What's the difference between a pancake and a Johnny cake?

Though they may look similar, Johnny cakes and pancakes are very different in both ingredients and texture. Pancakes are made from flour, eggs, milk, and baking powder—resulting in a soft, fluffy texture . Johnny cakes , on the other hand, are made with cornmeal , hot water, and often no leavening at all. They’re denser, crispier around the edges , and carry a rich, nutty corn flavor.

Why do they call it a Johnny cake?

The exact origin of the name “Johnny cake” is debated, but many believe it comes from “ journey cake ”—a term used for a portable, long-lasting food that early settlers and travelers would carry. Others trace it to “jonakin,” an old English term for a corn-based cake. Regardless of origin, the name stuck and has been passed down through American and Caribbean food cultures.

What are Johnny cakes made of?

Johnny cakes are traditionally made from cornmeal, hot water, and salt. Some versions include butter, sugar, milk, or even flour depending on the region. Caribbean Johnny cakes are often fried and include both cornmeal and flour, while Rhode Island Johnny cakes stay true to the old-school griddled style with only cornmeal and water.

What's the difference between cornbread and Johnny cakes?

Cornbread is typically baked , soft, and fluffy with a bread-like crumb, and it often includes flour, eggs, and a leavening agent like baking powder. Johnny cakes are flat and griddled or fried , with a more rustic, chewy texture. Think of Johnny cakes as the portable, minimalist cousin to cornbread.

What state is known for Johnny Cakes?

Rhode Island is perhaps the most famous U.S. state for Johnny cakes. Their version uses white flint cornmeal , cooked slowly on a griddle until crispy. Rhode Island even hosts Johnnycake festivals and sells region-specific cornmeal blends to preserve the traditional recipe.

What did cornbread used to be called?

Before it was widely called cornbread, early settlers and Native Americans used terms like “ash cakes,” “hoe cakes,” and “pone.” These were simple flatbreads baked on hot stones, in ashes, or on iron hoes. These ancestral dishes laid the groundwork for both modern cornbread and Johnny cakes.

What Are Johnny Cakes – 7 Best Facts & Recipes You Need Now

Name: What Are Johnny Cakes? A Traditional Cornmeal Delight With a Rich History
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 cup yellow or white cornmeal; ¾ cup hot water; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp sugar (optional, for sweetness); 2 tbsp butter or oil (for cooking)

Description

Learn how to make authentic Johnny cakes—crispy cornmeal cakes with deep roots in American and Caribbean cooking. Easy, rustic, and ready in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup yellow or white cornmeal

¾ cup hot water

½ tsp salt

1 tsp sugar (optional, for sweetness)

2 tbsp butter or oil (for cooking)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix the cornmeal, salt, and optional sugar.

Slowly pour in hot water, stirring until a thick batter forms.

Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes to hydrate and thicken.

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a bit of oil or butter.

Drop about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet and gently flatten.

Cook each Johnny cake for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.

Serve warm with butter, syrup, saltfish, or your favorite topping.

Notes

For a Caribbean-style version, add 1–2 tbsp all-purpose flour and ½ tsp baking powder for a fluffier, fried version.

For vegan, use plant-based milk and oil.

Use stone-ground cornmeal for more texture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Traditional Recipes
Method: Griddled, Fried
Cuisine: Southern American, Caribbean

Keywords: what are johnny cakes, cornmeal cakes, traditional johnny cakes, southern recipes, griddle cakes, Caribbean johnny cakes, hoe cakes, easy cornmeal recipes