Ingredients

  • Cooking spray, for the pan
  • 1 8 .5-ounce package corn muffin mix
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped strawberries
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat a 6-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
  • Prepare the corn muffin batter as the label directs, then stir in the flour, lemon zest and vanilla.
  • Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
  • Bake until the edges are set and the centers are soft but not wet, 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, toss the strawberries and strawberry preserves in a bowl and set aside.
  • Remove the corn cakes from the oven.
  • Gently press the back of a teaspoon into the center of each to make an indentation about one-third of the way into the cake.
  • Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the strawberry mixture into each indentation, pressing to tightly fill.
  • (Reserve the remaining berry mixture for topping.)
  • Return the cakes to the oven and continue baking until just golden, about 5 more minutes.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pan on a rack, 5 minutes, then remove from the pan and let cool 10 more minutes.
  • Meanwhile, beat the cream and confectioners' sugar with a mixer until soft peaks form.
  • Top the cakes with the remaining berry mixture and serve with the whipped cream.
  • Per serving: Calories 330; Fat 17 g (Saturated 10 g); Cholesterol 57 mg; Sodium 298 mg; Carbohydrate 42 g; Fiber 1 g; Protein 4 g
  • Photograph by Antonis Achilleos