We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Hoe Cakes?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: Feb 07, 2024
Views: 12,184
Share

Hoe cakes are small cakes or breads made with cornmeal. They are often associated with the American South, where hoe cakes are served with a variety of sweet and savory foods, although their origins actually lie in Native American communities, along with many other corn-based foods. Hoe cakes are very easy to make, with a number of different recipes in use.

Also known as ash cakes, johnny cakes, or shawnee cakes, hoe cakes are traditionally made with cornmeal, salt, and water. The ingredients are blended into a thick slurry which is cooked on a griddle in oil. However, many recipes also include milk, yogurt, or other dairy products, and sometimes baking powder and eggs are added to give the hoe cakes more loft and texture, turning them more cakey and less bready. Some cooks also blend in wheat flour or other types of flour, although other cooks treat this as a crass adulteration of the traditional recipe.

Historically, hoe cakes were made by molding the batter into rounds on hot stones next to the fire, explaining the name “ash cake,” as they were often ashy. Hoe cakes could easily be made and carried on the run, which made them popular with travelers and hunters. Southern cooks supposedly adopted the technique of cooking these breads on the blade of a hoe in the fields, allowing them to heat a quick meal during lunch breaks. Today, cooks make hoe cakes in the pan, on the griddle, and sometimes in the oven, depending on their preferences and the recipe being used.

Hoecakes, as they are also known, are often treated as a sort of pancake. Hoe cakes certainly can be eaten as pancakes, with toppings such as fruit and syrup, and sometimes cooks mix fresh fruit into the batter. However, they can also be eaten with savory ingredients, and they are not exclusive to Southern cuisine. For example, someone could serve an Indian curry with hoe cakes as a side.

People who are interested in making this traditional food can find a number of recipes on the Internet. Some cooks have strong feelings about what does and does not belong in a hoe cake, and it may be wise to experiment with several different recipes to find a version which is enjoyable. For example, some cooks like the very simple and plain traditional recipe, while others find the basic recipe bland and dull, and may prefer recipes with additional ingredients which add texture and flavor.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By BoatHugger — On Aug 23, 2010

@wesley91: You probably did hear about them from your grandmother because I can remember being very young and my grandmother would make hoe cakes all the time! This was the recipe that she used.

You need 1 cup flour, 1 ½ cup corn meal, ¼ cup Crisco oil, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 1/3 cup buttermilk, 2 eggs (beaten), 1 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. baking soda.

Mix together the flour, sugar, cornmeal, salt and baking soda. Add the eggs, buttermilk, and oil. Stir until moistened. In a heavily oiled skillet, pour ¼ cup of batter for each cake. Fry for a couple of minutes or until golden brown on both sides. Drain them on paper towels.

My grandmother used to sprinkle a little bit of powdered sugar on them when they came out of the skillet.

By wesley91 — On Aug 23, 2010

I have heard of hoe cakes before (probably from my grandma) but I have never made them. Does anyone have a good recipe for them that is simple to make? I would love to try them out.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-are-hoe-cakes.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.