Johnny Cake
Aruba's golden fried cornmeal bread
Johnny Cake
Johnny cake is a beloved Aruban bread, a round cake of cornmeal and flour dough that is fried or griddled until golden, crisp on the outside and soft and fluffy within. It is a simple dough of flour, a little cornmeal, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk, shaped into a flat round and cooked until it puffs and browns. The result is somewhere between a biscuit and a fried bread, and it is a staple of island breakfasts and snacks.
Johnny cake is found across the wider Caribbean, and on Aruba it is a comforting, everyday bread. It is split and filled or eaten alongside savoury food, with classic pairings including cheese, fried fish, and saltfish (bacalao). Warm from the pan, it is hard to resist on its own, and it doubles as a side that scoops up sauces just as well as pan bati.
How it is eaten
Johnny cake is most popular at breakfast, often split and filled with cheese or fish, but it is enjoyed throughout the day as a snack or a side. It pairs naturally with the island's stews and fried fish.
- It is naturally vegetarian as a plain bread, though it is frequently filled with fish or meat.
- Look for it at bakeries, snack trucks, and home kitchens across Oranjestad and Noord.
For a quick, satisfying island breakfast, pick up a warm johnny cake filled with cheese or saltfish from a bakery or snack truck.
Key ingredients
How to make Johnny Cake
- 1
In a bowl, mix flour with a little cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- 2
Rub in cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- 3
Add milk gradually, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- 4
Knead briefly on a floured surface, just until smooth, about 1 minute.
- 5
Divide the dough into equal portions and flatten each into a thick disc about 2cm high.
- 6
Heat shallow oil in a pan over medium heat, or heat a griddle.
- 7
Fry the discs, turning once, until puffed and golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side.
- 8
Drain briefly on paper towels.
- 9
Serve warm, split open and filled with cheese, fried fish, or saltfish.
A home-style reference method; every family and kitchen has its own version.
Johnny Cake questions
What is johnny cake?
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What does johnny cake taste like?
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What is johnny cake eaten with?
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Where can I try johnny cake in Aruba?
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