To begin, preheat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. There’s no need for an oven for this recipe, as Johnny cakes are fried on the stovetop. While the pan is heating, prepare the dough.

In a large bowl, mix the plain flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the baking powder, which will give the Johnny cakes a light, airy texture.

Slowly pour in the water while stirring with a wooden spoon. The goal is to form a soft dough, so add the water gradually until the mixture comes together. You want the dough to be slightly sticky but not too wet, add more water in small increments if needed, or more flour if the dough is too sticky.

Once the dough has formed, lightly flour your hands and knead the dough for about 2 minutes, just until it becomes smooth. Be gentle during this process; over-kneading can result in a dense Johnny cake. Let the dough rest for about 5 minutes to relax the gluten.

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each into a small ball. Flatten each ball into a disc about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and gives the Johnny cakes their characteristic flat shape.

Add the vegetable oil to the preheated skillet, spreading it evenly across the pan. Place the dough discs in the skillet, leaving enough space between them to allow for easy flipping. Cook the Johnny cakes for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. The outside should be crisp, while the inside remains soft and slightly chewy.

Once the Johnny cakes are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. If you prefer a richer flavour, you can brush the Johnny cakes with melted butter while they’re still warm.

To serve, arrange the Johnny cakes on a plate and offer a selection of toppings. Traditionally, Johnny cakes are served with butter, honey, or jam, but they also pair wonderfully with savoury toppings like grilled meats, cheese, or chutney. Their mild flavour makes them the perfect base for a variety of dishes, whether as a simple snack or as part of a larger meal.