Venezuelan Sweet Corn Cachapas Recipe
If you’re craving something comfortingly sweet with a touch of savory goodness, then the Venezuelan Sweet Corn Cachapas Recipe might just become your new favorite treat. There’s something magical about these golden, pancake-like corn cakes — they’re soft, slightly sweet, and wonderfully rich when paired with melty cheese. I love making them on lazy weekend mornings or for brunch with friends because they bring such a cozy vibe to the table.
What makes this Venezuelan Sweet Corn Cachapas Recipe special is its simplicity combined with delightful textures and flavors. The batter uses canned sweet corn, which keeps things easy, yet the fresh mozzarella tucked inside gives this dish that irresistible creamy melt. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself making cachapas more often than you’d expect!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully, creating a batter that’s sweet and tender with just the right amount of structure. Here’s a bit about why each one matters and a shopping tip or two to help you pick the best.
- Canned Sweet Corn: I use canned corn for convenience, but fresh corn works if you have it — just give it a quick boil to soften before blending.
- Egg: Helps bind the batter and add a little richness to the final cachapas.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the pancakes structure while keeping them tender, so don’t swap it with anything too heavy.
- Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the corn and balances the flavors.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds a slight sweetness that makes these really stand out as a treat.
- Vegetable Oil: For pan-frying — a neutral oil that won’t interfere with the taste.
- Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese: This is my go-to filling because it melts beautifully and has a subtle creaminess; fresh mozzarella also works great.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps crisp up the outside when cooking your cachapas.
Variations
One of the fun things about this Venezuelan Sweet Corn Cachapas Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often switch up the cheese or add extras depending on the mood or season. Feel free to experiment — this is your kitchen adventure!
- Cheese Swap: Sometimes I use queso fresco or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Each cheese brings its own magic.
- Herbed Cachapas: Adding some finely chopped cilantro or green onions to the batter gives a fresh twist I enjoy when I want something a bit more savory.
- Gluten-Free Version: I’ve tried swapping all-purpose flour for chickpea flour to make it gluten-free; it works but the texture is a little denser.
How to Make Venezuelan Sweet Corn Cachapas Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Batter to Perfection
Start by dumping the canned sweet corn into your blender along with the egg, flour, salt, and sugar. I like blending it just until it’s mostly smooth but with tiny corn kernels still visible — that texture is the best! The batter should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or water. This step sets up the soft, sweet foundation for your cachapas.
Step 2: Heat Your Pan and Add Butter
Use a non-stick skillet over medium heat and melt a teaspoon of butter, adding a little vegetable oil to keep things crisp without burning. Butter lends a nutty flavor that’s hard to beat, and the oil helps make a golden crust. Make sure the pan is hot before pouring your batter — this ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
Step 3: Cook Your Cachapas Like Pancakes
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan, spreading gently into a circle around 5-6 inches wide. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges set and the bottom is golden brown — this is when I give it a peek to avoid burning. Flip carefully, and immediately lay slices of buffalo mozzarella on top so it starts melting while the other side cooks, another 3 minutes or so. They’re done when golden and slightly puffed.
How to Serve Venezuelan Sweet Corn Cachapas Recipe
Garnishes
I love to keep garnishes simple so the sweetness of the corn and creaminess of the cheese shine. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a tiny smear of sour cream on the side adds a fresh touch that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
For a full meal, pair cachapas with a crisp green salad or avocado slices — the creamy fat from avocado complements the sweet corn beautifully. These also make a lovely side for grilled meats or eggs if you’re aiming for brunch vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I made a cachapa stack, layering them with melted mozzarella and a drizzle of honey between each one for a sweet and savory dessert twist — it was a hit at a dinner party! Serving them folded like little tacos stuffed with cheese and fresh herbs also adds fun to the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually stack leftover cachapas between parchment paper and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This prevents sticking and keeps them nice for reheating without drying out.
Freezing
Freezing is possible! I freeze individual cachapas flat on a baking sheet, then move them to freezer bags once solid. When you want some, just thaw and reheat gently in a pan to avoid sogginess. It’s a great way to enjoy Venezuelan Sweet Corn Cachapas Recipe anytime without starting from scratch.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cachapas in a non-stick pan over medium heat with a tiny bit of butter or oil. This brings back that freshly cooked crispness while melting the cheese inside again. Avoid microwaving as it makes them a bit rubbery and less appetizing.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh corn instead of canned for Venezuelan Sweet Corn Cachapas Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh corn is fantastic if you have it. Just cut the kernels off the cob and blend them. You might want to boil the kernels briefly to soften them, especially if your blender isn’t super powerful. Fresh corn can make the cachapas even sweeter and more vibrant in flavor.
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What’s the best cheese to use for filling cachapas?
Buffalo mozzarella is my favorite because it melts perfectly and has a creamy texture that pairs amazingly with the sweet corn. Traditional Venezuelan queso de mano or queso fresco are also excellent choices, if you can find them. Avoid very hard cheeses as they don’t melt as well.
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Can I make cachapas vegan or dairy-free?
You can! To veganize, replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce and swap the butter and cheese for plant-based alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be a little different but still tasty. Experimenting with vegan cheeses designed for melting will boost results.
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How do I prevent the cachapas from sticking to the pan?
Make sure your pan is well-heated before adding the batter and use enough butter or oil to coat the surface. A good non-stick skillet is key here. Also, don’t try flipping too early — wait until the edges are firm and you can easily slide a spatula under.
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Are Venezuelan Sweet Corn Cachapas Recipe sweet or savory?
They’re a delightful combination — slightly sweet from the corn and sugar in the batter, but savory thanks to the cheese filling. That balance is what makes cachapas so comforting and unique.
Final Thoughts
This Venezuelan Sweet Corn Cachapas Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate every time I make it. It’s simple, satisfying, and feels special without needing any complicated steps. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do — don’t hesitate to get creative and add your own spin. Once you taste that first gooey, golden bite, you’ll understand why cachapas hold a place in my heart (and hopefully your kitchen too!).
Print
Venezuelan Sweet Corn Cachapas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 cachapas 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Venezuelan
Description
Venezuelan Sweet Corn Cachapas are delicious, thick corn pancakes made from a blend of sweet corn, eggs, flour, and sugar. Pan-fried to a golden perfection and traditionally filled with creamy buffalo mozzarella cheese and a touch of butter, these cachapas offer a sweet and savory flavor that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light meal.
Ingredients
Cachapa Batter
- 400 g canned sweet corn, drained
- 1 large egg
- 35 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For Pan-Frying
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Filling and Serving
- 250 g buffalo mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a blender or food processor, combine the drained sweet corn, egg, all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Blend until you achieve a thick, slightly chunky batter. The mixture should be smooth enough to spread but still have some texture from the corn.
- Heat the pan: Place a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat thoroughly but not smoke.
- Cook the cachapas: Pour a ladleful of the batter onto the hot pan, spreading it gently into a round pancake about 5-6 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until the edges look set and the bottom is golden brown.
- Flip and cook the other side: Carefully flip the cachapa using a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the other side is also golden and cooked through.
- Add butter and cheese: While the second side cooks, add a small pat of unsalted butter on top of the hot cachapa and place several slices of buffalo mozzarella cheese over it. Allow the cheese to soften and slightly melt.
- Serve warm: Once cooked, remove the cachapa from the pan and serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the butter is warm. Repeat these steps with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
Notes
- For a more authentic flavor, use fresh corn instead of canned if available.
- The batter should be thick but pourable; adjust the flour quantity if needed.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and to get a nice golden crust.
- Cachapas are best enjoyed fresh and warm with melting cheese inside.
- You can substitute buffalo mozzarella with other soft white cheeses like queso fresco or farmer’s cheese.