Easy Johnny Cakes Recipe – The Perfect Breakfast or Side!
Johnny Cakes (also called hoe cakes or cornmeal pancakes) are a traditional comfort food that never seems to go out of style. These fluffy golden cakes are a delicious take on regular pancakes and are great for breakfast or a snack.
The cornmeal-flour ratio yields a wonderfully crunchy crumb and the buttermilk offers a welcome tingle. (p.s. With a touch of sweetness and a crisp edge, these cakes are both comfort-y and flavorful.
Served with a drizzle of maple syrup or a pat of butter, Johnny Cakes fill you with warmth and joy at any meal. They’re no muss no fuss, versatile and bound to become a new favorite.
Johnny Cakes (Hoe Cakes) Directions
Buttermilk: Imparts a rich, tangy flavor and helps moisten and tenderize the batter for light, fluffy cakes.
Cornmeal: Adds a hint of rustic texture and improves the golden crispness at the edges.
Flour: Offsets the cornmeal, providing a soft, airy structure to each cake.
Eggs: Hold the ingredients together, adding richness and moisture for a smooth, unified batter.
Butter: Provides a buttery flavor to the cakes and helps give them a delicate, golden exterior.
Johnny Cakes (Hoe Cakes)
Fluffy and golden, Johnny Cakes — also called hoe cakes or cornmeal pancakes — is a classic recipe that remains beloved today. Like freshly made pancakes, savory pancakes are a great breakfast or snack option, but these cornmeal-based cakes are a little different.
Recipe Tips
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Just make sure not to overmix the batter when you stir the wet and dry ingredients together. A few lumps are just fine and will help keep the Johnny Cakes fleecy. This would make the cakes too dense, so only stir gently until just combined.
Use the Right Pan Temperature
Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium heat for best results. Too hot, and the cakes might burn before they cook through; too cold, and they won’t cook evenly. As with tortilla or pancake, a hot pan will give your Johnny Cakes that golden-brown crust while leaving the inside soft and fluffy.
Customize the Sweetness
If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can add the sugar by a tablespoon or two. You may also enjoy trying sprinkling a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients as well for flavor. To make it savory, cut down on the sugar and incorporate a little grated cheese or chopped herbs.
What to Serve with Johnny Cakes
Bacon and Eggs
For a full, hearty breakfast, serve these Johnny Cakes with crispy bacon and scrambled eggs. The bacon and eggs play so nicely together with the sweetness of the Johnny Cakes, which has a cornbread vibe. To elevate the richness, add a pat of butter to the tops of the cakes.
Fresh Fruit and Whipped Cream
For a lighter, fresher option, top your Johnny Cakes with fresh fruit like berries, bananas or sliced peaches. A dollop of whipped cream adds fluffy contrast to the gentle crunch of the cakes, an irresistible combination. Perfect for a brunch get-together or a special look to something.
Maple Syrup and Butter
If you’re going classic, nothing is better than serving Johnny Cakes drizzled with warm maple syrup and a dot of butter. The syrup’s sweetness seeps through the cakes, and the butter gives them richness, making for an easy but indulgent breakfast or snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute regular milk for the buttermilk?
The buttermilk adds a mild tang and helps the cakes rise, but you can use milk if you prefer. To replicate the acidity of buttermilk, stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to your milk and let it sit a few minutes before you add it.
Can I prepare the batter early in the day?
Yes, you can make the batter up to a day in advance. Store it covered and in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before cooking as it tends to thicken slightly while it rests.
Can I freeze Johnny Cakes?
Absolutely! Johnny Cakes can be frozen for three months. Use parchment paper between each cake to keep them from sticking to each other. If you like, you can reheat them in the toaster or microwave for a quick breakfast treat.
Is it possible to have toppings in the better?
Yes, go ahead and stir any berries, chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter for flavor and texture. Just be sure to fold them in carefully, so you don’t overmix.
Serve up your tasty Johnny Cakes with these helpful tips and serving ideas!
Johnny Cakes (Hoe Cakes)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cornmeal
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup water
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk to combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, granulated sugar, baking soda and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, water, eggs and melted butter until smooth and well-blended.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients slowly. Gently fold them in, just to combine, being careful not to over-mix, in order to preserve the light, airy quality of the cakes.
- Lightly butter a large skillet or griddle and place it over medium heat. Grease lightly with a little butter or non-stick spray.
- Using a ¼ cup measure, ladle batter into the hot skillet, cooking 3 to 4 cakes at a time, depending on the size of your pan.
- Cook the cakes for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the edges set and bubbles start to form on the surface. Carefully flip the cakes and continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes, until both sides are golden brown.
- Serve the Johnny Cakes warm, with maple syrup and a sliver of butter, if you like.
