What is the Caribbean Johnny Cake?

A Caribbean Johnny Cake is a traditional island bread made with flour, baking powder, butter, and a touch of sugar. Depending on the island, it's either fried or baked. The fried version is crispy outside and fluffy inside, while the baked version is denser and bread-like. It’s enjoyed across the Caribbean as a breakfast side, snack, or paired with savory dishes like saltfish or curry meats.

Why do they call it Johnny Cake?

The term “Johnny Cake” likely evolved from “journey cake,” a name used during the colonial era. These cakes were easy to carry and lasted long during travel, especially for farmers, soldiers, and sailors. Over time, “journey cake” morphed into “Johnny Cake,” and the dish became embedded in Caribbean culture — with each island adding its own spin.

What is Caribbean rum cake?

Caribbean rum cake is a moist, buttery dessert soaked in dark rum syrup. It’s made with cake flour, eggs, and rich spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, and often features chopped nuts. Traditionally served at holidays and celebrations, it’s a stark contrast to Johnny Cakes, which are more of a daily bread than a special-occasion treat.

What’s the difference between a pancake and a Johnny Cake?

While both are pan-cooked, pancakes are light, fluffy, and sweet — often eaten for breakfast with syrup. Johnny Cakes , on the other hand, are denser, slightly sweet or neutral in flavor, and often fried or baked. They’re a Caribbean staple meant to accompany savory dishes like fish, meats, or vegetables — not syrup and fruit.

What is Elvis Presley cake?

Elvis Presley cake is not a Caribbean recipe, but rather an American dessert inspired by Elvis’s favorite flavors. It usually features yellow cake layered with crushed pineapple, vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and sometimes pecans. It’s rich and sweet — similar in indulgence to rum cake, but unrelated to Johnny Cakes.

What is a traditional Johnny Cake baked in?

Traditionally, Johnny Cakes were baked in cast-iron pans or round baking tins inside a wood-fired oven. This method, popular in places like the Bahamas and Barbados, creates a dense, bread-like cake with a golden crust. Some even used hot stones or open flames before modern ovens became available.

Caribbean Johnny Cake – The Best Island Bread Recipe Ever (2025)

Name: Caribbean Johnny Cake – The Authentic Island Bread You’ll Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon sugar (optional); ½ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons butter or shortening (softened); ¾ cup water or evaporated milk (adjust for dough texture); Vegetable oil (for frying)

Description

This authentic Caribbean Johnny Cake recipe delivers golden, fluffy fried bread just like island locals make. Perfect for breakfast or savory meals!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter or shortening (softened)

¾ cup water or evaporated milk (adjust for dough texture)

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

Cut in softened butter using your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly.

Gradually add water or milk while mixing to form a soft, non-sticky dough.

Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for 15–20 minutes.

Divide the dough into small golf ball-sized portions and flatten them into discs.

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Fry the dough discs for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Notes

For a richer taste, replace water with evaporated or coconut milk.

To bake instead of fry, form thicker dough discs and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.

Best served with saltfish, fried plantains, or just butter and jam.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Bread, Breakfast, Side Dish
Method: Frying (optional baking)
Cuisine: Caribbean

Keywords: Caribbean Johnny Cake, traditional island bread, fried Johnny cake, Johnny cake recipe, Bahamian Johnny cake, Caribbean breakfast, island bread recipe, fried Caribbean bread