This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read Full Disclosure.
Golden and crispy on the outside with buttery soft insides; what more do my taste buds desire? YUM!!! My recipe will have breakfast on the table in no time! Want to know how to make Johnny cakes?
Homemade Johnny Cakes
You will read these words several times across the blog; nothing beats homemade, and if you are like me, you enjoy recipes made from scratch. During public holidays in my country, local bakeries close, which means no bread is available. HOORAY for me! It’s the perfect excuse to make my childhood favorites — Johnny cakes or pumpkin fritters, then EVERYONE is happy.
Authentic Caribbean Cuisine
What is johnny cakes? It’s authentic Caribbean cuisine, and every Caribbean household should know how to make johnny cakes. Growing up, we called them ‘bakes’. However, across the islands, they are known as fry cakes, or fried dumplings. Each island may have its own way of making johnny cakes, but you will find that they all use the same base ingredients. On your next visit to the Caribbean, check out the local restaurant menus and make them a must-try.
Quick & Easy Johnny Cakes
I love that this popular Caribbean dish is so versatile. They are made at anytime, and for any occasion. The recipe is simple and comes together in under an hour, making them both quick and fun to prepare. The dough is just flour, water, butter, salt, sugar and baking powder, with optional ingredients like cornmeal, added for extra flavor and texture. We mix and gently knead the dough, then allow it to rest for 30 minutes in a warm environment. We divide the dough into small portions or dough balls and use our fingers to flatten before frying to a golden brown look on both sides.
When I’m short on time, I sometimes skip the resting step and fry them right away. However the resting time is crucial as it gives the ingredients time to incorporate and allows the dough to rise. Below, you’ll find photos showing the ingredients and the steps in preparing these delicious johnny cakes ‘bakes’.
What You Need
Flour: This is the main ingredient and All-Purpose Flour is best.
Baking Powder: This is your leavening agent. Any brand should work, however, always ensure that it has not expired.
Water: Slightly warm water brings the ingredients together and activates the baking powder.
Salt: My household uses fine sea salt, however regular iodized salt will do.
Sugar: We prefer brown sugar because it balances the salt and adds more flavor.
Butter: This recipe calls for butter because it enhances the flavor and helps create a perfectly crisp texture.
Oil: I use two (2) oils for the recipe. Olive oil helps to soften the dough and we use it to lightly grease the bowl used for resting the dough. A neutral oil such as vegetable oil, is used for frying the johnny cakes.
Tools: A medium-sized mixing bowl, a spoon, measuring spoons, measuring cups for wet and measuring cups for dry ingredients are all you need.
How To Make Johnny Cakes In 5 Easy Steps
(Note: The full recipe is on the recipe card)
Step 1
Gather and combine your ingredients
Step 2
Bring ingredients together to form the dough (low manipulation, minimal kneading)
Step 3
Cover the dough and allow it to rest for 30 minutes.
Step 4
Dust the dough and create the dough balls and discs.
Step 5
Fry the johnny cakes, and it’s time to eat:
Frequently Asked Questions On How To Make Johnny Cakes
What can johnny cakes be eaten with? – My family gobbles these on their own or pairs them with vegetable salad, baked beans, seafood, and meaty dishes. These may include stewed goat meat, fried chicken, corned beef stew, Tuna salad, smoked herring, Caribbean-style saltfish, Caribbean souse, and so much more.
Can Johnny cakes be made gluten-free, vegan or dairy-free? – I have used plant based butter in the past and they were just as delicious. I have not yet tried gluten-free flour for these, however, I believe it is only a matter of substitution and will share with you once I have attempted and succeeded.
How can Johnny cakes be stored? – They are best eaten warm, immediately after frying. If you must put them away, cover tightly in foil or sandwich paper and place in an airtight container or zip-locked bag for a day. Before eating, place the johnny cakes in the microwave for a few seconds or in the toaster oven for a quick three minutes (maybe longer). They may be a bit chewy, so on day two I like them crispy with melted butter. I slice them in half and toast them until the edges are extra golden.
It’s time to make Johnny Cakes with me. Let’s go! you can do this!
How To Make Johnny Cakes
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spoon
- Liquid Measuring Cup
- Dry Ingredients Measuring Cup
- Measuring Spoons
- Frying Pan (9-10 inch)
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for coating dough ball)
- 2-3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting fingers when rolling)
- 1 1/2 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (cold and hard)
- 1 cup water (620g and slightly warm)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp light olive oil
- 1/2 – 1 tsp light olive oil (for greasing bowl)
- 2 to 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Add the ¾ tsp salt, the 3 tbsp brown sugar and the 1/4 tsp light olive oil to the 1 cup of slightly warm water. Stir until salt and sugar are dissolved, then set aside.
- Add and combine 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 tbsp baking powder in a large mixing bowl. If including cornmeal, add 1 – 2 tbsp at this point as well. Use a spoon and combine together.
- In the flour bowl, grate 1tbsp cold unsalted butter and use a spoon to mix well so there are no clumps of butter. Do not use your hand yet as the warmth from your hand will melt the butter.
- Add the slightly warm water mixture to the flour bowl and continue using the spoon to bring the dough together. Once the ingredients come together, use fingers, not palm, to gently work the dough into a slightly sticky dough ball, for one minute. Do not over-knead.
- Use 1 tbsp of flour to dust the surface of the dough ball slightly so it doesn't stick to the hand when held.
- Use 1/2 to 1 tsp of olive oil to lightly grease the same bowl, then roll the dough in the bowl to coat the dough with the olive oil. Cover the dough with a damp paper towel and allow it to rest in a warm place for 30 minutes. The microwave can be used by turning it on for 1 minute and placing the dough inside to rise.
- After the dough has rested, weigh the dough and divide the total weight amount by 12, so the johnny cakes when made, are all even. I have been making these forever, so I usually skip the weighing and eyeball the balls.
- Cut and roll the 12 balls, then place on a floured surface on baking paper. The dough will be a bit sticky so dust the balls with the remaining 2-3 tbsp of flour so it is easier to work with.
- Once all balls have formed, set stove burner to medium to heat the oil in the pan. Once the johnny cakes are in the pan, and frying, you will need to turn down the heat to low. you do not want the outside to be browned and the inside to be uncooked.
- To create the johnny cake, spread each dough ball into a disc by gently rolling each piece of dough between your palms, then pressing down on the center with your thumb. In a clockwise direction use your fingers to spread out the dough. A rolling pin can also be used for this. Simply place the dough ball on a dusted mat or surface and use the rolling pin to spread the dough apart.
- Once the dough resembles a flat disc, set aside. Repeat the steps for each ball, then its frying time. Some people may choose to allow the disc to rest and rise for another 10 minutes.
- Place 3 discs at a time in the frying pan with oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Using tongs, or a perforated spoon dunk the johnny cakes in the oil or use the spoon to scoop up oil and pour on top of the johnny cake repeatedly. Once they've started to rise and the underside is a little golden, flip them over. Allow the side in the oil to get golden brown then flip again. Once both sides are golden brown, they are good. Transfer to a platter lined with paper towel.
- Repeat the process until all johnny cakes have been fried.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Johnny cakes can be eaten at room temperature, but they are best served warm.
- Using the microwave or slightly warm oven for resting helps the dough to rise faster.
- The lowest manipulation yields the best results for this recipe
- I use Goya or Pompeian light olive oil and Wesson Vegetable Oil. Some oil brands leave a weird taste and are not suitable for Johnny cakes.
- I have made this recipe countless times for family, friends and customers. Follow the recipe to get delicious Johnny Cakes.
