Caribbean Johnny Cake Recipe
A Johnny Cake recipe is a hearty, slightly sweet corn cake made with yellow cornmeal. These cakes are fried in a cast-iron skillet and served warm with butter and maple syrup.
Johnny cakes are also known as journey cakes, hoe cakes, or corn pone, are a beloved traditional flatbread made from cornmeal. Originating from the Native American tribes of the northeastern United States and the Caribbean, these cakes have a rich history and a simple yet delightful flavor. They were a staple for early settlers due to their easy preparation and long shelf life, making them perfect for long journeys.
Caribbean Johnny cake recipe is simple to make using cornmeal, flour, sugar, milk, water, and eggs. You mix these ingredients into a batter and fry them into round cakes. Johnny Cakes have a crumbly texture and pair well with savory dishes or as a sweet breakfast treat.
What You Need To Make This Johnny Cake Recipe
To make a batch of delicious Johnny cake recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (fine ground for a creamy texture)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk (can substitute with plant-based milk like oat or almond milk)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup pork fat, rendered lard, bacon grease, or vegetable oil (for frying)
- Extra butter and maple syrup for serving
How to Make Johnny Cake Recipe
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and sugar until well combined.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs. Add milk, water, and melted butter to the eggs, and whisk together until fully combined.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, making sure not to overmix.
Heat Oil: In a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of your chosen frying fat (vegetable oil, bacon grease, etc.) over medium heat until it shimmers.
Fry Johnny Cakes: Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop the batter and pour it into the hot skillet. Cook each cake for about 4-5 minutes on one side, or until the edges turn golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the other side is golden brown as well.
Serve: Remove the Johnny Cakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with butter and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
Repeat: Continue frying the remaining batter in batches, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
Enjoy your freshly made Johnny Cake recipe warm with butter and syrup!
Serving Suggestions
Johnny cakes can be served in a variety of ways:
- Breakfast: Top with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a dollop of yogurt for a hearty breakfast.
- Side Dish: Serve alongside chili, stews, or soups as a comforting side dish.
- Snack: Enjoy a slice on its own as a quick and satisfying snack.
Tips for Making Traditional Johnny Cake Recipe
- Use a cast iron pan or hot griddle for even cooking.
- Heat cooking oil to 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit before adding batter for a golden brown exterior.
- Adjust heat to prevent spattering or overly quick browning.
- Rest dough for at least 20 minutes for a fluffy texture.
- Ensure dough is soft and not sticky.
- Turn cakes evenly while frying to achieve consistent crispiness.
- Make ahead for convenience, refrigerate for longer storage.
- Serve as a side with savory dishes like roast beef or chili, or mini-sized for a breadbasket.
Health Benefits
Johnny cake recipe, particularly when made with whole grain cornmeal and minimal sugar, offer several health benefits:
High in Fiber: Cornmeal is rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Gluten-Free: Johnny cakes made with pure cornmeal are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Rich in Essential Nutrients: Cornmeal contains essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, which are important for overall health.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What’s the difference between cornbread and Johnny Cakes?
Johnny Cakes, also known as journey cakes, are small, round cakes primarily made from cornmeal and fried on a stovetop griddle or skillet. They are slightly sweetened and have a crumbly texture. In contrast, cornbread is typically baked in an oven and can vary widely in texture and sweetness depending on the Johnny cake recipe. It’s often denser and more cake-like compared to Johnny Cakes.
How to Store Leftover Johnny Cake?
After making Johnny Cakes, allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm them in a toaster oven, skillet, or microwave until heated through.
Can you make Johnny cakes vegan?
Yes, you can make Johnny Cakes vegan by replacing non-vegan ingredients with plant-based alternatives:
- Use almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk instead of dairy milk.
- Substitute eggs with a vegan egg replacer or a mixture of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with water (1 tablespoon seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
- Ensure the oil used for frying is vegan-friendly, such as vegetable oil, coconut oil, or any other plant-based oil.
Are Johnny cake gluten-free?
Traditional Johnny Cake recipe is not gluten-free as they typically contain wheat flour along with cornmeal. However, you can make gluten-free Johnny Cake by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure all other ingredients, including the cornmeal, baking powder, and milk, are also certified gluten-free.
Can I make Johnny cake recipe on a stovetop?
Yes, Johnny Cake is traditionally cooked on a stovetop using a cast-iron skillet or griddle. Preheat the skillet or griddle over medium heat and ensure it’s well-oiled before adding the batter. Cook the cakes until golden brown on both sides, flipping halfway through cooking.
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Best Caribbean Johnny Cake Recipe 2024
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Large Cast-Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal fine ground for a creamy texture
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- ¾ cup whole milk or buttermilk can substitute with plant-based milk like oat or almond milk
- ¼ cup water
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup pork fat rendered lard, bacon grease, or vegetable oil (for frying)
- Extra butter and maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and sugar until well combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs. Add milk, water, and melted butter to the eggs, and whisk together until fully combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, making sure not to overmix.
- Heat Oil: In a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of your chosen frying fat (vegetable oil, bacon grease, etc.) over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Fry Johnny Cakes: Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, scoop the batter and pour it into the hot skillet. Cook each cake for about 4-5 minutes on one side, or until the edges turn golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the other side is golden brown as well.
- Serve: Remove the Johnny Cakes from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with butter and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
- Repeat: Continue frying the remaining batter in batches, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
- Enjoy your freshly made Johnny Cake recipe warm with butter and syrup!
