Hoecakes are a timeless Southern staple, made with simple ingredients and cooked to golden perfection in a cast-iron skillet. These crispy-edged, tender-centered cornmeal cakes are perfect alongside savory dishes or drizzled with a touch of honey for a hint of sweetness. Whether served for breakfast, as a side, or as a nostalgic snack, these hoecakes bring comfort and tradition to any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Golden – Cooked in a hot skillet for that signature crispy edge.
- Classic Southern Comfort – A beloved traditional recipe passed down through generations.
- Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples for an easy, budget-friendly dish.
- Versatile – Enjoy with butter, syrup, or alongside savory meals.
- Freezer-Friendly – Make extra and store for a quick and delicious treat later.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups stone-ground cornmeal (white or yellow)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg, whisked
- ¼ cup bacon drippings or vegetable oil
Directions
- Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
- Add the Wet Ingredients – Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk and whisked egg. Stir gently until just combined. Some lumps are fine.
- Let the Batter Rest – Allow the batter to sit for about 10 minutes to let the cornmeal absorb moisture.
- Heat the Skillet – Place a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add bacon drippings or oil.
- Cook the Hoecakes – Once the skillet is hot, spoon about ¼ cup of batter per hoecake into the pan.
- Flip When Ready – Cook until the edges look dry and bubbles appear on the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Flip carefully and cook for another minute or two until golden brown.
- Keep Warm and Serve – Place cooked hoecakes in a napkin-lined basket while cooking the rest. Serve warm with butter, syrup, or your favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Sweet Hoecakes – Add a handful of blueberries or mashed banana for a fruity twist.
- Savory Hoecakes – Stir in chopped green onions, shredded cheese, or cooked crumbled bacon.
- Dairy-Free Option – Substitute buttermilk with non-dairy milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
- Crispier Texture – Use extra bacon drippings in the skillet for an even crunchier edge.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Keep leftover hoecakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Warm in a toaster or skillet over low heat until crisp.
- Freezing – Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
FAQs
What is the difference between hoecakes and cornbread?
Hoecakes are pan-fried and have a crispy exterior, while cornbread is baked and typically fluffier.
Can I make hoecakes without buttermilk?
Yes, mix 2 cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Why are my hoecakes falling apart?
Too much liquid or not enough binding ingredients like flour and egg can cause them to break. Make sure your batter is thick but pourable.
Can I make these in a non-stick skillet?
Yes, but a cast-iron skillet provides the best crispy texture.
What toppings go well with hoecakes?
Butter, honey, syrup, jam, or even savory options like pulled pork or chili.
How do I know when to flip my hoecakes?
Look for dry edges and small bubbles forming on the surface before flipping.
Can I make mini hoecakes?
Yes, use a tablespoon of batter per cake for bite-sized versions.
Are hoecakes the same as pancakes?
No, hoecakes are made with cornmeal and have a different texture compared to flour-based pancakes.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best used fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.
Can I make hoecakes gluten-free?
Yes, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Famous Hoecakes are a simple, comforting, and crispy Southern classic that’s easy to make and perfect for any meal. Whether served sweet or savory, these golden cornmeal cakes bring a taste of tradition to the table. Try them today and enjoy a bite of nostalgia!
Print
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Famous Hoecakes are crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and full of down-home Southern flavor. Made with stone-ground cornmeal, buttermilk, and a touch of bacon drippings, these golden corn cakes are perfect with butter, honey, or syrup. Enjoy them as a hearty breakfast, a side dish, or a nostalgic treat straight from Grandma’s kitchen!
Ingredients
- 2 cups stone-ground cornmeal (white or yellow)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for tenderness)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups buttermilk (or substitute, see notes)
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 1/4 cup bacon drippings or vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
- Make a well in the center and pour in the buttermilk and whisked egg. Stir gently until just combined (some lumps are okay!).
- Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to allow the cornmeal to absorb moisture.
2. Cook the Hoecakes:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and grease with bacon drippings or oil.
- Once hot, pour ¼ cup of batter per hoecake into the skillet.
- Cook until edges look dry and bubbles form on the surface (about 2-3 minutes).
- Flip carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Serve & Enjoy:
- Transfer to a napkin-lined basket to keep warm. Serve with butter, honey, or maple syrup!
Notes
- Make It Sweet: Stir in blueberries or mashed banana for a touch of natural sweetness.
- No Buttermilk? Use regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Crispier Hoecakes? Cook in bacon grease for extra flavor and crunch.
- Freezing & Reheating: Freeze in a single layer, then warm in the toaster or oven for a quick snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, Comfort Food
