Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! Today, we’re diving into the wonderfully unique world of Amish baking with a recipe that might surprise you: Amish Onion Cake. Forget your preconceived notions of “cake” being sweet – this is a savory, rich, and incredibly satisfying dish that perfectly combines tender, caramelized onions with a soft, bread-like base. It’s a testament to the Amish tradition of turning simple, wholesome ingredients into something truly extraordinary.

Why I Love This Recipe

Amish Onion Cake is one of those delightful discoveries that immediately becomes a family favorite. What I love most about it is its versatility and unexpected depth of flavor. It’s not overly sweet, but the onions caramelize beautifully, providing a natural sweetness that balances the savory notes of butter and herbs. It’s fantastic as a hearty side dish, a unique appetizer, or even a light meal on its own, especially with a warm bowl of soup. The texture is moist and tender, almost like a very rich cornbread but with a distinct, comforting onion essence. It’s also a great way to use up extra onions from your pantry or garden!

The History of Amish Onion Cake

The Amish, known for their traditional way of life and incredible culinary skills, have a rich history rooted in German heritage. Many Amish dishes reflect this, including “Zwiebelkuchen” (German onion cake or tart), which is quite similar to the savory onion cake popular in Amish communities. These recipes are often a celebration of seasonal ingredients, and onions, being easy to grow and store, naturally found their way into comforting, hearty dishes. The Amish Onion Cake as we know it today is a delightful amalgamation of these traditions, emphasizing wholesome ingredients and simple preparation to create deeply satisfying food. It embodies their philosophy of turning everyday necessities into delicious, soul-nourishing meals.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this savory Amish delight:

For the Onion Topping:

• 3 large onions (Vidalia or yellow), thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Cake/Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Swaps and Notes

• Onions: While Vidalia onions offer a lovely sweetness that caramelizes well, yellow or even red onions can be used. Just ensure they are thinly sliced for even cooking.
• Poppy Seeds: These add a subtle nutty flavor and a nice textural contrast. If you don’t have them or prefer not to use them, you can omit them.
• Butter: Using good quality butter makes a difference in the richness of this cake. Ensure the butter for the cake is cold and cubed for the best crumbly texture when cut into the flour.
• Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream gives the best moisture and tang. Greek yogurt can be a substitute for a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Herbs: While not traditional for this specific recipe, a pinch of dried thyme or a tablespoon of fresh chives could be added to the onion topping for another layer of flavor.
• Cheese: For a richer, more indulgent version, you could sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese over the onions before baking.

Steps for the Recipe

Follow these steps to create your delicious Amish Onion Cake:

1. Prepare the Onion Topping: In a large skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until they are very soft and nicely caramelized. Don’t rush this step – patience leads to sweet, tender onions!
2. Season Onions: Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the poppy seeds, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan or a 9×9 inch baking dish.
4. Prepare Dry Cake Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
5. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Combine Wet Cake Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and sour cream until well combined.
7. Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. The dough will be thick.
8. Assemble the Cake: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Spread the cooled onion topping evenly over the dough base. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining one-third of the dough over the onion topping, spreading gently to cover as much as possible.
9. Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion (avoiding the onion topping) comes out clean.
10. Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before releasing from the springform pan (if using). Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Success

• Caramelize Onions Properly: This is key for flavor. Low and slow is the way to go for truly sweet, tender onions.
• Do Not Overmix Dough: Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cake tough. Mix until just combined.
• Use a Springform Pan: While a 9×9 inch baking dish works, a springform pan makes it easy to remove and showcase the beautiful layers of the cake.
• Check for Doneness: A toothpick test is important. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time.
• Serve Warm: While good at room temperature, the flavors truly shine when the cake is warm.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Amish Onion Cake is incredibly versatile! Here are some ideas for how to enjoy it:

• With Soup: It’s a fantastic accompaniment to a hearty soup, like my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort or any creamy vegetable soup.
• As a Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, chicken, or pork. Consider serving it alongside These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
• For Brunch: It makes a great addition to a brunch spread, perhaps alongside scrambled eggs or a frittata.
• Light Meal: Enjoy a slice with a simple green salad for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
• Beverage Pairings: A crisp dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc), a light lager, or even a refreshing iced tea would complement the savory flavors.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Store any leftover Amish Onion Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for a minute or two, or in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through and the top is slightly crisped. This cake also freezes well. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you appreciate comforting, homestyle meals that are both flavorful and satisfying, be sure to explore some of these other delicious recipes:

• For another easy one-pan meal that’s always a hit, try my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
• If you love a hearty skillet dish, my This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor is fantastic.
• And for a truly classic comfort food, you can’t go wrong with my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.

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Final Thoughts

Amish Onion Cake is a truly special dish – a savory “cake” that’s moist, rich, and utterly delicious. It’s a wonderful example of how simple ingredients, when combined with care, can create something truly memorable. I encourage you to step outside the box of traditional “cake” and give this savory masterpiece a try. You might just find your new favorite comfort food!

I’d love to hear your thoughts if you make this recipe! Share your experience in the comments below, and let me know what other savory baked goods you enjoy. Happy baking!