Bahamian Johnny Cake (Bahamian Sweet Bread)

  • Total time - 45 minutes
  • Prep - 15 minutes
  • Baking - 30 minutes
  • Servings: 8
  • Country: Bahamas
A loaf of Johnny Cake, sliced into squares, with a golden crust.
Nassau Paradise Island   (Web)

The original name 'Journey Cake' suggests that this dense bread was perfect for long trips because it kept well. The Bahamian version is distinctive for its firm yet soft texture and the absence of cornmeal.

Key to success is working the butter until it is evenly 'cut in' to the flour and avoiding overmixing the dough. The result should be a bread that is easy to slice and sturdy enough for dipping.

Ingredients

Johnny Cake

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cups sugar (granulated or caster)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cups butter, cold, cut into small cubes (or vegetable shortening)
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 piece egg yolk (optional, for richer color and flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing Dry Mix and Butter

Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Grease a small square baking dish 8 x 8 inches or a 10 inch round pan with butter.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 2: Cutting in the Butter

Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs or meal. (The mixture must stay cool.)

Step 3: Forming the Dough

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and the optional egg yolk.

Slowly add the milk mixture to the flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the ingredients are just combined into a soft, but not sticky, dough. Do not overmix!

Step 4: Baking

Transfer the dough to the prepared baking pan. Lightly flour your hands and gently press and spread the dough to evenly fill the bottom.

Poke the surface of the dough several times with a fork (this allows steam to escape and prevents excessive rising).

Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the crust sounds hollow when tapped. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Step 5: Serving

Let the Johnny Cake cool slightly in the pan (about 10 minutes).

Cut into squares or wedges and serve warm. It pairs excellently with savory Caribbean stews, soups, or for breakfast with butter and tropical fruit jam (e.g., guava).