On our National Parks holiday in the summer I ended up eating polenta quite a few times, as often it was the only veggie option on the menu. I have never tried it before but I really enjoyed it, so a few weeks ago I bought some to try. Then I realised that it might be a bit complicated, plus I found a recipe in The Clandestine Cake Club book for lemon polenta cake that I wanted to try out. I mean, making a cake must be easier, right?
It was a pretty standard cake recipe (I have found a similar one here if you are tempted), but instead of flour it used a mixture of ground almonds and polenta(this also makes it gluten free)- I didn’t have quite enough ground almonds, so used a bit more polenta so the overall weight was the same.
I was asked to try some Clover Immunity Support for the blog, so I used that in the cake. It is rich in Vitamin A and a source of Folic Acid, so it helps support a healthy immune system whilst its Vitamin E content also helps protect the body’s cells from oxidative stress.
The batter was so yellow!
It had to cool upside down (not sure why?) before being topped with a lemon syrup- basically lemon juice and a few tsp icing sugar all boiled up for a few minutes.
The syrup pooled on the cake instead of sinking in, but still had a lovely lemony taste.
Anyway, I should have halved the recipe as it made a huge cake, but luckily last Sunday we had people to help us eat it!
It was a really moist cake- I love lemon cake anyway, especially with ground almonds, but the polenta adds a bit of texture too.
So, I might try “real” (savoury) polenta another day, but for now I am content in using it in a cake.
Have you ever had polenta before? Any good recipes, point them my way! On holiday I had some lovely savoury polenta served with balsamic roasted veggies- I fancy recreating something like that at some point.
*I was sent compensation to cover the cost of the Clover spread, all opinions are my own.
Your cake sounds divine! Polenta seems like a very versatile ingredient as I’ve had polenta chips before and they were yummy. 🙂
They sound good- were they coated in polenta or made of it?
That cake looks absolutely delicious Maria! I often buy polenta cake when given the choice at a tea shop!
I have not noticed it as an option but will keep an eye out now 🙂
I’ve never cooked polenta, and I’ve only eaten it maybe once at a restaurant. Your cake looks lovely.
The savoury stuff I had was fab so will be looking for a recipe later 🙂
I don’t think I’ve ever tried polenta before. But polenta cake sounds right up my street!
The balsamic thing sounds really good though so I’ll be interested to see if you do any savoury recipes (as you know, I tend to be better at general cooking than baking!!)
If I find a good recipe I will let you know!
This has got to be my favourite cake my mum makes an awesome one!
Gluten free as well 🙂
I love my aunts lemon polenta cake – it has a wonderful crunch! That inspired me to buy some, I’ve been loving it for breakfast as will be coming up as a recipe on my blog this week!
I look forward to seeing what you create!
The cake sounds amazing and the added texture must have been nice. I have tried polenta before but hubby had made it and you could shave awl papered a house with it sadly so not the best of first experiences … he keep s threatening to try again but I’m not sure especially because I have no idea what its really supposed to taste like!
I made savoury once. It was a cheesey polenta recipe which you then fried…. no likey 🙁
I’ve tried someone elses polenta lemon cake before though and thought it was Nice.
That looks scrummy! I’ve only ever tried savoury polenta before but might have to give that a go! 🙂
I love polenta. It’s magnificent in cake certainly. My favourite way is actually for breakfast. Cook it as you would your porridge; milk, water, sugar. It’s so good and hugely filling!
That sounds really good, thanks 🙂