Cake d’Alsace (Bacon, Gruyère, and Caramelized Onion Loaf)

Name: Savory French Cake RECIPE
Prep time: PT0D0H0M
Cook time: PT0D1H35M
Total time: PT0D1H35M
Yield: Makes 1 loaf
Ingredients: 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly, plus more as needed; 8 oz. bacon, cut crosswise into ¼-in. lardons; 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup full-fat (whole) buttermilk; 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed; 2 large eggs, preferably at room temperature; 2½ cups all-purpose flour (10½ oz.); 1½ tsp. baking powder; ¾ tsp. fine salt; ½ tsp. baking soda; ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper; 8 oz. grated Comté, Gruyère, or aged cheddar (2 cups); 3 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley leaves

This savory French cake is perfect for picnics, lunches, and meals on the go.

Serves
Makes 1 loaf
Time
1 hour 35 minutes

PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND • FOOD STYLING: JESSIE YUCHEN

By Aleksandra Crapanzano

Published on July 21, 2023

“Cake salé” is a catch-all term for the humble savory loaves popular among French home cooks. This Alsace-inspired variation, studded with bacon, Gruyère, and caramelized onion, tastes great straight from the oven, but it’s even better reheated (cooling it completely tenderizes the crumb). Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Featured in “Is This Humble Dish France’s Best-Kept Culinary Secret?” by Emily Monaco.

Ingredients

5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly, plus more as needed
8 oz. bacon, cut crosswise into ¼-in. lardons
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 cup full-fat (whole) buttermilk
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed
2 large eggs, preferably at room temperature
2½ cups all-purpose flour (10½ oz.)
1½ tsp. baking powder
¾ tsp. fine salt
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
8 oz. grated Comté, Gruyère, or aged cheddar (2 cups)
3 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley leaves

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Instructions

Step 1

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Butter and flour a metal 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, tapping out any excess flour.

Step 2

In a large skillet set over low heat, cook the lardons until golden brown and their fat has rendered, about 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a small bowl.

Step 3

To the pan with the rendered fat, add the onion and turn the heat to medium. (If the pan looks dry, add a tablespoon of butter.) Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, and eggs, then whisk in the melted butter.

Step 5

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and black pepper. Stir in the cheese, parsley, and reserved bacon and onions. Add the buttermilk mixture, then use a silicone spatula to fold together the wet and dry ingredients until no streaks of flour remain.

Step 6

Scrape the dough into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, 45–50 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before unmolding, then serve warm or at room temperature.