Zwiebelkuchen, German Onion Cake, is a savory tart with a biscuit like crust topped with grilled onions in a creamy filling.

Zweilbelkuchen, German Onion Cake, is a biscuit-like bread with caramelized onions on top.

pan of german onion tart with text overlay "zwiebelkuchen german onion cake"

This recipe may be different than your Oma's recipe. A quick internet search trying to find the German name for the recipe showed me a few dozen variations of the same basic dish.

I based this one on a recipe in Cooking from Quilt Country a companion cookbook for the late 1980's PBS cooking series about Amish and Mennonite cooking.

But, I didn't have the 10 inch round pan she used so it became 9x13. And I decided to add a little bacon because... BACON!

It is easy and so flavorful. It would be a great appetizer or side dish.

All About Onions

This week we are celebrating onions! Check out these delicious recipes featuring the humble but pungent bulb.

Caramelized Onion Chip Dip by A Day in the Life on the Farm

French Onion Soup by Making Miracles

German Onion Cake by That Recipe

Gruyere and Caramelized Onion Tarts by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks

Homemade French Onion Dip by Cheese Curd In Paradise

Mongolian Beef by Palatable Pastime

Onion Bagels by Art of Natural Living

Pork and Green Onion Chow Fun by A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures

Quick Pickled Green Onions by Veggies First Then Dessert

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Recipe

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Ingredients

2-3 slices bacon
2-3 large yellow onions
¼ teaspoon marjoram
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch (or arrowroot)
1 tablespoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons vegetable shortening
¾+ cup milk
1 large egg
¾ cup sour cream

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking pan.
Chop bacon into small pieces and cook in a large skillet over medium heat until cooked, but not crispy, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked bacon and set on paper towels to drain.
While bacon is cooking, thinly slice onions. Add sliced onions to the bacon grease after removing the cooked bacon pieces. Cook until just turning brown, about 10 minutes. Add marjoram and pepper. Remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening with a pastry blender or two knives until it is the texture of soft crumbs.
Add the milk and mix together into a soft dough. Add additional milk if the dough seems dry.
Spread dough into the pan, pressing a little up the sides. Top with cooked onions. Quickly beat together egg and sour cream and spread on top of onions. Finally sprinkle with cooked bacon pieces.
Bake at 450 degrees until the center is set, about 15-20 minutes. Let cool 5-10 minutes then cut in slices and serve.

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Other German Favorites

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Comments

Hezzi-D

June 21, 2020 at 11:29 am

It sounds delicious, especially with onions and bacon in it!

Inger @ Art of Natural Liivng

June 21, 2020 at 4:48 pm

This is such a unique and delicious sounding dish. And yes on the bacon add!

April

June 22, 2020 at 2:00 am

This sounds super tasty and would make a a unique appetizer. Bacon was the perfect finishing touch!

Ashley Marie Lecker

June 23, 2020 at 2:20 pm

What a yummy dish! I have not had this before and am thinking it would be delicious served with soup or grilled sausages!

Christie Campbell

June 29, 2020 at 4:11 pm

I'm drooling over all the flaves in this. The onion and the bacon in that delicious batter. I will be adding this to the menu soon.