Is this the same as savoury polenta?

No — it's sweetened, enriched with eggs and lemon, and baked as a dessert.

The corn meal is, but the breadcrumb coating isn't — use gluten-free crumbs to keep it so.

Why cool before adding eggs?

So the hot polenta doesn't scramble the yolks.

Berries or poached pears are a lovely accompaniment.

How thick should the polenta be?

Very thick — it should hold a spoon upright before the eggs go in.

Sweet Polenta Cake

Name: Sweet Polenta Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients: 3 cups milk (750 ml); 1/2 cup sugar (125 g); 1 cup corn meal (yellow (155 g)); 1 egg; 4 egg yolks; 4 tbsp butter (softened (60 g)); 2 lemons (grated rind); 2 tbsp fine dry breadcrumbs; powdered icing sugar (to decorate)

A baked sweet polenta: corn meal cooked in sweetened milk, enriched with eggs, butter and lemon, baked on a breadcrumb crust and dusted with sugar.

Yield Serves 8

Total Time about 1 hour

Main Ingredients Corn Meal

Category Desserts

Prep: 15 minutes · Cook: 50 minutes

View Products Used Explore More Desserts

What Is Sweet Polenta Cake?

A baked sweet polenta cake: corn meal cooked thick in sweetened milk, enriched with whole egg, yolks, butter and lemon, then baked on a breadcrumb-dusted base and finished with icing sugar.

Why Make Sweet Polenta Cake?

A rustic, naturally gluten-free cake
Corn Meal gives a pleasant, golden grit
Lemon keeps the rich custard bright
An unusual dessert that uses a pantry staple
Simple icing-sugar finish, no frosting needed

Unico Products Used in This Recipe

Unico Corn Meal

Sweet Polenta Cake — Shopping List (8 servings)

Ingredients

3 cups milk (750 ml)
1/2 cup sugar (125 g)
1 cup corn meal (yellow (155 g))
1 egg
4 egg yolks
4 tbsp butter (softened (60 g))
2 lemons (grated rind)
2 tbsp fine dry breadcrumbs
powdered icing sugar (to decorate)

Adjust servings 8

Instructions

Bring the milk and sugar to a boil in a saucepan, then gradually pour in the corn meal, stirring constantly.
Simmer, stirring, until very thick, about 30 minutes.
Let cool to lukewarm, then beat in the whole egg, egg yolks, butter and lemon rind.
Preheat the oven to 350F (180C); butter a 9-inch cake pan and sprinkle with the breadcrumbs.
Spread the polenta in the pan and bake 20 minutes.
Dust with powdered icing sugar and serve immediately.

Cooking Tips

Stir constantly as the corn meal goes in to avoid lumps
Cook it really thick before adding the eggs
Cool to lukewarm so the eggs don't scramble
The breadcrumb coating helps it release and adds texture
Serve warm, dusted just before it goes to the table

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Polenta Cake

1. Is this the same as savoury polenta?

No — it's sweetened, enriched with eggs and lemon, and baked as a dessert.
2. Is it gluten-free?

The corn meal is, but the breadcrumb coating isn't — use gluten-free crumbs to keep it so.
3. Why cool before adding eggs?

So the hot polenta doesn't scramble the yolks.
4. Can I add fruit?

Berries or poached pears are a lovely accompaniment.
5. How thick should the polenta be?

Very thick — it should hold a spoon upright before the eggs go in.

Cooking Guides & Tips

Polenta 101: How to Cook Cornmeal How to cook polenta from cornmeal — creamy soft polenta or firm grilled polenta — with ratios, timing and tips.
Holiday Italian Desserts: Tiramisu, Cassata and More Classic Italian holiday desserts — tiramisu, cassata, polenta cake and more — and the pantry staples behind them.