Golden, rustic, and irresistibly comforting, Johnny Cakes are a timeless classic that capture the heart of traditional Southern and Caribbean cooking. Made from a harmonious blend of fine yellow cornmeal and all-purpose flour, these lightly sweetened griddle cakes are deliciously crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfectly browned and ready in just 15 minutes, this simple recipe combines pantry staples like sugar, baking powder, and melted butter, creating a quick and flavorful treat. Serve these versatile cakes warm, topped with butter and syrup for breakfast, or pair them with savory sides for a hearty meal. Whether you call them Johnny Cakes or hoe cakes, these golden beauties are a must-try addition to your table.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.
In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the milk, water, and melted butter until fully combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir the batter until smooth but avoid overmixing.
Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or oil.
Spoon about 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each Johnny Cake, spreading it slightly with the back of a spoon to form a circle about 4-5 inches in diameter.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles form around the edges of the cake and the underside is golden brown.
Flip the Johnny Cake with a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until both sides are golden and the center is cooked through.
Transfer the cooked cakes to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm while cooking the remaining batter.
Serve the Johnny Cakes warm with butter, syrup, or a side of your choice. Enjoy!
Calories |
1444 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.3 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 27.2 g | 136% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 122 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 2042 mg | 89% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 226.4 g | 82% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.0 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 37.9 g | ||
| Protein | 29.4 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.9 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 336 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 8.1 mg | 45% | |
| Potassium | 674 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.