Cheesecake Factory Corn Cakes (Copycat)

User Reviews

4.8

66 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    1 hr

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    1 hr 15 mins

  • Servings

    6 Servings

  • Calories

    439 kcal

  • Course

    Appetizer

  • Cuisine

    Mexican

Cheesecake Factory Corn Cakes (Copycat)

Cheesecake Factory Corn Cakes (Copycat) include tamale-style corn cakes made from sweet corn blended with butter, sugar, salt, masa harina, and flour, then fried to a golden crisp. The recipe features three sauces: a tangy salsa verde with tomatillos and chilies, a fresh tomato salsa, and a creamy southwestern sauce with mayonnaise and spices. The cakes are served with toppings like sour cream, avocado, and fresh cilantro, creating a layered balance of sweet, spicy, creamy, and fresh flavors.

Description

This copycat recipe reproduces the iconic Cheesecake Factory Corn Cakes, starting with tamale cakes made by blending sweet corn with butter, sugar, salt, masa harina (corn flour), and all-purpose flour. These ingredients form a batter that is fried in vegetable oil to develop a crisp exterior and tender interior.

The dish is complemented by three distinct sauces: a salsa verde featuring tomatillos, mild green chilies, green onions, cilantro, and spices; a fresh tomato salsa made with tomatoes, onions, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro; and a southwestern sauce combining mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and chili spices for creaminess and tang.

Toppings include sour cream, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro, which add richness, freshness, and balance to the dish. This recipe replicates the complex flavor profile and texture of the restaurant version, layering sweet corn, vibrant salsas, and creamy elements.

The recipe is adapted from Todd Wilbur's copycat collection, which allows adjusting servings and converting measurements online.

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Ingredients

Servings

Salsa Verde:

  • 2 tomatillos , diced
  • 4 ounces green chili drained and diced, mild
  • 1 green onion , minced
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro minced, fresh
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper coarse ground

Tomato Salsa:

  • 2 medium tomato
  • 1 tablespoon onion minced
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro minced, fresh
  • 1/4 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1/2 small jalapeño , seeded and minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper coarse ground

Southwestern Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 3/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Tamale Corn Cakes:

  • 1 1/2 cups sweet corn
  • 1/2 cup butter , softened
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/2 cup masa harina corn flour, corn
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • vegetable oil , for frying

Toppings:

  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 avocado , diced
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped, fresh

Instructions

  1. Make the salsa verde by putting the tomatillos, mild green chilies, green onion, 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, 1 1/4 teaspoons granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 pinch ground black pepper in a food processor for 5-10 seconds. Put in the refrigerator to chill.
  2. To make the tomato salsa put the tomatoes, diced onion, 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, 1/4 teaspoon lime juice, 1/2 small jalapeno, 1 dash salt and 1 dash ground black pepper in a food processor for 5-10 seconds. Put in the refrigerator to chill.
  3. To make the southwestern sauce, put 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon water, 3/4 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1 pinch cayenne pepper, 1 pinch onion powder, 1 dash salt and 1 dash garlic powder in a small bowl and mix.
  4. To Make the Tamale Cakes, put 1 cup of the frozen corn with the butter, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Blend well. Move the ingredients to a bowl. Add the corn flour, remaining corn and all purpose flour and blend well.
  5. Measure 1/4 cup portions of the mixture and form it into patties with your hands. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to a pan and heat onto medium high. Cook the patties for 3-5 minutes or until browned, flip and continue to cook until browned.
  6. To assemble, Place all the cakes on a warmed serving platter. Add a spoonful of the salsa verde and pico de gallo salsa. Garnish with diced avocado, the southwestern sauce, cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
  7. Enjoy! You've earned it!

Notes

  • This recipe was adapted from Todd Wilbur’s copycat collection, which provides options for adjusting serving sizes and measurement conversions.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 439kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 31g (10%) Protein 4g (8%) Fat 34g (52%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Cholesterol 53mg (18%) Sodium 429mg (18%) Potassium 331mg (7%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 12g (24%) Vitamin A 1235IU (25%) Vitamin C 14.8mg (16%) Calcium 34mg (3%) Iron 0.8mg (4%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 439 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 439kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 31g 10%
Protein 4g 8%
Fat 34g 52%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Cholesterol 53mg 18%
Sodium 429mg 18%
Potassium 331mg 7%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 12g 24%
Vitamin A 1235IU 25%
Vitamin C 14.8mg 16%
Calcium 34mg 3%
Iron 0.8mg 4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

4.8

66 reviews
Excellent

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