Pan-Fried Fresh Corn Cakes with Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light, sweet corn cakes made from fresh kernels and flour, topped with melted cheese and pan-fried to golden perfection. This latin american-inspired street food ready in about 30 minutes layers fresh corn kernels, all-purpose flour, salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 cups (250g) fresh corn kernels, 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; mix until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  3. Step 3: Drop the corn mixture by heaping tablespoons into the skillet and flatten slightly. Cook for 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook for 2 more minutes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Fresh Corn Cakes with Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Fresh Corn Cakes with Cheese?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Fresh Corn Cakes with Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Fried Fresh Corn Cakes with Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Fresh Corn Cakes with Cheese?

Latin American street food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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