National Dish Liechtenstein: Bacon Cake (Recipe)
In this article
Say hello to Bacon Cake, a wonderfully savoury bake that sits at the heart of Liechtenstein’s rustic kitchen. Tender pieces of bacon are folded through a light, fluffy batter lifted with fresh herbs, giving every slice a warm, comforting depth of flavour. Passed down through the generations in countless Alpine households, it works just as happily as a hearty snack as it does a main course. Bring a little taste of Liechtenstein to your own table with this timeless favourite.
About Bacon Cake
Bacon Cake is a traditional dish from Liechtenstein that delights with its rich heritage and hearty, savoury flavours. It brings together the delicate taste of bacon and a soft, fluffy batter finished with a scattering of chosen herbs. The bacon is the essential ingredient here, lending the dish its characteristic flavour and making it a firm favourite among food lovers. In many homes the recipe has been handed down for generations and remains hugely popular, whether served as a snack or as a main course.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g flour
- 100 g bacon, diced
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (e.g. parsley, chives)
Shopping for the ingredients
Before you start making your bacon cake, it is worth making sure you buy everything fresh and of the best possible quality. Flour and baking powder are often store-cupboard staples, but fresh items such as bacon and herbs are ideally bought on the day you plan to bake. Check that your longer-life ingredients, such as the eggs and milk, are fresh too. Choosing regional produce not only improves the flavour but also supports local producers.
Preparing the dish
Preparing a bacon cake calls for a few simple steps that make sure the finished bake turns out delicious and full of flavour. Start by cutting the bacon into small cubes and frying it gently in a pan until crisp. While the bacon cools, you can bring the batter ingredients together to achieve a light, airy consistency. The fresh herbs should be washed and finely chopped to give the cake extra flavour and freshness.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together, then add the mixture to the dry ingredients.
- Add the pre-fried bacon and the chopped herbs and mix everything together well.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking tin and spread it out evenly.
- Bake for about 30–40 minutes, until the cake is golden brown and a skewer comes out clean.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of the bacon cake, ordinary flour can be swapped for gluten-free flour. Many gluten-free flour blends bake beautifully and give a very similar consistency. In the same way, lactose-free products such as lactose-free milk and lactose-free cheese make excellent substitutes. This is ideal for anyone with an intolerance and means the bacon cake can be enjoyed on these diets too.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
To prepare a vegan version of the bacon cake, the bacon can be replaced with smoked tofu or vegetables. The eggs can be swapped for a mixture of flaxseeds or chia seeds and water to achieve a similar binding effect. Instead of milk, plant-based alternatives such as almond milk or oat milk work well. This way, vegans can enjoy a hearty cake of their own.
More tips and tricks
To bring out even more flavour in your bacon cake, try experimenting with different herbs and spices that you enjoy. Smoked paprika or cumin, for example, lend the dish a distinctive note. You can also adjust the baking time to suit how crisp you like the crust. Another handy tip is to let the cake rest for a few minutes after baking, so it is easier to slice.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The bacon cake is an extremely versatile dish that is easy to tailor to personal preference. Try using different kinds of bacon, such as pork belly or ham, to achieve different flavours. If you fancy some extra depth, you could also fold roasted vegetables or cheese through the batter. Let your creativity run free and adjust the recipe however you like! For a similar savoury bake, the Onion Cake makes a lovely companion.
Ingredient substitutions
There are plenty of ways to vary the ingredients for a bacon cake. Instead of white flour, you could use wholemeal flour for a healthier version. Anyone wanting to skip animal products can replace the eggs with apple sauce or banana. The choice of herbs can vary too — try basil or thyme for a fresher, different flavour. The same crisp bacon also shines in Bacon Dumplings.
Drink pairing ideas
Plenty of drinks pair beautifully with a hearty dish like bacon cake. A fruity white wine or a light red can complement the flavours of the cake in perfect harmony. For an alcohol-free option, homemade lemonade or a sparkling mineral water with a squeeze of lemon fit the bill nicely. The choice is entirely down to personal taste — the main thing is that the drink rounds off the whole experience.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present the bacon cake attractively, you can serve it on a handsome wooden board and decorate it with fresh herbs. A few slices of tomato or cucumber on the side add a splash of colour to the plate. Arranging it on deep plates with edible flowers makes for an especially elegant presentation. Remember that we eat with our eyes first — an inviting presentation makes the food all the more tempting!
A bit of history
Bacon cake has a long tradition in Liechtenstein cuisine. Shaped by rural life, it brings together some of the simplest and best ingredients life has to offer. In the past this dish was often a clever way of using up a surplus of bacon. Today it is popular not only in Liechtenstein but is finding ever more fans in the neighbouring countries too — a fine example of the hearty comfort food that runs through Liechtenstein cuisine, alongside classics like Kaeseschnitte and Flammkuchen.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Bacon Cake
In short, the bacon cake is not only a delicious dish but also an invitation to discover the rich tradition of Liechtenstein cuisine. With its savoury flavours and endless scope for variation, it is a real highlight for food lovers. Whether served as a snack or a main course, the recipe offers countless ways to adapt it to every taste. Bring a slice of Liechtenstein into your kitchen and enjoy this wonderful dish!
