Pennsylvania Dutch Funny Cake: A Delightful Fusion of Pie and Cake

Pennsylvania Dutch Funny Cake: A Delightful Fusion of Pie and Cake

The Pennsylvania Dutch Funny Cake is a unique dessert that combines the best of both worlds – a buttery pie crust filled with a moist vanilla cake and a rich chocolate layer. This delightful treat has been a staple in Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine for generations, delighting taste buds with its unexpected combination of flavors and textures.

The Magic of Funny Cake

What makes this dessert truly special is the way it’s prepared. The cake batter is poured into a pie crust, followed by a chocolate mixture that’s added on top. As the cake bakes, something magical happens – the chocolate layer sinks to the bottom, creating a gooey, fudgy surprise beneath the vanilla cake. This “funny” behavior is what gives the cake its name, along with the unusual pairing of cake inside a pie crust.

A Comforting Treat

Funny Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a comforting reminder of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. The combination of flaky pie crust, soft vanilla cake, and rich chocolate creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist. It’s the perfect choice for those who can’t decide between pie and cake – with Funny Cake, you don’t have to choose!

Recipe: Pennsylvania Dutch Funny Cake

Ingredients:

For the pie crust:

• 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

For the cake batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the chocolate layer:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup boiling water
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the cake batter.
4. Add the softened butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat until smooth and well combined.
5. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
6. In a separate bowl, mix the sugar and cocoa powder for the chocolate layer.
7. Add the boiling water and vanilla extract to the cocoa mixture, stirring until smooth.
8. Carefully pour the chocolate mixture over the cake batter in a spiral pattern, starting from the edge and working your way to the center1.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Allow the Funny Cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

This Pennsylvania Dutch Funny Cake serves 8-10 people and is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine or just discovering this unique dessert, Funny Cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Its delightful combination of pie and cake, along with the mysterious sinking chocolate layer, makes it a conversation starter at any gathering. So why not give it a try and experience the magic of Funny Cake for yourself?

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The perfect Amish pie crust recipe.