

Preheat oven to 350*F. Grease 8" round cake pan, line bottom with parchment paper, grease. Arrange with 1-1/2 c. mixed berries in bottom of the pan; set aside. In bowl, stir together flour, cornmeal, basil, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, milk, and oil. Add egg mixture all at once to flour mixture. Stir until combined; pour over berries. Spread evenly. Bake 40-45 minutes or until pick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in cake pan 5 minutes. Run knife around edge of pan to loosen sides. Invert. Remove parchment paper. Top with remaining berries, basil and mint.

*For extra sweetness, whisk together 1/3 c. powdered sugar, 2 tsp milk, and 1 tsp lemon juice. Lightly brush on warm cake.


We did that last step, and it does not add a whole lot of sweetness, which is good. This cake is quite light and doesn't need it. Hope you all enjoy it...we certainly did!