How to Make Belizean Style Johnny Cake

If you love Johnny cakes, then this Belizean Johnny cake is for you. There are different types of Johnny Cakes out there, and they are a staple food in many cultures. Johnny Cakes are fried dough snacks made from all-purpose flour and/or cornmeal. They are known by many names, including ashcake, battercake, corn cake, cornpone, hoecake, journey cake, Shawnee cake, and spider cornbread.

We will focus on the Belizean-style Johnny Cakes, which are made with only a handful of ingredients and are fried until golden brown and crispy. We will provide you with a step-by-step recipe, along with tips, ingredient substitutes, and variations to help you make the best Johnny Cakes possible.

On Saturday mornings, my family and I would eagerly await the aroma of freshly fried Johnny Cakes, which we would then devour with butter and jam. As I got older, I realised how adaptable Johnny Cakes are and started playing around with various fillings and toppings. For a savoury breakfast, one of my favourite twists is to load them with saltfish and veggies. When I wanted a sweet snack, I topped them with honey and fruit. Johnny Cakes, in whatever form they take, always transport me back to the comforting meals my mother served for me as a youngster.

Belizean Johnny Cake Ingredients list

To make Johnny Cakes the Belizean way, you need to use specific ingredients. Take a closer look at the ingredients that make up the core of this popular recipe.

• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups
• Baking Powder: 3 teaspoons
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Coconut Milk: 1 cup (or milk as a substitute)
• Butter: 3 tablespoons
• Water: 1/4 cup (adjust as needed)
• Vegetable Oil: For frying

How to Prepare & Fry Johnny Cakes Belizean Style ( Step by Step)

Step 1: Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mix these dry ingredients until well incorporated.

Step 2: Adding Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the coconut milk, melted butter, and water to the dry mixture.

Knead the dough until it’s smooth and not too sticky.

Step 3: Shaping the Johnny Cakes

Divide the dough into equal portions, shaping them into round discs.

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

Fry each Johnny Cake until it turns golden brown and puffs up.

Step 4: Serving

Serve your freshly baked Johnny Cakes while they are warm and delightful.

Tips to Make the Best Belizean Johnny Cake

For the best Belizean Johnny Cakes, it’s essential to follow a few expert tips:

1. Knead with Care: Achieving the right dough consistency is vital. Don’t over-knead; a smooth, slightly sticky dough is perfect.
2. Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent frying temperature to ensure even cooking.
3. Milk Choice: For authenticity, use coconut milk, but feel free to substitute it with regular milk.

How to Store and Reheat Homemade Johnny Cakes Belizean Style

To store Johnny Cakes, wrap them in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the Johnny Cakes in foil and bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.