This Classic Amish Onion Cake is a tasty surprise! Made with fresh onions, this savory cake is soft and fluffy, combining a unique flavor that’s hard to resist.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how onions can taste so good in a cake! I love serving it warm as a side dish or snack—so good with a little butter on top!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Use sweet onions for a milder flavor. If they’re not available, yellow onions work just fine. Avoid using red onions since they can be too strong in cooked dishes.
Butter vs. Bacon Drippings: I love using bacon drippings for extra flavor, but you can stick with butter if you prefer it vegetarian. Olive oil is a good substitute for both if you want a lighter option.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard here. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend; it should work well! Just check that the blend contains xanthan gum.
Buttermilk: Don’t worry if you don’t have buttermilk! You can easily make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. It works great!
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is key to this recipe! It enhances their sweetness and gives that rich flavor. Follow these steps for perfect results:
- Slice your onions thinly so they cook evenly.
- Heat your skillet on medium heat and add the butter or bacon drippings.
- Add the onions and keep the heat medium-low to avoid burning. Stir occasionally.
- Cook for about 15-20 minutes until they’re soft and golden brown. Patience is key!
Let them cool slightly before adding to your batter for a balanced dough temperature.
Classic Amish Onion Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter or bacon drippings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice added)
- 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- Additional butter or oil, for greasing the pan
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and around 35-40 minutes for baking. In total, you should set aside about 55-60 minutes to prepare this delicious onion cake before it’s ready to be enjoyed!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take a 9-inch round cake pan or a cast-iron skillet and grease it generously with butter or oil. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick!
2. Caramelizing the Onions:
Next, grab a large skillet and melt the butter or bacon drippings over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add your thinly sliced onions. Cook them slowly while stirring occasionally for about 15 to 20 minutes until they’re soft and golden brown. Once done, remove them from heat and let them cool a bit.
3. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, baking soda, and black pepper. This will help combine everything and make your cake nice and fluffy.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the egg, then stir in the buttermilk. Mix them together until well combined.
5. Bringing It All Together:
Pour the egg and buttermilk mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if it’s a little lumpy!
6. Adding the Onions:
Now, fold in the cooled, caramelized onions and the optional grated cheddar cheese until everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pouring and Spreading the Batter:
Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan, and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the top.
8. Baking Time:
Place your pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don’t forget to keep an eye on it toward the end!
9. Cooling Down:
Once it’s done baking, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Slice the cake and serve it warm, perhaps with a little butter spread on top. It’s best enjoyed alongside soups, stews, or as a tasty snack all on its own!
This savory Amish Onion Cake is rich in flavor and perfect for any meal or snack time. Enjoy your baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Absolutely! Sweet onions, like Vidalia or Walla Walla, provide a milder flavor. Yellow onions work well too, but be cautious with red onions, as they can be too strong in this recipe.
How Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
You can replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with texture, or consider using almond flour for a different flavor profile!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover onion cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven; just ensure it’s warmed through before serving!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Recipe?
Of course! Feel free to add chopped cooked bacon or herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor. Just keep in mind that adding too many wet ingredients may affect the cake’s texture.