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How To Make Johnny Cakes

How To Make Johnny Cakes

Golden, crispy Johnny cakes — a childhood favorite that’s quick to make and perfect for sharing anytime.
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Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Resting Time:30 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Caribbean
Keyword: Caribbean Bakes, Fried Cakes, Fried Dumplings
Servings: 12 yield
Author: yantina

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.