The culinary traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch have gifted us with a wide variety of distinctive dishes, from hearty soups to delectable baked goods. Among these unique offerings is a beloved dessert known as Pennsylvania Dutch Chocolate Funny Cake. This humble yet delicious cake is unlike any other you’ll encounter. It’s a delightful fusion of cake, pie, and a luscious layer of chocolate that creates a dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
What is Pennsylvania Dutch Chocolate Funny Cake?
Chocolate Funny Cake is a unique combination of a pie and a cake, with its characteristic layers creating an unforgettable textural experience. The bottom layer of the dessert is a pie crust, which forms a buttery, flaky base. On top of the pie crust sits a cake-like layer, and this layer is what brings the real magic to the dessert. When baking, the batter separates into two distinct sections: a moist cake and a chocolate syrup that pools at the bottom, soaking into the crust. This creates a dessert that’s part pie, part cake, and wholly delicious.
The name “Funny Cake” comes from the quirky way the layers bake and how the chocolate syrup ends up under the cake. It’s not what you might expect when you first put the dessert in the oven, and this “funny” baking process is what makes it so unique.
Despite its relatively simple ingredients, Funny Cake offers a rich and decadent experience that Pennsylvania Dutch families have been enjoying for generations.
The Pennsylvania Dutch: A Rich Culinary Tradition
To understand why Chocolate Funny Cake is so beloved, we first need to understand the people behind it: the Pennsylvania Dutch. The term “Pennsylvania Dutch” refers to a group of German-speaking immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania during the 17th and 18th centuries. Despite the name, these settlers were not Dutch, but primarily from areas that are now part of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The term “Dutch” is derived from the German word “Deutsch,” meaning “German.”
The Pennsylvania Dutch have a long and rich culinary tradition that reflects their agricultural roots and resourceful nature. Their cuisine is characterized by simple, hearty dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, many of which were grown or raised on family farms. Staples like potatoes, eggs, flour, and milk form the foundation of many Pennsylvania Dutch recipes.
Desserts have always played a special role in this cuisine, and many of their sweet treats are rich, comforting, and unpretentious. Cakes, pies, and pastries are a central part of Pennsylvania Dutch meals, often made in large quantities to feed families and communities. The Chocolate Funny Cake fits perfectly into this tradition, offering a satisfying, homey dessert that combines the best of pie and cake into one irresistible dish.
The History of Chocolate Funny Cake
While the exact origins of Chocolate Funny Cake are somewhat elusive, it’s believed to have developed in Pennsylvania’s Amish and Mennonite communities, which have a long tradition of baking. These communities were known for their thriftiness and ability to make the most out of simple ingredients, and Funny Cake reflects this approach.
The blending of cake and pie in a single dessert is not uncommon in Pennsylvania Dutch baking. Recipes like shoofly pie, which also features a cake-like filling atop a pie crust, show a similar use of simple, accessible ingredients to create a satisfying dessert.
Chocolate became a widely available and popular ingredient in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it’s likely that Chocolate Funny Cake emerged during this time. Pennsylvania, home to Hershey’s Chocolate, had a rich supply of chocolate, which was incorporated into many local recipes.
Although the cake’s precise origins are hard to pinpoint, its enduring popularity speaks to its deliciousness. Over the years, Chocolate Funny Cake has become a staple at Pennsylvania Dutch gatherings, whether for holidays, Sunday suppers, or other special occasions.
The Ingredients of Chocolate Funny Cake
One of the most appealing aspects of Chocolate Funny Cake is its simplicity. Like many Pennsylvania Dutch recipes, it relies on basic pantry ingredients, making it an easy dessert to whip up without a special trip to the store. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
1. Pie Crust
The pie crust serves as the foundation of the dessert, providing a contrast to the soft cake layer. You can use a store-bought crust for convenience, but a homemade crust will elevate the final result. The crust is typically made from flour, butter, salt, and water, creating a flaky and tender base for the cake.
2. Cake Batter
The cake layer is a simple vanilla batter, made with flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. The batter is poured into the pie crust and forms the upper portion of the dessert. When baked, the batter rises and creates a soft, tender cake that contrasts beautifully with the firm crust and rich chocolate layer below.
3. Chocolate Syrup
The chocolate component of Funny Cake is created by pouring a chocolate syrup mixture over the cake batter. This syrup is made from cocoa powder, sugar, and water, and sometimes includes butter or vanilla for added richness. When baked, the syrup sinks to the bottom, creating a luscious, fudgy layer that infuses the crust with chocolatey goodness.
4. Optional Flavorings
While the traditional Funny Cake is relatively simple, you can experiment with additional flavorings to suit your taste. A touch of vanilla extract or almond extract can add depth to the cake batter, while a dash of cinnamon or coffee can enhance the chocolate layer.
How to Make Pennsylvania Dutch Chocolate Funny Cake
Now that we’ve explored the history and ingredients of Chocolate Funny Cake, let’s get into the process of making it! This recipe is easy enough for novice bakers, but it results in a dessert that will impress any guest. Follow these steps to create your own Pennsylvania Dutch Chocolate Funny Cake at home.
Ingredients:
- For the pie crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
- For the cake batter:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the chocolate syrup:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Form the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disc, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out the Pie Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
- Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate, trimming any excess around the edges. Crimp or flute the edges of the crust as desired.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Make the Chocolate Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder. Add the water and stir to combine.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the syrup thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the syrup from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the Funny Cake:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Slowly pour the chocolate syrup over the cake batter. It will sink to the bottom during baking, so don’t worry if it looks like it’s pooling on top.
- Bake the Funny Cake:
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake layer comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Cut the cake into wedges and serve at room temperature. You can enjoy it as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Funny Cake
1. Chill the Pie Dough
One of the secrets to a flaky pie crust is keeping the butter cold. Be sure to refrigerate the dough before rolling it out, and if your kitchen is particularly warm, you can also chill the rolling pin and work surface. This ensures that the butter doesn’t melt before the dough hits the oven, resulting in a perfectly crisp crust.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
When making the cake batter, be careful not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a light, tender texture.
3. Pour the Chocolate Syrup Slowly
When pouring the chocolate syrup over the cake batter, take your time. Pouring too quickly can cause the syrup to displace too much batter, making the final cake uneven. Pouring slowly allows the syrup to sink gently, creating a more uniform layer of chocolate.
4. Let It Cool Before Serving
It can be tempting to dive into the Funny Cake as soon as it comes out of the oven, but it’s important to let it cool first. As the cake cools, the layers settle and firm up, making it easier to slice and ensuring that each piece has the perfect balance of crust, cake, and chocolate.
Variations on Chocolate Funny Cake
While the traditional Chocolate Funny Cake is a treat on its own, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this dessert. Here are a few ideas for variations:
1. Peanut Butter Funny Cake
For a twist on the classic, try adding peanut butter to the cake batter or swirling it into the chocolate syrup. The combination of peanut butter and chocolate adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the tender cake and flaky crust.
2. Coconut Chocolate Funny Cake
If you’re a fan of coconut, consider sprinkling shredded coconut over the top of the cake batter before pouring the chocolate syrup. The coconut will toast as the cake bakes, adding a delicious tropical flavor and a bit of texture to each bite.
3. Spiced Chocolate Funny Cake
For a warm and cozy variation, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cayenne pepper to the chocolate syrup. These spices complement the chocolate and add a touch of complexity to the flavor profile.
4. Gluten-Free Funny Cake
If you’re gluten-sensitive or catering to someone who is, you can easily make a gluten-free version of Chocolate Funny Cake. Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the all-purpose flour in the cake batter with a gluten-free flour blend.
Why You Should Try Chocolate Funny Cake
Pennsylvania Dutch Chocolate Funny Cake is more than just a dessert – it’s a culinary experience. This delightful fusion of pie and cake, with its surprising layers and rich chocolate flavor, offers something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn in by the quirky name, the fun baking process, or the irresistible taste, Funny Cake is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for any occasion. It’s equally at home on a casual weeknight dinner table or as the star of a holiday gathering. Plus, its unique combination of textures – flaky crust, tender cake, and fudgy chocolate – make it a dessert that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Final Words
In a world full of intricate desserts and gourmet ingredients, Pennsylvania Dutch Chocolate Funny Cake stands out for its charming simplicity and unexpected complexity. Its roots in the rich culinary traditions of the Pennsylvania Dutch give it a sense of history and home, while its quirky baking process and delicious flavor ensure that it remains a favorite for generations to come.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, fun to eat, and impossible to resist, look no further than Chocolate Funny Cake. Give this Pennsylvania Dutch classic a try, and you just might find yourself baking it again and again.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to discover the magic of Pennsylvania Dutch Chocolate Funny Cake. Happy baking!
