Funny Cake

What’s so funny about Funny Cake? Well for starters, it’s actually a pie! Go ahead and let out a chuckle or two. Curious? We were too the first time we heard about it. Read on!

Why We Love It

Pies are delicious, especially when they have chocolatey goodness in them. Cakes are also delicious when they have chocolatey goodness in them. So what happens when you try to put a good pie and a good cake together? Can you even do that???

Yes, you can! We have done it and we’re here to tell you that it’s NOT so funny (as the name suggests)– it’s more of a dream come true! If Funny Cake didn’t have origins in Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, we’d probably change the name to Sweet Dream Cake (or Sweet Dream Pie!). Nevertheless, we love it all the same, and this recipe is a twist on the original version.

Why You’ll Love It

Let’s face it: the name alone is an attention grabber, and the pie itself is unique and delicious. And as far as pies go, this one is pretty simple to make–especially when you use a store bought premade pie crust. With just a few simple ingredients and not a lot of effort, you’ll have a very tasty treat that will be the talk of your next social!

Funny Cake Ingredients

• 1 premade 9 inch pie crust, unbaked

For the liquid base:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey’s recommended)
• 6 tablespoons hot water
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cake:

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 cup butter, cut into cubes
• 1 egg, slightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to make Funny Cake

You’ll want to gather the following equipment:

• pie dish
• 2 mixing bowls
• mixing spoons
• measuring cup
• measuring spoons
• pastry cutter

Kitchen Ready Betty tip: Before starting, allow the pie crust and butter to sit out on the counter for about 10 minutes. This allows for easier handling!

Getting Started

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Place the softened pie crust dough into your pie plate. Carefully mold the dough to your dish by gently pressing it down with your fingers. Make sure that the dough is smooth and that there are no air bubbles. Set the pie dish aside.

In your first bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar and the unsweetened cocoa powder. Then add the hot water and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. (I heat my water in the microwave for 30 seconds before adding). Stir gently. The mixture will be fairly runny and a little bubbly. Now set this bowl aside.

In a separate bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together for the cake topper (1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon baking powder). Then add the cubed butter.

Use a pastry cutter to blend the butter with the dry ingredients. The mixture will be a little lumpy, which is fine. Just make sure you use enough force with the pastry cutter so that you’re left with small little butter pebbles in the bowl. Then mix all of this together with a spoon!

Kitchen Ready Betty tip: Pastry cutters are an awesome kitchen tool! With a little bit of force, they are a lifesaver when you need to blend butter and dry ingredients. I have used mine for so many things beyond baking though. I have sliced jellied cranberry sauce, hard boiled eggs, avocados and more!

Slightly beat 1 egg, then add it to the bowl along with the remaining 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well.

Knock, knock. Who’s there? It’s Me, Funny Cake!

Now here comes the fun part: putting it all together!

Pour the chocolate liquid mixture into the crust. There should be enough liquid to cover the bottom.

Next, spoon the cake batter on top of the liquid. Carefully spread the batter so it extends to the edges of the crust, as shown. Do not mix it with the liquid!

Bake in your preheated 350 degree oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the cake topper comes out clean.

Allow Funny Cake to cool for an hour before cutting and serving. You have to give time for the chocolate magic at the bottom to cool off!

Sometimes we like topping this with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. So good!

Funny Cake Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container or simply cover the pie plate with aluminum foil. There’s no need to refrigerate. Enjoy within five days.

Funny Cake Family Times

My husband grew up eating this dessert. My mother-in-law, who has lived in Berks County, PA her whole life, made it often and was gracious enough to share this recipe with me. Berks County borders Lancaster County in Pennsylvania and both counties are heavily populated by Pennsylvania Dutch.

So if you’re a chef or baker living in that part of the state, your kitchen can’t help but be influenced by Pennsylvania Dutch recipes, traditions and phrases (such as “Outen (turn off) the lights” or “Doppich”, referring to someone who is clumsy). Funny Cake, Shoofly Pie and Apple Butter are just a few of the many delicious treats that are rooted in Pennsylvania Dutch tradition.

I myself being a city girl had never heard of Funny Cake before, but I’m glad to know it now! It hits the spot every time with just the right amount of chocolate and sweetness! Yum! When I make this dessert, it never lasts for long!