Old Fashioned Johnnycake
A hearty, golden Johnnycake with cornmeal and flour, perfect for breakfast or snack, served hot with syrup or jelly for a comforting Southern treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Add flour, sugar, salt, cornmeal, baking powder, milk, and soft shortening to the beaten egg. Mix until well combined but do not overbeat.
- Pour the batter into a greased 8-inch square pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cut into squares and serve hot with syrup or jelly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, sift the flour and cornmeal together before adding them to the batter. If you don't have soft shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter, melted. To add extra flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg. This dish also pairs beautifully with syrup or jelly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Johnnycake hot, cut into squares, with a drizzle of maple syrup or your favorite jelly on top. It makes a delightful breakfast or brunch option and pairs nicely with fresh fruit or a side of scrambled eggs for a balanced meal. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a Cauliflower And Broccoli Dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Johnnycake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven until heated through. This helps maintain the cake's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Johnnycake contains roughly 223 calories, with 5g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1072mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just give it a good stir before pouring it into the pan. Baking it fresh will yield the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of cornmeal?
If you don't have cornmeal, you can substitute it with an equal amount of fine polenta or grits. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may slightly vary from the traditional Johnnycake.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Old Fashioned Johnnycake is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or fish products. It includes basic pantry staples like flour, cornmeal, and milk, making it a great addition to vegetarian recipes.
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).