Go Back
–+ servings

Old-Fashioned Johnny Cake Recipe (1920)

This early 20th-century Johnny Cake recipe is a classic, sweetened cornbread made with honey and baked in a cast-iron pan for a beautifully caramelized crust.
A staple in American kitchens of the early 1900s, this old-fashioned recipe delivers rich, slightly sweet, and tender cornbread with a golden-brown finish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 9 -inch bread

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup whole milk scalded and slightly cooled
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted lard
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. While heating, place a seasoned 9-inch cast iron skillet inside to warm up.
  • Prepare the wet ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the egg and sugar together until well combined.
  • Incorporate the liquids: Stir in the scalded milk, honey, and vegetable oil (or melted lard), ensuring the mixture is smooth.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt.
  • Combine mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until fully incorporated and smooth.
  • Melt butter in skillet: Once the oven is fully preheated, carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet. Drop in the butter and swirl it around until melted, making sure to coat the entire surface.
  • Bake the Johnny Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared skillet and immediately place it back in the oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown on top. If using a greased 9-inch pie pan instead, bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Cool and serve: Turn the finished Johnny Cake out onto a cutting board and serve warm.

Notes

  • Scalding the milk helps develop a tender crumb and enhances the texture of the cornbread.
  • For a crispier crust, allow the butter to sizzle in the hot skillet for a few extra seconds before adding the batter.
  • Traditional adaptations: Some early 1900s recipes included apples or spices for added flavor variations.
Keyword cast-iron Johnny Cake, classic cornbread recipe, historic cornbread, homemade corn cake, old recipes, Old-fashioned Johnny Cake, Southern Johnny Cake, vintage cornbread recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!