Old-Fashion Johnny Cake

Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

A hearty traditional Johnny Cake with a slightly sweet and savory flavor, perfect for breakfast or snack, appealing to those who enjoy classic, comforting baked goods.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups sour milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 cups cornmeal
  • 5 tablespoons melted shortening
  • 3 tablespoons sugar or honey
  • 1 teaspoon soda

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Pour the mixture into an 8 x 8-inch greased pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F for about 1 hour or until done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using buttermilk instead of sour milk. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. Ensure to mix the dry and wet ingredients gently to keep the cake light. For an added touch, try incorporating a handful of corn kernels or shredded cheese into the batter for variation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm, drizzled with honey or maple syrup for a delightful breakfast or snack. This cake pairs beautifully with Garlic Mashed Potatoes With Skins as a hearty side dish. For a sweet ending, enjoy it alongside Michael'S Apple Crisp for a comforting dessert experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Johnny Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply place slices in a toaster or oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring it retains its texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old-Fashion Johnny Cake contains roughly 1170 calories, with 9g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 95g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 844mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).

1170 kcal 59% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.1g 18% DV
Total Fat 95.3g 100% DV
Carbs 73.5g 27% DV
Fiber 3.9g 14% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 843.9mg 37% DV
Potassium 305.3mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 16.2mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 43.2mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 1mg 1% DV
Calcium 76.7mg 6% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% DV
Contains Milk 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 use regular milk; however, adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice can mimic the tanginess of sour milk. Let it sit for a few minutes before using it in the recipe.

What can I use if I don't have cornmeal?

If you don't have cornmeal, you can substitute it with an equal amount of finely ground polenta or even oat flour. The texture may differ slightly, but it will still yield a delicious cake.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this Johnny Cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure the cornmeal is also gluten-free, and you should achieve a similar texture and flavor.

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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