Traditional Johnny Cakes

📜 Collection: UK2 | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Bread A classic recipe for traditional Johnny Cakes, a type of cornmeal flatbread scalded with boiling water for a tender texture. Cooked on a skillet until golden brown, these delicious cakes make a wonderful breakfast treat.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
10 mins20 minsNone16 small cakes

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Medium heatproof bowl
  • Stirring spoon
  • Skillet or griddle

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
1 CupWhite Cornmeal
2 TbspFlourall-purpose
1 TbspSugar
1/2 tspSalt
1 CupBoiling Water
~1/2 CupMilkapproximately

Instructions

Step 1: Scald the Cornmeal

  1. In a medium, heatproof bowl, combine the 1 cup white cornmeal, 2 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt.
  2. Carefully pour the 1 cup boiling water over the cornmeal mixture, stirring until the grains swell and form a thick paste. Let this stand for a few minutes to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

  1. Gradually add the ~1/2 cup milk, stirring, until the batter is a little thicker than typical pancake batter.

Step 3: Cook and Serve

  1. Heat a lightly greased skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Spoon the batter onto the hot skillet to create small cakes. Allow more time to cook than you would for flour-based pancakes.
  3. Cook thoroughly on one side (about 4-5 minutes) before turning. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Serve warm.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Leftover cooked Johnny Cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on a warm skillet.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card