Johnny Cakes The Bahamas Recipe

Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Bahamas with this authentic Johnny Cake recipe! Inspired by my food blog, "Travel by Stove" (Week 19), this recipe skips the cornmeal for a uniquely Bahamian twist. Experience the Caribbean's culinary heart with these soft, fluffy, and subtly sweet cakes – a true taste of island life. Perfect as a breakfast treat, side dish, or even dessert!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Calories 285.7 kcal
Protein 9g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Johnny Cakes The Bahamas

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Johnny Cakes The Bahamas

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening, chilled and cubed
  • Whole Milk

How to Make Johnny Cakes The Bahamas

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
  3. Cut in the chilled, cubed shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Gradually add the milk, mixing with a fork until a soft dough forms. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, if needed to achieve a soft, slightly sticky dough.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
  6. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a tender cake.
  7. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Gently press the dough into the corners of the pan to ensure even thickness.
  8. Use a fork to poke several holes across the top of the dough. This helps the cake to cook evenly and prevents it from puffing up too much.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the Johnny Cakes cool slightly in the pan before serving. Enjoy warm!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

16 g

Sugar

26g

Fat

16g

Carbs

12g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)