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Every office has traditions.

Some people bring donuts. Some order pizza. Around here, we turn cornbread into birthday celebrations.

For Jon’s birthday this year, we decided to do things a little differently. Instead of a traditional cake, we reached for two boxes sitting on our shelves: our Cornbread Mix and a classic yellow cake mix. What happened next was equal parts experimentation and celebration.

The result? A golden, tender, slightly savory-sweet layer cake that somehow tastes nostalgic and brand new at the same time. It’s soft like cake, sturdy like cornbread, and finished with a salted honey butter buttercream that absolutely understood the assignment.

Oh, and while you're here...

Birthday Giveaway

Since Jon’s favorite soup already has his name on it, we figured his birthday was the perfect excuse to share the love.

We’re giving away:

• Jonny’s Favorite Southwestern Chickpea Soup

• Appalachian Trail Cornbread Mix (so you can try this cake yourself)

Enter the Birthday Giveaway here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/M9VMHWn/jonsbday

The giveaway runs for a few days only, so don’t wait. Birthdays may come and go, but a chance for free soup and cornbread should never be ignored.

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Jon’s Birthday Cornbread Cake

A yellow cake + cornbread mashup with salted honey buttercream

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 box yellow cake mix

• 1 box Appalachian Trail Cornbread Mix

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup buttermilk (8 oz.)

• 3 tablespoons buttesr

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For the Salted Honey Butter Buttercream

• 2 cups salted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup pure raw honey

• 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Divide butter into two 9-inch round cake pans. Put pans in oven just long enough to melt the butter.
Remove pans and swirl butter around to coat bottoms and sides. Set aside.

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Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl:

1. Combine the yellow cake mix and cornbread mix together while dry. Whisk to evenly distribute.

In a separate bowl:

2. Whisk together:

   • 2 eggs

   • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

   • 1 cup buttermilk

   • The remainder of melted butter into batter (let cool slightly)

3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.
   Mix on low until incorporated, then beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.

Batter will be slightly thicker than standard cake batter but smoother than traditional cornbread.

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Step 3: Bake

Divide batter evenly between the two prepared 9-inch pans.

Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Check with a toothpick inserted in the center.
If it does not come out clean, continue baking in 3–5 minute increments.

Total baking time: approximately 25 minutes.

Remove from oven and cool in pans for 15 minutes.
Turn out onto wire racks and cool completely before frosting.

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Salted Honey Butter Buttercream

1. Beat softened butter until light and fluffy.

2. Add honey and beat until incorporated.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cornstarch, and salt.

4. Gradually add dry mixture to butter mixture, beating until smooth and fluffy.

If frosting is too soft, chill briefly before spreading.

Assembling the Cake

Spread a small spoonful of frosting onto your cake stand or plate to anchor the bottom layer in place.

Set the first cake layer down and spread an even layer of frosting across the top.
Tip: For a sweet-and-salty finish, add a light sprinkle of sea salt over the frosting before stacking.

Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake, smoothing the sides and top evenly.

Finish with sprinkles, a light dusting of flaky sea salt, and a generous drizzle of honey. For that beautiful drip effect, gently squeeze honey around the edge of the top layer and allow it to cascade naturally down the sides.

Slice, serve, and celebrate accordingly.

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What started as a playful “what if?” turned into a cake we’ll probably make again (edit, definitely making again). The cornbread adds depth and texture, the salted honey buttercream balances sweet and savory, and the whole thing feels just unexpected enough to be memorable.

Which just feels fitting for celebrating our boss' birthday.

If you try this recipe, let us know. And if you’re entering the giveaway, good luck!