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Johnny Cakes Recipe

4.7 from 123 reviews

Classic Johnny Cakes are a delightful and easy-to-make breakfast treat combining the flavors of cornmeal and all-purpose flour. These golden, pan-fried cakes have a crispy exterior and a soft, tender inside, perfect for serving with butter, syrup, or your favorite toppings. This recipe uses simple ingredients like eggs, buttermilk, and a hint of baking powder to create a thick batter cooked to perfection on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk, add more if a thinner batter is desired)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons oil (or butter or lard, for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Stir together until evenly mixed.
  2. Make the Batter: Add the beaten eggs, buttermilk (or milk), and water to the dry mixture. Stir until a thick batter forms. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow the dry ingredients to fully hydrate.
  3. Heat the Pan: Warm a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan, spreading it evenly to prevent sticking.
  4. Cook the Johnny Cakes: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per cake into the heated pan. Cook each for about 5 minutes on one side, or until nicely browned and edges begin to dry. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Repeat and Serve: Remove the cooked johnny cakes from the pan and keep warm. Add more oil to the pan as needed and repeat cooking with remaining batter. Serve warm with butter, syrup, or your preferred toppings.

Notes

  • Use buttermilk for a tangier flavor and tender texture; regular milk works fine as a substitute.
  • If you prefer thinner johnny cakes, add a bit more milk or water to the batter until desired consistency is reached.
  • Cooking on medium heat helps to evenly brown the cakes without burning.
  • Adjust salt to taste depending on dietary preferences.
  • Johnny cakes can be served with sweet toppings like maple syrup or savory ones like cheese and herbs.

Keywords: Johnny Cakes, cornmeal pancakes, breakfast recipe, Southern cuisine, easy skillet cakes