If you came here from my previous post, you probably remember the two cakes I made for my birthday—simple recipes that turned a casual lunch into a warm and memorable afternoon coffee moment.
This was the second cake… and it brought a completely different kind of charm to the table.
Soft, slightly rustic, and full of comforting flavors, this cornmeal cake paired beautifully with coffee. And the guava topping? That’s what made it truly special.
Now, here’s the full recipe so you can experience it too.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
This cake has a unique personality. It’s:
- Soft with a lightly rustic texture
- Made with simple, everyday ingredients
- Infused with a subtle, aromatic touch (thanks to fennel seeds)
- Finished with a sweet, creamy guava topping
- Perfect for a cozy afternoon coffee
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds (optional, for flavor)
- 1 cup guava paste, diced
For the pan:
- Butter and flour for greasing
Instructions
1. Prepare the batter
In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, oil, sugar, salt, baking powder, egg, and milk. Mix well using a spoon or whisk until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
2. Add the filling
Gently fold in the fennel seeds and diced guava paste, mixing evenly throughout the batter.
3. Bake
Grease and flour a small round pan (preferably with a center hole). Pour in the batter and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 30 minutes.
Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes.
4. Unmold
Let the cake cool slightly, then carefully loosen the edges with a knife. Invert onto a plate to remove from the pan.
Creamy Guava Topping
This step adds extra moisture and enhances the flavor, making the cake even more special.
You’ll need:
- 350 g guava paste, cut into cubes
- 150 ml water
Instructions
In a saucepan, add the water and guava paste cubes.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the guava paste melts completely and blends with the water, forming a smooth, thick sauce.
As it cools, the mixture will naturally thicken.
Pour the guava topping over the cake while it’s still warm, but already slightly thickened for the perfect consistency.
Tip
If it gets too thick, just add a splash of water and stir again over low heat until smooth.
Adding Mini Roses for an Elegant Finish
To finish the cake, I used delicate mini roses to create a simple yet elegant decoration.
Once the guava topping had cooled slightly and reached a thicker consistency, I carefully trimmed the stems and gently placed the roses on top of the cake. I arranged them slightly off-center to give a more natural, effortless look, allowing the flowers to stand out without overwhelming the cake.
This small detail made a huge difference—it instantly elevated the presentation and gave the cake a beautiful, celebration-ready feel.
A Cake Full of Comfort
This is the kind of cake that feels like home.
It’s simple, cozy, and full of flavor—perfect for slow afternoons, meaningful conversations, and a fresh cup of coffee.
It balanced the richness of the chocolate cake perfectly on my birthday table… and honestly, it surprised everyone in the best way.
