Grandma'S Jonnie Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Cuisine: American

Grandma's Jonnie Cake is a hearty, moist cornbread with a tender crumb, perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting side dish with soups and stews.

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Ingredients

  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 tablespoons shortening
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups sour milk
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 3 cups white flour
  • 2 cups cornmeal

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
  2. Pour into a greased 9 x 12-inch pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour. If you don't have sour milk, you can make it by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. This cake can also be enhanced with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor. Serve it warm for the best experience.

Serving Suggestions

This Jonnie Cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a delightful breakfast treat, serve it alongside fresh fruit and yogurt. It also goes well with savory dishes, making it a versatile option for brunch or as a side to grilled meats, such as in a meal with Grilled Parmesan Spuds.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, which can last up to a week. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Jonnie Cake contains roughly 930 calories, with 21g protein, 195g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (58% of the Daily Value) and protein (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2608mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).

930 kcal 47% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 20.6g 41% DV
Total Fat 6.5g 8% DV
Carbs 194.7g 71% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 1.3g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2607.7mg 100% DV
Potassium 616.2mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 154.8mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 42.2mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 8.7mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 179.3mg 14% DV
Iron 10.5mg 58% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular milk instead of sour milk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to it, allowing it to curdle for a few minutes. This will mimic the acidity of sour milk, ensuring your Jonnie Cake rises properly.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking soda is gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still bake well.

What other flavors can I add to this cake?

You can add ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor. A teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract can also enhance the sweetness and aroma of the cake.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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