Johnny Cakes

Name: Johnny Cakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold, cubed; 2/3 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup warm water; 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Caribbean-style Johnny Cakes are pillowy, slightly sweet pan-fried dough rounds made from a simple flour dough, golden on the outside and soft within. Perfect alongside stews, eggs, or eaten plain.

40 minEasyServes 8290 cal/serving

CaribbeanBreakfastStovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyNut-FreeEgg-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold, cubed
2/3 cup whole milk
1/4 cup warm water
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

1

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp granulated sugar.
2

Add 2 tbsp cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3

Add 2/3 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup warm water gradually, stirring with a fork until a soft dough comes together. It should be slightly tacky but not sticky. Knead gently in the bowl for about 1 minute. Cover with a clean towel and rest for 10 minutes.
4

Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a round disc about 1/2 inch thick.
5

Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. Fry the dough rounds in batches of 3 to 4, about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown on both sides and cooked through.
6

Drain on paper towels. Serve warm.

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Questions

What is Johnny Cakes?

Caribbean-style Johnny Cakes are pillowy, slightly sweet pan-fried dough rounds made from a simple flour dough, golden on the outside and soft within. Perfect alongside stews, eggs, or eaten plain. This reference files it under Caribbean breakfast: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 40 minutes start to finish.

Can I make Johnny Cakes dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Johnny Cakes is 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold, cubed, 2/3 cup whole milk. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed; the milk for unsweetened oat or soy milk. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Johnny Cakes vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cold, cubed and 2/3 cup whole milk. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan breakfast collection.

How many calories are in Johnny Cakes?

One serving (the recipe makes 8) is about 290 calories, with 6 g protein, 42 g carbohydrate and 8 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 380 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How do I store and reheat Johnny Cakes?

Refrigerate what is left of Johnny Cakes within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

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