Preheat oven to 250 F.

Mix cornmeal, sugar and salt in large bowl. Mix in 3 cups boiling water (batter will be thick).

Melt 1 Tbsp. butter on heavy griddle or in large skillet over medium heat. Drop batter onto griddle by tablespoonfuls, spreading with back of spoon to 2" diameter cakes. Cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to platter. Keep warm in oven. Repeat with remaining batter, adding more butte as needed.

Serve johnnycakes warm with additional butter and maple syrup, assorted breakfast rolls and sliced melon to round out the meal.


Are Johnny Cakes the same thing as Corn Pone? Yes. During colonial times, Johnny Cakes were common at every meal, not just breakfast. Many believe the original name was "Journey Cakes", because they were so portable and taken on so many journeys. It was very common for colonial pioneers to keep Johnny Cakes in their pockets. Try them hot or cold, with butter and syrup.

Mr Breakfast would like to thank Mr Breakfast for this recipe.

Overall Average Rating = 5 (out of 5)

Based on 11 votes.

From Del Tinker

Rating (out of 5):

It was fun to try these as sort of a history lesson, but by today's pancake / hotcake standards, they were heavy and a little gritty. Glad I tried it, but this was a one time thing for me.

Comment submitted: 6/30/2013 (#16093)



From Brent

Rating (out of 5):

I made the Johnny Cakes for my history project and everybody got a small bite. I had to warm them up in the microwave but they were still good and most everybody like them. I recommend them!

Comment submitted: 11/12/2012 (#14825)



From girl999

Is there any way to know which colony the early settlers used this in?

Comment submitted: 2/15/2012 (#13544)



From 800-Sue

Rating (out of 5):

This is a great recipe: white Corn Meal, salt, boiling water, bacon drippings.

Comment submitted: 1/21/2010 (#9508)



From Mia

Rating (out of 5):

Great recipe. I made them for a school project about colonial times, and the class loved them! Didn't look very appetizing, but they tasted great! Don't worry, I credited this site.

Comment submitted: 12/3/2009 (#9145)



From awesome

Rating (out of 5):

I liked this recipe.

Comment submitted: 7/13/2009 (#8396)



From Happy Camper Family

Rating (out of 5):

OMG so good! I made them camping over our campfire in our cast iron skillet!! Whole family loved them.

Comment submitted: 6/19/2009 (#8316)



From Ice Princess

Rating (out of 5):

Awesome. Thanks!

Comment submitted: 4/15/2009 (#7969)



From cook

Rating (out of 5):

Liked it - made for my son who had a cololial day and wanted them again.

Comment submitted: 3/29/2009 (#7857)



From Tag H.

Recipe plus a history lesson. Nice one.

Comment submitted: 1/13/2009 (#7349)



From Yuan

Rating (out of 5):

My teacher give us some of it. It was great.

Comment submitted: 12/5/2008 (#7039)



From goodcookin

Rating (out of 5):

Awsome love it lol

Comment submitted: 2/12/2007 (#1506)



From Stacy

Rating (out of 5):

Great recipe for Johnny Cakes, corn pone is actually different. Corn Pone is made from gritted cornmeal and warm water mixed to form a dough, then it is baked with hot ashes from a fire ;)

Comment submitted: 11/9/2006 (#679)

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