Authentic Zwiebelkuchen German Onion Cake (Print-Friendly Version)
German onion cake with bacon, sweet onions, and creamy filling on tender yeast dough. Ideal for gatherings.
# What You’ll Need to Make This:
→ For the yeast dough
01 -
180 ml lukewarm milk
02 -
0.5 teaspoon sugar
03 -
7 g instant yeast
04 -
1 teaspoon salt
05 -
300 g plain flour (Type 405 or all-purpose)
06 -
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
→ For the onion filling
07 -
1 kg onions
08 -
200 g smoked bacon
09 -
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
10 -
0.25 teaspoon ground caraway seeds (optional)
11 -
400 g sour cream
12 -
3 medium eggs
13 -
Salt, to taste
14 -
Pepper, to taste
→ To garnish (optional)
15 -
4 tablespoons chopped chives
# How to Prepare:
01 -
Combine lukewarm milk, instant yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Stir and allow to rest for 10 minutes until bubbles form.
02 -
In a separate bowl, mix flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Knead with a dough hook or by hand for approximately 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth.
03 -
Lightly grease a large bowl. Add the dough, turn to coat, and cover with a towel or cling film. Let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.
04 -
Peel onions and slice into thin rings. Cut smoked bacon into small cubes.
05 -
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a frying pan. Fry bacon until crispy, then add onions. Cook gently over low to medium heat for about 10 minutes until onions are soft and translucent. Let cool slightly.
06 -
In a bowl, whisk sour cream and eggs together. Stir into the cooled onion and bacon mixture. Add ground caraway seeds if using. Season with salt and pepper.
07 -
Preheat oven to 200°C. Grease a 30 x 40 cm baking tray, or line with baking parchment.
08 -
Knead the risen dough briefly on a floured surface. Roll out into a thin rectangle. Transfer to the prepared baking tray and press up the sides to form a rim.
09 -
Spread the onion mixture evenly over the dough base. Bake for 35 minutes until golden and set.
10 -
Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with chopped chives if desired and serve warm.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add chopped leeks. Enhance with a sprinkle of cheese or thyme for extra flavor.
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.