These Southern-Style Hoe Cakes Recipe are perfect if you love cornbread and pancakes! These little golden gems are a Southern favorite crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and packed with delicious cornmeal flavor.
Whether served with butter and syrup for breakfast, as a side with fried chicken, or drizzled with honey alongside collard greens, hoe cakes are versatile, easy to make, and incredibly addictive!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Crispy & Golden : Perfectly crisp edges with a soft, fluffy center.
✔ Easy to Make : One skillet, one bowl, and just 15 minutes!
✔ Rich & Buttery : Melted butter and buttermilk make them extra flavorful.
✔ Pairs with Everything : Enjoy them sweet or savory; they go with anything!
✔ Classic Southern Comfort Food : A staple across the South, these hoe cakes are a timeless delight.
Ingredients
For the Hoe Cakes:
- Cornmeal : The main ingredient that gives them a unique texture.
- All-Purpose Flour : Helps keep them light and fluffy.
- Baking Powder : Adds lift for the perfect texture.
- Salt : Enhances the flavor.
- Sugar (Optional) : Adds slight sweetness (omit for a savory version).
- Buttermilk (or Whole Milk) : Creates a rich, velvety texture.
- Large Egg : Helps bind everything together.
- Melted Butter or Bacon Fat : Adds richness and flavor.
- Water (As Needed) : Adjusts batter consistency.
- Vegetable Oil or Butter (For Frying) : Creates crispy edges.
Optional Toppings:
- Butter : Melts perfectly on top.
- Honey or Maple Syrup : A traditional sweet addition.
- Molasses : A classic Southern touch. 😉
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
How to Make Southern Hoe Cakes
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
1️⃣ Whisk Dry Ingredients : In a bowl, mix together:
✅ Cornmeal
✅ Flour
✅ Baking powder
✅ Salt
✅ Sugar (if using)
2️⃣ Mix the Wet Ingredients : In a separate bowl, whisk together:
✅ Egg
✅ Melted butter or bacon fat
✅ Buttermilk
3️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients : Gradually mix until the batter is smooth.
4️⃣ Adjust Consistency : If the batter is too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches a pourable pancake-like consistency.
Step 2: Cook the Hoe Cakes
5️⃣ Heat a Skillet : Place a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6️⃣ Add Butter or Oil : Let it fully heat before adding batter.
7️⃣ Cook the Hoe Cakes : Pour ¼ cup of batter per cake into the skillet.
8️⃣ Fry for 2-3 Minutes Per Side : Cook until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
9️⃣ Flip & Cook the Other Side : Until golden brown and cooked through.
🔟 Repeat : Fry the remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy!
1️⃣1️⃣ Serve Warm with your favorite toppings.
🥞 Sweet Pairings: Butter & honey, maple syrup, or molasses.
🍗 Savory Side Dish: Perfect with fried chicken or collard greens.
🍳 Breakfast Favorite: Serve with eggs, bacon, or sausage.
🥓 Soak Up Gravy: Great for sopping up sausage gravy!
😉 Enjoy these golden, crispy hoe cakes straight off the griddle!
Pro Tips for Perfect Hoe Cakes
✔ Use Buttermilk : It creates a softer texture and richer flavor.
✔ For Extra Crispy Edges : Fry in bacon fat or butter in a cast iron skillet.
✔ Don’t Overmix : Stir just until combined to keep them light and fluffy.
✔ Want a Spicy Kick? Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
✔ Prefer a Crunchier Texture? Use stone-ground cornmeal.
How to Serve
Hoe cakes are incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
🍳 Breakfast: Served with eggs, bacon, and syrup.
🍗 Southern Comfort Meal: Pairs beautifully with fried chicken.
🥬 With Greens & Beans: Great for soaking up juices from collard greens.
🍛 Cornbread Alternative: Serve with chili or gumbo!
🍓 Sweet Variation: Top with fresh fruit & whipped cream.
Make Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Skillet: Reheat in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side to crisp them up.
- Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 30 seconds, though they won’t be as crispy.
Freezing
- Freeze in a Single Layer: Place hoe cakes on a baking sheet and freeze.
- Transfer to a Ziplock Bag: Once frozen, store for up to 2 months.
- Reheat from Frozen: Warm in the oven or skillet straight from the freezer.
For more creative ways to serve Southern favorites, check out our Classic Cornbread Recipes.
FAQs
1. Can I make hoe cakes without flour?
Yes! They will be denser and crispier but still delicious.
2. Can I use self-rising cornmeal?
Yes! Skip the baking powder and salt if using self-rising cornmeal.
3. What makes hoe cakes different from cornbread?
While cornbread is baked, hoe cakes are fried like pancakes. They have a similar flavor but a different texture.
4. Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?
Yes! But buttermilk makes them extra tender. You can make homemade buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk.
Conclusion
Whether you serve them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these Southern-Style Hoe Cakes bring the flavor of the South right to your table. Crisp, buttery, and full of comforting cornmeal goodness!
🔥 Get your skillet ready and enjoy these golden, crispy bites of heaven! 🌽🥞😋
Hoe Cakes
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet or Griddle
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
Batter
- 1 cup cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar optional
- 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter or bacon grease
- ¼ cup water as needed for consistency
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter for frying
For Serving (Optional)
- butter
- honey or maple syrup
- molasses
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then mix in buttermilk and melted butter.
- Gradually combine wet ingredients with dry, stirring until smooth. If the batter is too thick, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until pourable.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium heat and add vegetable oil or butter.
- Spoon ¼ cup of batter into the skillet for each cake, spreading slightly into a round shape.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the edges. Flip and cook the other side until done.
- Repeat with remaining batter, adding more oil as needed.
- Serve hot with butter, honey, or molasses for a true Southern experience!