Jamaican Johnny Cakes
Vacation Qualms and amazing Jamaican Johnny Cakes!
Before we moved to the mountains, we used to vacation in the mountains.
Now that we live in the lush rolling slopes of North Carolina, we travel elsewhere to vacate.
Like the beach.
I love the warm velvety sand between my toes, the sun kissing my forehead, watching the waves gently roll in, and the constant roar of the sea.
I love watching my husband chase the little ones down the beach, laughing and kicking through the sea foam. Yet the moment I step foot in the water, I am on guard.
Watchful of sharks.
Do I let my babies go in the water? Yes, because I know my fear is irrational. (And because my husband would give me a lecture on parenting.) But I am poised, ready to snatch them from the waves and high-tail it out of the water, at the first glimpse of danger.
Go ahead and laugh. Sometimes I’m a head-case.
Well, these two are afraid of nothing. You can learn a lot from children.
Actually, you can learn a lot from just about anyone. You never know when you are going to gain new knowledge and experience new things.
Take this unassuming little restaurant in Sunset Beach, for instance. I’ve eaten Jamaican food plenty of times. What could possibly surprise me?
The bread, that’s what.
The most nontraditional and luxurious Jamaican Johnny Cakes Recipe I’ve ever experienced. Tender, moist, airy with a fine crumb, almost a CAKE, but served as an appetizer. The Sugar Shack’s Jamaican Johnny Cakes is a delicate corny pillow with a good dose of clove. This is my kind of bread.
Don’t let the Johnny Cake’s humble appearance fool you. This “bread” is not to be missed. Unlike the classic heavy fry bread normally considered “Johnny Cake” in the isles, this is special. An ultra silky cornbread/buttermilk cake hybrid that is utterly addictive. Two loaves will not be enough.
Consider yourself warned!
I didn’t ask for the recipe, like I do here in Asheville. Instead I came home and experimented until I replicated the Sugar Shack’s famous Jamaican Johnny Cakes.
I’m awfully proud of myself over this one. Somehow, it makes me feel better about the shark issue.
Other ASP breads you’ll love:
Favorite breads on the web:
Cinnamon Swirl Bread ~ Recipe Girl
Homemade English Muffins ~ Bell’ Alimento
Brazilian Cheese Bread ~ Simple Recipes
Jamaican Johnny Cakes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 3/4 cup finely ground cornmeal plus extra for the pans
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground clove
- 2 sticks unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1 cup full fat buttermilk
Instructions
- Lower the oven rack to the bottom half of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Butter and dust two to 9x5 loaf pans with cornmeal.
- Combine the flour, cornmeal, baking soda, baking powder, salt and clove. Mix well.
- Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar for 3-5 minutes, until very light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, followed by the vanilla and buttermilk.
- Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mixture. Scrape the bowl and beat again until just smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the loaf pans. Bake, undisturbed for 40-50 minutes. Insert a toothpick to ensure the cakes are cooked through. If the toothpick comes out clean, remove them from the oven.
- Cool for 10 minutes, before carefully flipping out of the pans. Serve warm. The cake should be light and slightly crumbly. Makes 2 loaves.
That vacation looks wonderful and I enjoyed the pictures and reading the recipe. Have a nice day.
You are right this is not a traditional Johnny cake but it looks amazing. Bookmarked to try:-)
Smile. I love the beach too. We are soaking up the sun in Maine right now. Thank you for sharing another beautiful recipe. I hope you had a lovely weekend, and I hope you have an even lovelier week. Many blessings and much love…
It looks like you had a terrific time! I’ve never made Johnny Cakes before, but these look wonderful. I’ll have to give them a try.
It looks like so much fun! I’m a beach lover too. I’ve never eaten Johnny cake. I’ve been missing out!
I agree! You can learn a lot from kids! And I learned a lot from you! I’ve never had a Jamaican Johnny cake, but that vanilla-clove combo sounds like a match made in heaven!
Sweet and spicy bread!! Good job with recreating the flavor!
And sharks are NOT irrational. Those things can be in very shallow water and blame Jaws, I have never set foot in the Ocean since I came to the US. When you know they are “out there”, it is hard to have a peaceful swim!
congrats on the lovely post Sommer
cute little ones
the cake looks fabulous
I’m totally there with you: I’m always on the lookout for sharks at the beach. And the pool. Very irrational.
I love these Johnny Cakes – they look so moist and delicious!
Thanks so much for this lovely post and recipe!
Looks great! Going back to Jamaica this coming April…can’t wait!
I love Johnny cakes! These look delicious
I have never had Johnny Cake before nor have I heard of it! Thanks for the recipe! I will give this a try!
I love love love the clicks of two children!! The Johnny cake…that’s a really interesting name.
Hey Sommer, sharks- I think of land shark from saturday night live and bears definitely grizzley adams!
This johnny cake sounds heavenly- and not scary one bit;-)
How did I miss this amazing bread when I was in Jamaica? Here in New England, Johnny Cakes are like pancakes, but sweet and crumbly, like this rich bread. Yum!
Oh we know the Sugar Shack well. My son’s in laws know the owners well and they have wonderful wonderful food. That’s a must eat at place.
great pic of the kiddos, I tried to vote, but facebook stated the rules had changed???
yummy cakes, have a great weekend
love the pic of the kiddos, tried to vote..but the facebook stated the rules had changed???? good luck!
yummy cakes