Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, Johnny Cakes are a delightful twist on traditional pancakes with a rich history and a bold, cornmeal-forward flavor. Made from a hearty mix of yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and a touch of sugar, these skillet-cooked creations offer a rustic charm that's perfect for breakfast or brunch. The batter comes together effortlessly with hot water and a splash of milk, resulting in a thick, pourable consistency that ensures a perfectly golden finish on the griddle. Whether you enjoy them sweet with butter and maple syrup or savory alongside bacon and eggs, Johnny Cakes are a versatile and satisfying dish that brings classic comfort food to your table. Easy to make in under 30 minutes, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of simple yet flavorful fare.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until well combined.
Gradually pour in the hot water while stirring continuously to create a thick, smooth batter. Ensure there are no lumps.
Stir in the milk to thin the batter slightly. The consistency should be similar to pancake batterβthick but pourable.
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter or oil, allowing it to melt and coat the surface.
Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each Johnny Cake. Spread the batter slightly with the back of a spoon if needed to create a uniform round shape.
Cook the Johnny Cakes for 2-3 minutes on one side, or until the edges are set and the bottom is golden brown. Flip carefully with a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
Transfer the cooked Johnny Cakes to a plate and keep warm. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more butter or oil to the skillet as needed.
Serve the Johnny Cakes warm, with butter, maple syrup, or your favorite savory toppings like bacon and eggs.
Calories |
1113 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.2 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.4 g | 82% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 68 mg | 23% | |
| Sodium | 1235 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 192.9 g | 70% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.6 g | 45% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.2 g | ||
| Protein | 19.2 g | 38% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 135 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 6.8 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 379 mg | 8% | |
*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.