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Amish Onion Cake Recipe

Amish Onion Cake Recipe

This savory Amish-style onion cake bakes up tender with a golden, fragrant onion topping. It’s simple comfort food that pairs with any hearty meal.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 9

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm milk about 110°F
  • 0.25 cup warm water about 110°F
  • 2.25 tsp active dry yeast
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2.25 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 2 tsp kosher salt divided between dough and onions
  • 2.5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted for the dough
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for sauteing
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter for the onions
  • 4 cup yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 0.75 tsp caraway seeds optional but traditional
  • 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp sweet paprika for color and warmth
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped optional garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch square pan or a 10-inch ovenproof skillet.
  • Bloom yeast: In a bowl, stir warm water, warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy, 5–10 minutes.
  • Mix the batter: Add melted butter, 1 1/4 tsp salt, and flour. Stir until a thick, sticky batter forms.
  • Spread batter into the prepared pan. Let rise while you cook the onions, 15–20 minutes.
  • Cook onions: Warm olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, remaining salt, pepper, and caraway. Saute until soft and golden, 12–15 minutes.
  • Top batter evenly with the onions. Dust with paprika and scatter chives if using.
  • Bake until deeply golden and set in the center, 28–35 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
  • Cool 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

Notes

For a heartier version, add 3–4 slices of crisp crumbled bacon over the onions, or swap caraway for poppy seeds. Leftovers reheat well: wrap and warm at 300°F for 10–12 minutes to restore the crust.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Amish Onion Cake Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.