Quick Answer
Yes, you can substitute Jiffy mix for cornmeal in many recipes. Jiffy mix contains cornmeal along with flour, sugar, salt, and leavening agents. It can be used in place of plain cornmeal in recipes for cornbread, muffins, waffles, and more. The main difference is that Jiffy mix will make the recipe slightly sweeter and cause more rising. You may need to reduce other sugars in the recipe or add more cornmeal to compensate.
Ingredients in Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
Jiffy corn muffin mix contains the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Enriched bleached wheat flour (wheat flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid) | 1 cup |
| Cornmeal | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Shortening | 3 tbsp |
The main ingredients that differentiate Jiffy mix from plain cornmeal are the flour, sugar, baking powder, and shortening. These additional ingredients allow the Jiffy mix to act as a leavened baked good rather than just providing corn flavor.
Substitution Ratio
When substituting Jiffy corn muffin mix for cornmeal, use a 1:1 direct substitution. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of cornmeal, use 1 cup of Jiffy mix.
However, keep in mind that the Jiffy mix may make the recipe sweeter or cause more rising. You can compensate by reducing other sugars in the recipe or adding a bit more cornmeal. A good rule of thumb is to substitute no more than half the cornmeal in a recipe with Jiffy mix.
Here is a simple substitution ratio:
| Cornmeal in Recipe | Amount of Jiffy Mix |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 1/2 cup |
| 2 cups | 1 cup |
| 3 cups | 1 1/2 cups |
Recipes Where You Can Substitute Jiffy
Here are some recipes where you can substitute Jiffy corn muffin mix for plain cornmeal:
Cornbread
Jiffy works well in most cornbread recipes. Since traditional cornbread is not very sweet, you may want to reduce sugar in the recipe slightly. You can replace up to half the cornmeal with Jiffy mix.
Corn muffins
Jiffy corn muffin mix makes an obvious substitution here. You can replace 100% of the cornmeal in a corn muffin recipe with Jiffy.
Waffles or pancakes
Mixes like Jiffy work great in cornbread waffles or pancakes. Replace up to half the cornmeal in the recipe with Jiffy mix. You may need to tweak the liquids slightly.
Fried cornmeal mush
For recipes like fried mush or polenta, substitute no more than half the cornmeal with Jiffy mix to retain the correct texture.
Corn pudding
In sweet corn puddings or soufflés, you can replace all the cornmeal with Jiffy mix since the extra sugar and leavening is desirable.
Corn casseroles
Any corn casserole recipe is a prime candidate for Jiffy substitution. The mix adds great flavor and texture in these dishes.
Tips for Baking with Jiffy Instead of Cornmeal
Here are some tips to ensure success when substituting Jiffy corn muffin mix for cornmeal:
– Reduce other sugars in the recipe slightly to account for the 2 tbsp sugar in Jiffy mix. You may need to cut back on granulated sugar, honey, etc.
– Add a touch more liquid to account for the extra binding from the flour in the Jiffy mix. An extra 1-2 tbsp liquid should suffice.
– Don’t overmix once you’ve added the Jiffy corn muffin mix. This can cause cornbread or muffins to be dense and tough.
– Grease pans well as items made with Jiffy mix will rise more than cornmeal alone.
– For baked goods like cornbread, check for doneness 5-10 minutes sooner than the recipe states since the leavening agents in Jiffy mix accelerate rising.
– For dense fried mush or polenta, keep the substitution ratio low so the texture doesn’t get too fluffy.
– Allow casseroles and cornbread made with Jiffy to rest 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Cooking Considerations
There are a few important cooking considerations when substituting Jiffy corn muffin mix for plain cornmeal:
Avoid Overmixing
Once liquid is added to Jiffy mix, avoid overmixing the batter. This can cause the gluten in the flour to become overdeveloped, resulting in a tough, dense texture. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Lumps are OK!
Check for Doneness
The leavening agents in Jiffy mix will accelerate the rising process in baked goods. This means items like corn muffins and cornbread will set and brown faster. Check for doneness 5-10 minutes sooner than the recipe recommends.
Grease the Pan
Always grease baking pans well when using Jiffy mix. The extra leavening will cause more rising so food is prone to sticking if the pan isn’t properly prepped.
Allow to Rest
Let cornbread, muffins, and other baked goods made with Jiffy mix rest for 5-10 minutes out of the oven before serving. This allows the structure to set and results in a better texture.
Avoid Soggy Results
The extra flour and sugar in Jiffy mix can sometimes lead to soggy baked goods if too much liquid is used. Follow the recipe’s recommended liquid proportions carefully.
Storage and Shelf Life
An opened package of Jiffy corn muffin mix should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will keep for 6-9 months past the “best by” date on the package when stored properly.
Look for signs of spoilage before using Jiffy mix that is past its date. Discard if the mix has an off smell, appearance, or flavor.
An unopened package of Jiffy has a very long shelf life of 12-18 months past the “best by” date. This prolonged shelf life is due to the partially hydrogenated oils used in the mix.
For optimal freshness and leavening action, try to use Jiffy mix within 6 months of opening. Write the date you opened it on the package.
Nutrition
Here is the nutrition information for a 1/4 cup dry serving of Jiffy corn muffin mix compared to 1/4 cup of plain yellow cornmeal:
| Nutrient | Jiffy Mix | Cornmeal |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 120 | 90 |
| Fat | 2g | 1g |
| Carbs | 22g | 18g |
| Protein | 2g | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g | 2g |
As you can see, the Jiffy mix is slightly higher in calories, carbs, and fat due to the added sugar and shortening. Fiber content is decreased because the bran has been removed from the flour.
Overall, Jiffy corn muffin mix can make an effective substitution for cornmeal in many recipes thanks to its convenience and added leavening ability. Just be mindful of the differences in texture and flavor it will produce. With a few tweaks, you can get delicious results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it fine to substitute Jiffy corn muffin mix for cornmeal in my fried catfish breading?
Yes, Jiffy works great in fried catfish breading recipes. It adds flavor and crunch. You can substitute it for up to half the cornmeal without issue. The small amount of sugar won’t be detectable.
Can I use Jiffy mix instead of cornmeal for hushpuppies?
Definitely! Jiffy corn muffin mix makes amazing hushpuppies. You can replace the cornmeal in a hushpuppy recipe cup-for-cup with Jiffy mix for deliciously crisp outsides and fluffy interiors.
What’s the best way to modify my grandma’s cornbread stuffing recipe to use Jiffy mix?
For cornbread stuffing, you can substitute Jiffy for up to half the cornmeal in the recipe. Also reduce any granulated sugar and honey by 1-2 tablespoons to account for the sweetness in the Jiffy mix. Add 1-2 tablespoons extra broth as well.
I’m making corn fritters. How much Jiffy mix should I use instead of the cornmeal the recipe calls for?
In corn fritters, you’ll get the best texture by substituting no more than half the cornmeal with Jiffy mix. Any more and the fritters may puff up too much and be prone to deflating.
Can I make cornbread with 100% Jiffy mix, or do I need to add some plain cornmeal too?
You can absolutely make cornbread with 100% Jiffy corn muffin mix and no added cornmeal. Just be sure to reduce any sugar in the recipe slightly, about 1-2 teaspoons. The Jiffy mix provides plenty of corn flavor on its own.