Professional Baker Teaches You How to Make Upside Down Onion Cake!

Professional Baker Teaches You How to Make Upside Down Onion Cake! is a medium North American recipe that serves 6. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Oh Yum with Anna Olson on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 29 min | Total: 1 hr 9 min

Cost: $4.53 total, $0.75 per serving

Ingredients

  • 90 g Unsalted Butter (Melted for batter; extra 1 tbsp for skillet)
  • 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (Sifted)
  • 0.75 cups Parmesan Cheese (Finely grated, fresh)
  • 3 tablespoons Cornstarch (Helps keep cake tender)
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (Just a hint of sweetness)
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder (Leavening agent)
  • 0.5 teaspoons Salt (Enhances flavor)
  • 2 teaspoons Herb de Provence (Dried blend of thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, etc.)
  • 6 tablespoons Sour Cream (Room temperature)
  • 6 tablespoons Milk (Whole milk)
  • 2 Eggs (Large, room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Prevents butter from burning; can use vegetable oil)
  • 2 Onions (Regular cooking onions, sliced ½ inch thick, keep rings intact)

Instructions

  1. Melt Butter for Batter

    Measure 90 g (6 Tbsp) unsalted butter and melt it gently in a small pot over low heat.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Slice Onions

    Peel the onions and slice them about ½ inch (6 mm) thick, keeping the rings together.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a mixing bowl combine 1½ cups flour, ¾ cup grated Parmesan, 3 Tbsp cornstarch, 1 Tbsp sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, and 2 tsp herb de Provence. Whisk until evenly mixed and the cheese is broken up.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Prepare Wet Ingredients

    In a separate bowl measure 6 Tbsp sour cream and 6 Tbsp milk, then whisk in 2 large eggs until just combined.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Make the Batter

    Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stir with a spatula just until combined, then fold in the melted butter.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Caramelize Onions

    Heat the cast‑iron skillet over medium‑high, melt 1 Tbsp butter and add 1 Tbsp olive oil. When butter bubbles, add the onion slices, packing them without overlapping. Cook about 4 minutes until the edges soften and begin to caramelize.

    Time: PT4M

  7. Add Batter Over Onions

    Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the batter over the onions, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the entire surface.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Bake the Cake

    Place the skillet in a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT25M

    Temperature: 400°F

  9. Cool Before Flipping

    Remove the skillet from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes to set and make flipping easier.

    Time: PT20M

  10. Invert and Serve

    Run a thin spatula around the sides, place a plate over the skillet, and carefully flip the cake onto the plate. Slice into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
10 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free flour

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Professional Baker Teaches You How to Make Upside Down Onion Cake!

Recipe by Oh Yum with Anna Olson

A fall‑favorite savory upside‑down cake made with caramelized onions, Parmesan, and a fragrant herb de Provence blend. Served warm or at room temperature, it works as a side dish, starter, or light lunch paired with a simple salad.

MediumNorth AmericanServes 6

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

Source Video
52m
Prep
29m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 31m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.53
Total cost
$0.75
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Melt butter without browning
  • Caramelize onions without burning
  • Do not overmix the batter
  • Bake until a skewer comes out clean
  • Cool the cake before flipping

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Be careful when flipping the cake; the pan and cake will be very hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of savory upside down cakes in North American autumn cuisine?

A

Savory upside down cakes have roots in comfort‑food traditions where sweet cakes were adapted with vegetables for hearty, seasonal meals. In North America, especially in the fall, cooks use caramelized onions and herbs to create a rustic, cake‑like side that pairs well with roasts and holiday tables.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of onion upside down cake exist in North American cuisine?

A

In the Midwest, cooks often add cheddar and sage, while in the Pacific Northwest, smoked paprika and thyme are common. Some Southern versions incorporate cornmeal and buttermilk for a denser texture, reflecting local ingredient preferences.

cultural
Q

How is a savory onion and herb upside down cake traditionally served in Canadian autumn gatherings?

A

It is typically sliced into wedges and served warm alongside roasted turkey, ham, or a simple mixed green salad. The cake is often presented on a rustic wooden board, allowing guests to enjoy the caramelized onion topping and fragrant herbs.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is a savory onion and herb upside down cake associated with in North American fall culture?

A

The cake is popular at Thanksgiving, harvest festivals, and family pot‑lucks because its warm, earthy flavors complement other seasonal dishes and it can be made ahead of time.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Anna Olson's Savory Onion and Herb Upside Down Cake versus acceptable substitutes?

A

The core ingredients are Parmesan cheese, herb de Provence, and caramelized onions. If unavailable, Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan, dried oregano can stand in for herb de Provence, and sweet onions can substitute regular cooking onions, though flavor will shift slightly.

cultural
Q

What other North American dishes pair well with the Savory Onion and Herb Upside Down Cake?

A

It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork loin, or a simple herb‑roasted turkey. A side of apple‑cabbage slaw or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the cake.

cultural
Q

What makes the Savory Onion and Herb Upside Down Cake special or unique in North American cuisine?

A

The cake flips the classic sweet upside‑down concept into a savory, herb‑infused loaf, using Parmesan and a light batter to achieve a fluffy interior while the caramelized onions create a glossy, flavorful top when inverted.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Savory Onion and Herb Upside Down Cake at home?

A

Common errors include overmixing the batter, which makes the cake tough; letting the butter brown before adding the onions, which can cause a burnt flavor; and flipping the cake before it has cooled enough, leading to breakage.

technical
Q

Why does Anna Olson’s recipe add melted butter to the batter at the end instead of mixing it in earlier?

A

Adding the melted butter last creates a thin layer of fat on top of the batter that bastes the cake as it bakes, giving the crust a crisp, golden finish once the cake is inverted.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Oh Yum with Anna Olson specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Oh Yum with Anna Olson specializes in approachable, seasonal home‑cooking recipes that blend classic techniques with modern twists, often focusing on comfort foods, baking, and elegant yet simple presentations.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Oh Yum with Anna Olson’s approach to North American fall cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Anna Olson emphasizes ingredient quality, clear step‑by‑step narration, and the use of everyday kitchen tools like cast‑iron skillets, delivering recipes that feel both gourmet and accessible, whereas many channels focus on high‑tech gadgets or overly complex plating.

channel

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