This Easy Amish Onion Cake is a tasty surprise! It’s sweet and savory with soft caramelized onions packed inside. A touch of herbs adds a cozy flavor that’s hard to resist.
Who knew cake could be savory, right? This has become my go-to dish for special gatherings. I love serving it warm, and watching folks’ eyebrows raise in delight when they taste it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Use yellow or sweet onions for the best flavor. They caramelize beautifully, giving the cake a rich taste. If you want a milder flavor, you can opt for vidalia onions instead.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and tang, but you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, then letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just check for the right baking powder amount since some blends already contain it.
Cheddar Cheese: Grated sharp cheddar cheese gives a lovely depth. If you want a vegan alternative, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
The key step is cooking the onions slowly to develop their sweetness. Here’s how to do it:
- Use medium heat to start cooking the onions; this prevents burning while allowing them to soften.
- Stir every few minutes to avoid sticking and even out the browning. Patience is key; take your time with this step!
- If they brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. You’re aiming for a golden brown color with a sweet aroma!
Let the onions cool slightly before adding them to your cake mixture to avoid curdling the eggs. This technique will elevate the flavor of your onion cake!
Easy Amish Onion Cake with Rustic Flavor
Ingredients:
- 2 large onions (yellow or sweet), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (optional for richness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful onion cake will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 10 minutes for cooling before serving. So overall, set aside about an hour to enjoy the fun of baking this savory treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch round cake pan or an 8×8-inch square pan and grease it with butter or baking spray. Dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In a skillet, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and stir them gently. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become golden brown and nicely caramelized. Once done, remove them from the heat and let them cool for a few minutes.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, black pepper, and dried thyme. Make sure everything is well combined for an even flavor throughout the cake.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs and whisk in the buttermilk until smooth. This will add moisture and richness to your cake.
5. Combine Mixtures:
Gently pour the egg and buttermilk mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix!
6. Add Onions and Cheese:
Carefully fold the caramelized onions into the batter. If you’re using grated cheddar cheese, fold that in as well to enhance the flavor. Make sure the onions are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the onion cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before slicing and serving.
This onion cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Pair it with butter or a mild cheese spread for an extra treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Onions for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen onions! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to remove any excess moisture. Sauté them in the skillet until they are heated through and slightly caramelized for the best flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using, and you’ll get that tangy flavor buttermilk provides!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover onion cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Enjoy it as a tasty snack or side dish!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini for an extra twist. Make sure to sauté them first to release moisture and enhance their flavor before folding them into the batter.
