Authentic Belizean Yellow Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Belizean Johnny Cakes are a popular breakfast food in Belize, sometimes served with toppings such as butter, jelly, cheese, or beans. They are small, baked rolls of leavened dough, similar to American biscuits, and are often eaten with egg, ham, and cheese. This tasty treat is easy to make and can be served at any time of the day.

Ingredients

Belizean Johnny Cakes are a beloved traditional dish in Belize, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack throughout the day. They are small rolls of leavened dough that are lightly baked in an oven until golden. The ingredients for this delicious treat are simple and easy to source.

To make Belizean Johnny Cakes, you will need the following:

• Flour: The base of the Johnny Cakes is all-purpose flour, which gives the cakes their structure and texture. You will need 4 cups of flour for this recipe.
• Leavening Agent: To give the cakes their rise and lightness, baking powder is added. The amount can vary, but generally, 2-4 teaspoons of baking powder are used.
• Fat: Shortening, butter, or margarine is used to add richness and moisture to the cakes. The amount can vary, but typically around 8 tablespoons or 1/2 cup of fat is used.
• Liquid: Coconut milk is the traditional choice for adding moisture and flavour to the dough. You will need enough to form a soft dough, which is usually around 1 cup.
• Sweetener: A touch of sweetness is added with sugar. The amount can vary depending on taste, but typically around 1/2 cup is used.
• Salt: A small amount of salt is added to enhance the other flavours and balance the sweetness.

With these simple ingredients, you can create delicious Belizean Johnny Cakes that are perfect for breakfast, snacking, or any time of the day!

Mixing the batter

To make the batter for Belizean Johnny Cakes, you'll need to combine dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together.

First, in a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. You can use your finger tips to rub the shortening or butter into the flour mixture, or you can cut it in. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs or bread crumbs, with the flour and fat forming clumps.

Next, gradually add in the coconut milk or regular milk. You may need to add a little water if the mixture is too dry. Work the liquid into the dry ingredients with your hands to form a dough. Be careful not to over-mix or knead the dough, as you are not making bread. The dough is ready when it is soft and can be formed into a ball that can be removed cleanly from the bowl.

At this stage, you can add a little more coconut milk if the dough feels too stiff. You can also add a little extra sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste. Now, your batter is ready to be shaped into individual cakes.

Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. If you are using butter, cut it into small pieces and slowly add it to the mixture. You can also use shortening or margarine. Using your finger tips, rub the fat into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs or bread crumbs.

Next, slowly add the coconut milk and mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels stiff, add a little more coconut milk. Be careful not to over-mix or knead the dough too much, as this is not a bread dough.

Roll out the dough into a long strip, about 12 to 15 inches in length. Cut the strip into pieces that are 1 1/2 to 2 inches in size. Shape these pieces into round balls.

Place the dough balls on a greased baking sheet and flatten them slightly with the palm of your hand. Use a fork to prick small holes in the top of each ball.

Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 10 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. The cakes are ready when they are lightly browned on top.

Serve the cakes warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed plain, spread with butter, or topped with sweet or savoury toppings such as jam, honey, cheese, ham, eggs, or refried beans.

Frosting

Ingredients

• 20 tablespoons unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup (64.5 g) Dutch-processed cocoa
• 3/4 cup (255.75 ml) light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounces (226.8 ml) milk or semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled slightly

Method

In a food processor, process the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth, about 30 seconds, stopping once to scrape the sides of the bowl. Add the corn syrup and vanilla and process until just combined, 5 to 10 seconds. Scrape the sides of the bowl, then add the melted chocolate and pulse until smooth and creamy, 10 to 15 seconds.

Serving suggestions

Belizean Johnny Cakes are a versatile treat that can be served in a variety of ways. They are often enjoyed as a breakfast item, either plain or with a variety of sweet or savoury toppings and fillings. For a sweet option, you can spread them with butter, jelly, honey, or jam. For a savoury breakfast, top them with refried beans, meat, cheese, scrambled eggs, or butter. They can also be cut in half and stuffed with ham, eggs, and cheese, similar to an Egg McMuffin.

Belizean Johnny Cakes also make a great side dish for other meals and can be served warm or at room temperature. They are a popular choice for celebrations, festivals, and family gatherings, and are even a staple at Belizean weddings. When served as a side, they can be paired with almost any dish, as they are similar to pancakes or toast.

If you want to freeze your Johnny Cakes, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature or briefly heat them in the oven or microwave.

Frequently asked questions