Vegan onion cake: How to make vegan onion cake?

With its spicy flavors and crispy dough, onion cake is a timeless classic that originally comes from the German region, especially from the southern states such as Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse. It has a long tradition and has served as a nutritious and filling option since earlier times. Today, the recipe is still popular when people want something savory instead of sweet pastries.

For people who avoid animal products, vegan onion cake is a good alternative. It is easy to replace animal ingredients such as butter or milk and use only plant-based products. Even the version with quark can be prepared and enjoyed using vegan quark .


People who suffer from food intolerances also have special nutritional needs. If you are lactose intolerant , you don't need to worry about the plant-based option. It becomes more difficult if you suffer from a grain allergy . If you can tolerate locust bean gum , you can use this as an alternative. It is a very simple way to replace the wheat flour.


For new vegans, it is often not so easy to find suitable substitutes for animal products at the beginning. That is why we will explain to you in the next section how to bake vegan . Because it is not that difficult to replace the necessary ingredients with plant-based foods . Often you already have the ingredients in your cupboard at home.


We will then provide you with a recipe for your vegan onion cake . Of course, this consists exclusively of vegan ingredients. Preparation time is around half an hour. Add to that an hour of resting time for the dough and around half an hour of baking time. So plan enough time if you want to bake the cake for guests. It is easiest if you prepare it the day before.


At the end of this article you will also find some tips on how to professionally present the vegan onion cake to your guests and which other foods and drinks go well with it.

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How do you make vegan baking for your onion cake?

Vegans not only pay attention to meat substitutes , but also do not consume other animal products such as eggs, milk or honey. In doing so, they are sending a clear signal for the protection of animals and the environment . Thanks to numerous vegan alternatives , it is possible to simply bake most dishes with vegan ingredients. To do this, it is only important to know how frequently used products can be replaced with plant-based foods .


Milk substitutes , among other things, offer a wide range of options that are not only suitable for vegan recipes, but also for people with lactose intolerance or other allergies. Almond, soy or oat milk work just as well in most recipes. A vegan onion cake even comes without any milk at all.


The egg substitute is of greater importance. There are several alternatives that can also be used as a binding agent in baked goods. One popular method, for example, is to replace eggs with apple sauce . This also gives the onion cake a good consistency.


We at Greenforce have also developed a product that you can use to replace an egg in a vegan way . This can be mixed with water in just a few minutes and can be used for numerous baking and cooking dishes . In addition, our delicious egg substitute is gluten-free, low in fat and high in protein.


Another ingredient in a regular onion cake is butter . Luckily, you can find many alternatives to butter in the supermarket, especially vegetable margarine. This has a similar texture and is therefore ideal for baking. When buying, make sure that the product is heat-resistant. One indication is a note on the packaging that the margarine is suitable for baking.


Some people prefer to eat their savory cake with cheese. This is no problem for vegans either! Simply use a plant-based cheese substitute , preferably in the form of grated cheese. Again, make sure beforehand that it is suitable for baking.

Simple recipe for vegan onion cake

Our delicious recipe proves that baking without animal additives doesn't have to be complicated. For some lovers of savory food, onion cake is actually the best vegan cake . It's easy to prepare and has a very unique taste.

To make it yourself, proceed as follows:

  • In a bowl as large as possible, mix 300 grams of wheat flour with a teaspoon of salt. Then add a packet of dry yeast. Pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions, as sometimes the dry yeast has to be dissolved in water first.
  • Now add two tablespoons of vegetable oil. Sunflower oil or another oil suitable for baking is suitable for this. Virgin olive or rapeseed oil, for example, should generally not be heated to high temperatures.
  • Mix everything together to form a smooth dough and then cover it and place it in a warm place, such as an unheated oven. Leave it there for about an hour. Since it will double in volume during this time, you should now place it in a large bowl or on a large baking tray.
  • While the dough is rising, you can take care of the onions. Peel four onions, cut them into thin slices and then sauté them in a pan until translucent. It is recommended that you only turn the stove to medium for this. As soon as the onions are golden brown, remove the pan from the pot and let it cool. Season with salt, pepper or nutmeg if necessary.


Has your dough rested for an hour? Then it's time to preheat the oven to 200 °C . At the same time, roll out the dough thinly and place it on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Now pour 200 ml of vegan cream over the dough and then distribute the onions evenly over it. After around 25 minutes of baking, the cake is crispy and can be enjoyed after it has cooled down.

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Vegan onion cake: serving perfectly

Tadaa, it's done! Your onion cake with vegan products is ready.

To make it even more delicious for your friends and relatives, we'll give you a few tips for a really great presentation:

  • Cutting : A consistent cutting technique is crucial to achieving an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Use a sharp knife and cut the cake into even pieces. This looks professional and also makes serving easier.
  • Garnish : Using fresh herbs such as parsley, chives or thyme not only enhances the look of the onion cake, but also complements its taste. Sprinkle finely chopped herbs over the cake just before serving to add extra flavor. The green accents of the herbs also add an elegant touch.
  • Side dishes : Side dishes round off the taste experience and are a delicious addition. Think about which foods go well with your onion cake. A fresh green salad with a light dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, for example, is an ideal accompaniment. Pickled vegetables or olives are also good options.


If you are expecting several guests or want to prepare a larger meal, you can offer a selection of bread and rolls alongside the vegan onion cake . Serve with it savory spreads such as olive paste, artichoke cream or dried tomato paste as additional flavors that go well with your homemade onion cake. Chutneys or dips such as sweet and sour onion jam, spicy mustard or creamy hummus can also be added.


Fresh fruit such as grapes, apple slices or pear slices are a delicious and healthy contrast to the vegan onion cake . A glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice, such as apple, pear or grape juice, can also be a delicious addition. The natural sweetness and fruity aroma of the juice provide a pleasant contrast to the hearty and spicy notes of the cake. If you want to keep it simple, serve water with a squeeze of fresh lemon.