Bolo de Fubá com Erva-DoceCornmeal Cake with Fennel
An aromatic variation that performs well on Pinterest as an aesthetic tea-time pairing.
This variant of cornmeal cake incorporates aromatic anise/fennel seeds (erva-doce) into a blender-mixed batter. Infusing essential oils from the seeds during baking offsets the sweetness of the cornmeal, giving this traditional tea-time cake its signature herbal note.
Ingredients
- 200 g Fubá Mimoso — Fine Yellow Cornmeal
- 100 g All-Purpose Wheat Flour — Standard Pastry Flour
- 250 g Granulated Sugar — Fine White Sucrose
- 120 ml Neutral Vegetable Oil — Refined Soy or Canola Oil
- 240 ml Whole Milk — Liquid Hydration Base
- 150 g (3 large) Whole Eggs — Fresh Eggs
- 6 g Anise / Fennel Seeds — Whole Erva-Doce Seeds
- 12 g Chemical Baking Powder — Double-Acting Leavener
- 2 g Fine Sea Salt — Flavor Conditioner
Method
- Grease a 22Grease a 22 cm tube pan with butter and dust with fine cornmeal
- In a blenderIn a blender, combine eggs, sugar, milk, vegetable oil, and salt
- Process on highProcess on high speed for 2 minutes to emulsify
- Pour liquid intoPour liquid into a bowl containing sifted cornmeal and wheat flour
- Whisk gently byWhisk gently by hand until smooth
- Fold in anise/fennelFold in anise/fennel seeds and baking powder using a rubber spatula
- Pour into preparedPour into prepared pan and bake at 180°C for 40 minutes
Questions
How long does Bolo de Fubá com Erva-Doce take?
About 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking — 55 minutes total, yielding 10 slices.
How much fennel should I use?
A teaspoon of ground fennel seed or a tablespoon of the fresh herb for a standard cake — enough to perfume, not to take over. Fennel is a scent in this cake, not a flavor front.
Can I make it in a bundt pan?
Yes — a greased and floured bundt works well; add about 10 minutes to the bake and test with a skewer. The crust it gives suits this rustic cake.