Cowboy Smile Cakes

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Cuisine: American

Sweet and savory Cowboy Smile Cakes are fun, eye-catching treats with a golden crust and cheerful faces, perfect for breakfast or brunch, especially for kids and casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 c. Bisquick baking mix
  • 1/2 c. yellow cornmeal
  • 1 tsp. soda
  • 1 egg
  • 1 3/4 c. buttermilk

Instructions

  1. Beat all ingredients with rotary beater until smooth.
  2. Drizzle batter from teaspoon, forming eyes and mouth on the griddle.
  3. Bake until brown, then pour 1/2 cup batter over face and bake until bubbles appear.
  4. Turn the cakes and bake the other side until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter batter, consider sifting the Bisquick baking mix and cornmeal together before mixing. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To add a twist, try incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a bit of warmth. Ensure your griddle is well-preheated for even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These whimsical cakes make for a fun breakfast or snack, especially for kids. Serve them with a side of fresh fruit or a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness. They also pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside the Lazy Days Of Summer Peach Cobbler for a delightful dessert spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Cowboy Smile Cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or microwave until warmed through. For best results, crisp them up in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side before serving again.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Cowboy Smile Cakes contains roughly 563 calories, with 14g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

563 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.6g 27% DV
Total Fat 8.7g 11% DV
Carbs 110.7g 40% DV
Fiber 7.7g 28% DV
Sugar 5.1g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 220.5mg 10% DV
Potassium 588.2mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 87.5mg 29% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 73.4mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Vitamin D 1.2mcg 6% DV
Calcium 179.2mg 14% DV
Iron 4.3mg 24% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before cooking. Alternatively, you can cook the cakes in advance and reheat them in a skillet or toaster oven for a quick breakfast.

What can I use instead of cornmeal?

If you don’t have cornmeal on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour or ground oats for a similar texture. However, the flavor will be slightly different, so consider adding a touch of sweetener or vanilla extract to enhance the taste.

How thick should the batter be?

The batter should be pourable but not too runny. It should coat the back of a spoon without running off too quickly. If it's too thick, you can add a bit more buttermilk to reach your desired consistency for creating the smiley faces.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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