Indulge in the nostalgic charm of a Pennsylvania Dutch classic with this "Funny Cake" recipe—a delightful hybrid between cake and pie that surprises with its unique baking magic! Featuring a soft vanilla cake batter contrasted by a rich chocolate layer that mysteriously sinks to the bottom as it bakes, this dessert is as whimsical as it is delicious. A quick 20-minute prep time and pantry staples like cocoa powder, brown sugar, and light corn syrup make it an easy yet impressive treat for any occasion. Perfect served on its own or paired with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, this Funny Cake is sure to be a conversation starter at your next gathering. Discover why this quirky and flavorful dessert remains a beloved favorite!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch pie or cake pan.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until a batter forms. Do not overmix; the batter should be smooth but slightly thick.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
In a small saucepan, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, boiling water, light corn syrup, and brown sugar until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, whisking frequently, then remove from heat.
Carefully pour the chocolate mixture over the cake batter. Do this gently to ensure the chocolate stays on top initially.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The chocolate layer will have settled towards the bottom during baking.
Allow the Funny Cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Serve slices as is, or pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fun finishing touch!
Calories |
2337 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 68.5 g | 88% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.0 g | 195% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 360 mg | 120% | |
| Sodium | 1450 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 427.9 g | 156% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.3 g | 94% | |
| Total Sugars | 251.1 g | ||
| Protein | 41.7 g | 83% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 329 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 19.1 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 1447 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.