Savory vegan onion cake made with caramelized onions and simple plant-based ingredients. A soft, flavorful, dairy-free baked dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances flavor)
- 1 cup plant-based milk (soy or almond)
- ¼ cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease an 8-inch baking pan.
Meanwhile, heat a pan over medium heat and sauté the sliced onions until soft and lightly golden. Then, set them aside to cool.
Next, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
In another bowl, mix the plant-based milk and vinegar. After that, let it sit for one minute so it curdles slightly.
Now, add oil to the milk mixture and stir well. Gradually, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. However, mix gently to avoid overworking the batter.
Then, fold in the cooked onions, herbs, and black pepper.
Once combined, pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Finally, bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing.
💡 Tips for the Best Vegan Onion Cake
- First of all, caramelize onions lightly for deeper flavor.
- Additionally, don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake soft.
- Moreover, olive oil adds richness, while vegetable oil keeps it neutral.
- For extra aroma, add fresh herbs just before baking.
- Lastly, allow the cake to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
🔄 Delicious Variations
🌿 Herbed Onion Cake
Add rosemary or parsley for a fragrant twist.
🧄 Garlic Onion Cake
Mix in 1 teaspoon garlic powder or sautéed garlic for bold flavor.
🌾 Whole Wheat Version
Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
🌶️ Spicy Version
Meanwhile, add chili flakes or paprika for a gentle kick.
🧀 Cheesy-Style Vegan Onion Cake
In contrast, add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
🌱 Health Benefits of Vegan Onion Cake
First and foremost, this recipe is completely dairy-free and egg-free, making it ideal for vegans and allergy-friendly diets.
Additionally, onions are rich in antioxidants that support heart health.
Moreover, baking instead of frying reduces overall fat content.
As a result, this savory cake feels light yet satisfying.
Overall, it’s a comforting dish with simple, wholesome ingredients.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
- Reduce onions slightly for a milder taste
- Skip black pepper and herbs if kids prefer plain flavors
- Cut into small squares for easy eating
- Serve with ketchup or dairy-free yogurt dip
As a result, even picky eaters can enjoy this savory cake.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Slice – Approx.)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
(Values may vary based on ingredients used)
🍽️ Best Ways to Serve
- As a snack or tea-time cake
- With soup or salad
- Packed in lunch boxes
- Served warm or at room temperature
