Name: Pennsylvania Dutch Funny Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Pennsylvania Dutch
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar, divided; 1/2 cup baking cocoa powder; 1 1/2 cups whole milk, divided; 2 refrigerated pie crust sheets (for two 9-inch pie plates); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons shortening; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Whipped cream, optional for serving

Description

Pennsylvania Dutch Funny Cake is a unique two-layer pie featuring a fudgy chocolate base and tender vanilla cake baked together in a flaky crust. As it bakes, the layers switch places, creating a fun and nostalgic dessert with rich flavor.

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar, divided
1/2 cup baking cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups whole milk, divided
2 refrigerated pie crust sheets (for two 9-inch pie plates)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 tablespoons shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream, optional for serving

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and cocoa powder. Stir in 1/2 cup milk until smooth.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and boiling (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat.
Place pie crusts into two 9-inch ungreased pie plates.
Divide chocolate mixture between the crusts, tilting to coat the bottoms and sides halfway up.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining 1 cup sugar.
Add egg, shortening, vanilla, and remaining 1 cup milk. Beat until smooth.
Spoon batter gently over chocolate layer, starting from outer edge to fully cover it.
Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or chilled, with whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Add cinnamon or espresso powder to chocolate layer for depth.
Use evaporated milk for a richer texture.
Make mini funny cakes in small pie tins (reduce bake time).
Substitute shortening with butter if preferred.
Serve with powdered sugar or chocolate drizzle instead of whipped cream.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Pennsylvania Dutch

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 310
Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg