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5.0 from 3 votes

Caribbean Johnny Cakes

Johnny Cakes (Caribbean Style) are amazing little pockets of lightly fried balls of fluffy bread. Just a slight hint of sweetness. They are wonderful accompaniment for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Serve them hot, warm, or room temperature. So good!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Additional Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr 1 min
Servings: 4
Calories: 474 kcal
Course: Appetizer , Bread
Cuisine: Caribbean , French-American Fusion

Ingredients

  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter chilled, cubed, then brought to room temp
  • 1½ cups water divided
  • vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Sift the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder into a large bowl. Use your fingers to work the butter into the flour.
  2. Pour 1 cup of the water over the flour mixture. Use a fork or wooden spoon to work the water into the flour. Add another ¼ cup of water and use your hands to start forming a dough. Sprinkle a little more water and keep gently working the dough. The dough will have a shaggy texture to it.
  3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and use the palms of your hands to knead the dough until smooth and elastic. You may need to add more flour, or more water, as you knead. It's okay if the dough is slightly tacky.
  4. Form the dough into a ball and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  5. Meanwhile, heat the oil to 350°F.
  6. On a floured surface, divide the dough into 13 to 15 pieces. Form each piece into a ball, about ¾-inch in diameter. Use the palm of your hand to press down on each ball of dough, flattening into a disc. Use your fingers, moving in a circular motion, to press the edges out and flattening the disc to about ¼-inch in thickness.
  7. Working in batches, add the cakes to the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, flipping occasionally. About 8 minutes. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Try not to over-knead the dough, but then again, you don't want to under-knead it either.  Keep your hands nice and floured as you work the dough with the palms of your hands.  It usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes for the dough to become smooth and elastic.
  • Letting the dough rest for at least 30 minutes is important.  We don't recommend skipping this step.
  • If you don't have a way to check the temperature of the oil, then heat the oil over medium-high heat.  Toss in a little piece of bread. It should sizzle and turn golden brown in about 1 to 1½ minutes.  If it turns dark brown quickly, your oil is too hot.  If it takes more than 6o to 90 seconds, it's not hot enough. 
  • The Johnny cakes can be served hot, warm, or room temperature.  Store in an air-tight container with a lid for up to 1 week.  They can be kept at room temperature, or in the fridge. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 474kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 97g (32%) Protein 11g (22%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 8mg (3%) Sodium 590mg (25%) Potassium 320mg (9%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 13g (26%) Vitamin A 87IU (2%) Calcium 107mg (11%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 474

% Daily Value*

Calories 474kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 97g 32%
Protein 11g 22%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 8mg 3%
Sodium 590mg 25%
Potassium 320mg 7%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 13g 26%
Vitamin A 87IU 2%
Calcium 107mg 11%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.