CORNMEAL AND ROSEMARY CAKE WITH BALSAMIC SYRUP

Cornmeal and Rosemary Cake with Balsamic Syrup image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Categories dessert

Time 55m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup fine yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup cake flour
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
4 large egg yolks
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 small sprig fresh rosemary

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
For the cake: Butter and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, cake flour, minced rosemary, baking powder, and salt.
Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, on low speed beat the butter and vanilla together until combined. Slowly add the powdered sugar. Once the sugar is incorporated increase the speed to high and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg yolks and eggs, 1 at a time. Reduce the speed to medium and add the sour cream. On low speed add the dry ingredients just until incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the lower third of the oven until the cake is golden and pulls away from the sides of the pan, about 35 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool. Transfer the cake from the pan to a serving plate and dust with powdered sugar.
For the Balsamic Syrup: Place the sugar, balsamic vinegar, and rosemary in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer until the sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. Discard the rosemary sprig and let the syrup cool.
To serve, place a slice of cake on a serving plate; spoon some syrup around the plate.