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Sweet Corn Cakes (Tomalitos) balls in a bowl.
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5 from 13 votes

Sweet Corn Tomalitos (Corn Cake)

Sweet Corn Cakes, aka Tomalitos, are a sweet yet savory side to any Mexican feast. Creamy, bursting with flavor and easy to make!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Resting Time10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican/Spanish
Keyword: corn cake, Side, Side Dish
Servings: 6
Calories: 244kcal
Author: Erica Walker

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup butter, softened
  • ¼ cup water
  • ⅓ plus ¼ cup cornmeal, divided
  • 1 ½ cups frozen whole-kernel corn, thawed
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a water bath by filling a 9x13-inch baking dish one-third of the way with water. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, beat butter with a hand mixer until creamy. Add water and ⅓ cup cornmeal until well blended.
    Bowl of blended corn meal and butter. Whisks on the side.
  • Using a food processor, process thawed corn, but leave it chunky. Stir into the butter mixture. Set aside.
    Blender with blended corn.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup cornmeal, sugar, cream, salt, and baking powder. Add to the cornmeal mixture and stir to combine.
    Bowl with corn meal mixture and blended corn.
  • Pour batter into an ungreased 8x8-inch baking dish, casserole dish, or 6 custard cups if you want individual servings.
    Casserole dish with Sweet Corn Cakes Tomalitos batter.
  • Smooth the batter and cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place pan in prepared water bath.
    Casserole dish covered in foil in a baking pan of water.
  • Bake for 50-60 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
    Baked Sweet Corn Cakes (Tomalitos) in a casserole dish.

Notes

  • You can bake the tomalitos in 6 (10-ounce) custard cups instead of a baking dish if you want to create cute individual servings. 
  • The water bath helps the corn cake maintain moisture. 

Nutrition

Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 168mg | Potassium: 167mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 410IU | Vitamin C: 2.1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.9mg