Onions Cake/Zwiebeln Kuchen

Onions Cake/Zwiebeln Kuchen is a medium German recipe that serves 6. 746 calories per serving. Recipe by Ido's Journal on YouTube.

Prep: 43 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 48 min

Cost: $8.01 total, $1.34 per serving

Ingredients

  • 400 grams All-Purpose Flour (for the dough, sifted)
  • 7 grams Baking Powder (approximately one sachet)
  • 0.5 teaspoons Salt (for the dough)
  • 200 grams Low-Fat Quark (can substitute with plain yogurt)
  • 1 large Egg (room temperature)
  • 72 grams Milk (any type of milk)
  • 65 grams Vegetable Oil (neutral oil)
  • 0.5 tablespoon Cumin (ground)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (for the filling)
  • 30 grams Butter (for sautéing onions)
  • 300 grams Bacon (diced)
  • 3 large Egg (room temperature)
  • 400 grams Low-Fat Sour Cream (for the filling)
  • 75 grams All-Purpose Flour (combined with corn flour for filling)
  • 25 grams Corn Flour (for filling)
  • 1 teaspoon Dry Parsley (optional, for flavor)
  • 0.25 teaspoon White Pepper (optional)
  • 2 medium Onion (thinly sliced)

Instructions

  1. Combine Dry Dough Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl whisk together 400 g all‑purpose flour, 7 g baking powder, and 0.5 tsp salt until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add Wet Ingredients and Knead

    Add 200 g low‑fat quark, 1 large egg, 72 g milk, and 65 g vegetable oil to the dry mixture. Mix with a wooden spoon, then knead gently by hand until just combined; do not over‑knead.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Rest the Dough

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest at room temperature.

    Time: PT15M

  4. Slice the Onions

    Peel and thinly slice 2 medium onions.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Sauté Onions

    Heat 30 g butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté, stirring frequently, until they become soft and translucent but not browned.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Prepare the Filling

    In a separate bowl combine 400 g low‑fat sour cream, 3 large eggs, 0.5 tbsp ground cumin, 0.5 tsp salt, diced bacon, the sautéed onions, 75 g all‑purpose flour, 25 g corn flour, 1 tsp dry parsley, and 0.25 tsp white pepper. Mix until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Roll Out the Dough

    Lightly flour a work surface and roll the rested dough into a circle roughly 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to the oiled 12‑inch baking pan, pressing gently to fit the bottom and sides.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Add Filling

    Pour the prepared filling into the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Bake the Onion Cake

    Place the pan in a pre‑heated oven and bake at 180°C for about 40 minutes, or until the top is dark brown but not burnt.

    Time: PT40M

    Temperature: 180°C

  10. Cool and Serve

    Remove the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then slice and serve warm.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
746
Protein
30 g
Carbohydrates
50 g
Fat
45 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Not vegetarian, Not vegan

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten, Pork

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Onions Cake/Zwiebeln Kuchen

Recipe by Ido's Journal

A savory German onion cake made with a light quark dough, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and a creamy sour‑cream filling. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this filling cake is both comforting and delicious.

MediumGermanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
48m
Prep
55m
Cook
12m
Cleanup
1h 55m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.01
Total cost
$1.34
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not over‑knead the dough; it should be just combined.
  • Sauté onions until soft, not crunchy, to avoid texture issues.
  • Rest the dough to relax gluten before rolling.
  • Bake until the top is dark brown but not blackened.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and baking pan with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Ensure bacon is cooked through before adding to the filling.
  • Do not over‑cook the onions; hot oil can splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of German Onion Cake in German cuisine?

A

German Onion Cake, known locally as Zwiebelkuchen, is a traditional savory tart that dates back to harvest festivals in Central Europe. It was originally a way to use abundant onions and bacon, creating a hearty dish for farmers after a day’s work.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Zwiebelkuchen in Germany?

A

In the Swabian region the crust is often made with rye flour, while in the Rhineland a thicker sour‑cream filling is common. Some areas add caraway seeds or use smoked ham instead of bacon for a different flavor profile.

cultural
Q

How is German Onion Cake traditionally served in Germany?

A

It is typically served warm, cut into squares, and enjoyed with a glass of dry white wine or a cold beer. It is a popular snack at wine festivals (Weinfeste) and during autumn harvest celebrations.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is German Onion Cake associated with in German culture?

A

Zwiebelkuchen is a staple at Oktoberfest, wine festivals, and local harvest fairs. It is also served as a hearty snack during family gatherings in the fall.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for German Onion Cake versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include rye or wheat flour for the crust, low‑fat quark, bacon, onions, sour cream, and cumin. Acceptable substitutes are Greek yogurt for quark, smoked ham for bacon, and all‑purpose flour if rye is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making German Onion Cake at home?

A

Common errors include over‑kneading the dough, which makes it tough, sautéing onions too quickly so they become crunchy, and baking too long, which burns the top. Follow the timing cues and keep the heat moderate.

technical
Q

Why does this German Onion Cake recipe use low‑fat quark instead of regular cheese?

A

Low‑fat quark provides moisture and a light texture without adding excess richness, allowing the onions and bacon to shine. Regular cheese would make the crust denser and the overall cake heavier.

technical
Q

Can I make German Onion Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling a day ahead and keep them refrigerated separately. Assemble and bake when ready, or bake fully, cool, and store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a 160°C oven before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the German Onion Cake is done?

A

The crust should be lightly golden and firm to the touch, while the filling should be set, slightly puffed, and a deep brown color on top. The interior will be creamy but not liquid.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Ido's Journal specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Ido's Journal focuses on home‑cooked comfort dishes, especially traditional European recipes with a modern, approachable twist. Ido often shares personal stories and practical cooking tips for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Ido's Journal's approach to German cooking differ from other German cooking channels?

A

Ido's Journal emphasizes simple, ingredient‑friendly methods and often substitutes hard‑to‑find items with everyday grocery alternatives, making classic German dishes accessible to a global audience, whereas many other channels stick strictly to authentic ingredients.

channel

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