Moist Johnny Cake: A Sweet Cornbread Delight
A Favorite Recipe from Grandmother’s Recipe Box
When it comes to timeless recipes passed down through generations, the Moist Johnny Cake holds a cherished place in many a family’s culinary repertoire. Raised in western Michigan, I grew up with the belief that cornbread should carry a delightful sweetness. This particular recipe, with its origins deeply rooted in my grandmother’s kitchen, beautifully captures that essence. Although I later discovered that not everyone shares this preference for sweet cornbread—especially in the South—this moist, slightly honeyed version remains a beloved favorite of mine. Join me on a journey to recreate this nostalgic treat, where the tender crumb and delicate sweetness make it a perfect addition to any meal.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Recipe Category: Quick Breads
- Keywords: Breads, Healthy, < 60 Mins, Easy
- Yield: 12 muffins or 1 9×9-inch pan
Ingredients
The Moist Johnny Cake combines simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a moist and tender crumb with a touch of sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons oil (optional)
These quantities are designed to yield either 12 individual muffins or a single 9×9-inch pan of Johnny Cake, making it a versatile recipe for various occasions.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
For those who are mindful of their nutritional intake, here’s a breakdown of what each serving (based on 12 servings) contains:
- Calories: 172.7 kcal
- Fat Content: 5 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.1 g
- Cholesterol Content: 20.5 mg
- Sodium Content: 304.3 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 29.7 g
- Fiber Content: 1 g
- Sugar Content: 12.8 g
- Protein Content: 3.1 g
Instructions
Crafting this Moist Johnny Cake is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in just a few simple steps. Follow these detailed instructions to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture:
-
Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that your Johnny Cake will bake evenly and develop a lovely golden crust. -
Sift the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to remove any lumps and aerates the dry ingredients, resulting in a lighter, more tender crumb. -
Beat the Egg:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg until it is well combined. This will help to incorporate air into the batter, contributing to the cake’s light texture. -
Add the Sugar:
Gradually add the sugar to the beaten egg, mixing well to ensure that the sugar is fully dissolved. This step helps to create a uniform sweetness throughout the batter. -
Warm the Milk:
Heat the milk to lukewarm (about 100°F or 38°C). You can do this by microwaving it for about 30 seconds or warming it gently on the stove. Lukewarm milk integrates better with the other ingredients and helps the honey to dissolve more easily. -
Incorporate the Honey:
Add the honey to the warm milk, stirring until it is completely dissolved. Honey adds a unique depth of sweetness and moisture to the Johnny Cake, enhancing its flavor profile. -
Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the beaten egg and oil to the milk and honey mixture. Stir until well combined. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use melted butter instead of oil. -
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring just until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense and tough. -
Prepare the Pan:
Grease a muffin pan or a 9×9-inch baking pan. This step ensures that the Johnny Cake does not stick to the pan and makes it easier to remove once baked. -
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. If using a muffin pan, fill each cup about 2/3 full. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The Johnny Cake should have a light golden color and a springy texture when done. -
Cool and Serve:
Allow the Johnny Cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps to set the structure of the cake and makes it easier to cut or remove from the pan. -
Enjoy:
Serve warm, either as muffins or cut into squares if baked in a pan. The Moist Johnny Cake is delightful on its own or with a pat of butter or a drizzle of additional honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
The Moist Johnny Cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways:
- Breakfast: Serve warm muffins with a side of fresh fruit and a cup of coffee for a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
- Snack: Enjoy a piece as a mid-afternoon snack, either plain or with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Side Dish: Pair it with soups, stews, or chili for a comforting and complementary side dish.
- Dessert: Transform it into a dessert by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips and Variations
To add a personal touch or to experiment with different flavors and textures, consider the following tips and variations:
- Add Corn Kernels: For a bit of texture and a burst of corn flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or canned corn kernels into the batter before baking.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a subtle spice note.
- Make It Savory: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup and omit the honey. You can also add 1/4 cup of grated cheese or chopped jalapeños for a savory twist.
- Use Whole Grain Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add a nutty flavor and increase the fiber content.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the regular flour for a gluten-free version of the Johnny Cake.
Storing and Reheating
To keep your Johnny Cake fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the Johnny Cake for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature or warm in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze individual muffins or slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave or oven.
A Culinary Tradition Revived
The Moist Johnny Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a connection to cherished family memories and a testament to the comforting simplicity of traditional home baking. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or savored later as a quick snack, this sweet cornbread captures the essence of a time-honored culinary tradition. Perfect for those who appreciate the nostalgic flavors of classic recipes, the Moist Johnny Cake is sure to become a beloved addition to your baking repertoire.
Final Thoughts
This Moist Johnny Cake, with its tender crumb and delightful sweetness, is a versatile recipe that fits seamlessly into various occasions, from casual breakfasts to elegant dinners. Its simplicity, combined with its rich, comforting flavor, makes it an easy go-to for both novice bakers and seasoned cooks alike. Embrace this nostalgic recipe, and share the warmth and sweetness of homemade Johnny Cake with your loved ones. Enjoy the process of creating this beloved treat, and let it bring a touch of your own family’s culinary tradition into your kitchen.
By following this detailed guide, you’ll master the art of baking a Moist Johnny Cake that not only tastes delicious but also evokes the comforting memories of family traditions and cherished moments in the kitchen. Happy baking!
