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Johnny cake
Heat the oven to 190°C. Butter a 23 cm cast-iron skillet or round cake tin.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Johnny cake take?
45 min all in — 15 min prep, 30 min cook. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 8 wedges. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Very easy.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Wheat, Milk. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Vegetarian, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
Cheap night — about Under $8 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Mixing bowl, Frying pan, Oven.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 tsp.
How much sugar?
3 tbsp (more if you like it sweet) of Sugar.
What can I use instead?
Butter → Vegetable shortening or lard. The traditional fat. The crumb comes out whiter and softer and the flavour is plainer. Milk → Water or thinned coconut milk. Water gives a leaner, chewier bread. Coconut milk is a Family Islands habit.
What should I watch for?
Kneading develops gluten. Johnny cake should be tender and tight, not chewy.
Any tips from this recipe?
The sugar is a matter of taste and of island. Three tablespoons is middling; Eleuthera cooks go higher. It is best warm the day it is baked. Tomorrow, split it and toast it in a dry pan with butter. For a stove-top version, cook it covered in a heavy skillet on the lowest heat, 15 minutes a side. Expect a darker crust and a slightly damper middle.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.