Cornmeal Pancakes with Sweet Corn Recipe | Foodal (2024)

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Whenever I have some time to spare in the morning, especially on the weekend, I like to pamper myself by having a long and luxurious brunch. For me, that usually means pancakes will be on the menu.

It doesn’t really matter what kind I make, but I do like to vary the recipe according to the season and the produce that’s available.

Today’s recipe pays tribute to summer – and we’ll be cooking with fresh corn to honor this beautiful season!

Using cornmeal and flour as the base for the batter, I add egg, milk, lemon juice, vanilla, and sugar. Then, I add fresh corn right out of the garden for a bit of crunchiness and contrast in texture.

These pancakes need to be cooked over low heat and require a bit of patience. But when you’ve got a plate full of these, drizzled with honey or your favorite fruit syrup and topped with more fresh corn, you’ll know it was all worth it!

For those who prefer something savory to a sweet item in the morning (or even if you’re serving up breakfast for dinner) simply skip the vanilla, and stir in a fistful or two of shredded sharp cheddar. It’s great melted on top as well, and these hotcakes make a great companion to bacon, sausage, or a homemade tofu scramble.

To make a dairy-free version, substitute your favorite soy, almond, coconut, or other type of non-dairy milk for the regular milk in this recipe.

If you ask me, though, I prefer to go the sweet route. It highlights the flavor of the sweet yellow kernels so perfectly!

Can’t wait to eat these right now? Let’s head straight to the recipe!

The Recipe

Nutritional Information*

Cooking by the Numbers…

Step 1 – Get the Mise en Place Ready

Measure the coconut oil, salt, milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, sugar, flour, cornmeal, and baking powder. Set aside the egg and the fresh ear of corn.

If your coconut oil is solid at room temperature, melt it in the microwave, in 30-second intervals.

Husk the corn if you haven’t already, remove the silk, and cut the kernels off the cob.

Step 2 – Sauté the Kernels

Place the kernels in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté them until they are just cooked. They should also have turned turn a bright yellow.

Transfer them to a bowl and set aside.

Use a paper towel to wipe the skillet clean.

While I love cooking the kernels in the saute pan, you can choose your favorite method for prepping corn to get them soft and tender, like boiling or using the electric pressure cooker.

Step 3 – Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, egg, milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine.

In another bowl, mix the sugar, flour, cornmeal, and baking powder together.

Sift the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients and whisk very well until you get a hom*ogenous batter that is thin enough to be pourable, but not too liquid either.

If the mixture is too thick, you can add milk one tablespoon at a time, stirring between additions until you achieve the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add one teaspoon of flour at a time.

Set aside about 2 tablespoons of the cooked corn kernels. Add the rest to the batter and mix well until they are evenly distributed.

Step 4 – Cook the Pancakes

Place the skillet over medium-low heat, and brush the surface with coconut oil. Ladle about ¼ cup of batter onto the center of the skillet and swirl gently to create a circle.

Let the batter cook for about 2 minutes, until you start to see bubbles forming on the surface, the top is no longer shiny, and the edges have turned golden brown.

Gently flip the pancake over and then cook it for another minute until the bottom has also turned golden brown.

The key here is patience, as pancakes need to take their time to cook. Don’t rush, even if you’re tempted to flip them over as soon as possible. It’ll be worth the wait.

Repeat until all of the batter has been used up.

Step 5 – Drizzle, Top, and Serve!

Divide the pancakes evenly between two plates, drizzle them with honey, and top them with the remaining sweet corn.

Start Your Day with These Delightful Pancakes

When fresh corn is available in abundance, these pancakes are the perfect way to take advantage of them!

This recipe is simple, perfect for a relaxing morning at home, and it makes for an amazing breakfast or brunch. I hope you will try it at your house today.

If you want a new spin on the classic pancake, try our recipe for a vanilla Dutch baby!