Belizean Johnny Cakes Recipe

Belizean Johnny Cakes – Delightful and Versatile Treat for Any Meal

What’s for breakfast?… hot, crusty, Belizean Johnny Cakes!

One would never expect such an unassuming little biscuit to be as delicious as the Johnny Cake. With a pillowy soft, piping-hot interior held together by a little bit of crust, it’s hard to eat just one.

Our recipe uses coconut milk, which is common but not always used. Johnny Cakes are a food everyone in Belize makes, which means that everyone makes them the way they like them!

A simple recipe:

If you are using canned coconut milk (and not husking, cracking, grinding, and straining your own coconut) this recipe is very quick, easy, and requires very few ingredients! The pictures here are of a half recipe (which makes 8 Johnny cakes).

Belizean Johnny Cakes Recipe

Johnny Cakes have a rich history in Belizean cuisine, influenced by the diverse cultures that make up our beautiful country. They are a go-to breakfast item but are versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes.

Cook Time: 10 minutes.

Total Time: 25 minutes.

Servings: 16 Johnny Cakes.

Nutritional Information:

Approximately 180 calories per serving, 9g fat, 20g carbohydrates, 3g protein.

Belizean Johnny Cakes Recipe Ingredients

For North American Measurements:

• 1 lb (approx. 3 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup shortening, margarine, or butter
• 3 heaping tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups coconut milk

For European Measurements:

• 450g (approx. 800ml) all-purpose flour
• 120ml shortening, margarine, or butter
• 15g baking powder
• 5g sugar
• 5g salt
• 475ml coconut milk

Alternative Ingredients:

• Vegan: Use vegetable shortening or vegan butter
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and grease a baking sheet.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the shortening and work it into the dry ingredients using your hands until a crumbly texture forms.
4. Gradually incorporate 1 cup of coconut milk, kneading by hand until a cohesive dough forms. Add more coconut milk as needed, ensuring the dough is soft but not overly sticky.
5. Roll the dough into a long strip, approximately 12-15 inches in length, and divide it into 16 equal portions.
6. Shape each portion into a ball and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm and prick the tops with a fork.
7. Bake for 10 minutes or until the Johnny Cakes turn golden brown. For a richer color, broil briefly.

Tips and Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough.
• Johnny Cakes can be enjoyed plain or adorned with toppings like butter, jam, or cheese.
• Store any leftover Johnny Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving Suggestions

Johnny Cakes are incredibly versatile. Slice them in half and fill them with your choice of sandwich ingredients like ham, cheese, avocado, or egg salad. Enjoy them as part of a wonderful Belizean Breakfast. They pair wonderfully with Belizean stewed chicken or even a cold glass of fresh lime juice.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a savory twist, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet variation.

A healthier twist on the Belizean Johnny Cakes Recipe:

For a little healthier twist, we enjoy using some whole wheat flour, and potentially some popped amaranth or ground flaxseed.

1. Instead of 1 lb white flour (approx 3.5 cups) use 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour and 1 3/4 cups white flour.
2. Instead of 1 lb white flour, use 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup popped amaranth, and 1 1/4 cups white flour.

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Engage With Us!

Have you tried making Belizean Johnny Cakes at home? We’d love to hear your thoughts, variations, or any family secrets you’d like to share. Leave your comments below!

If you enjoyed this recipe you may also enjoy our Belizean Fry Jacks recipe. Belizean flour tortillas are also similarly simple and quick to make.