Dessert

Mennonite Funny Cake Pie Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher December 18, 2025December 18, 2025

Introduction

Mennonite Funny Cake Pie is a nostalgic dessert featuring a moist, tender cake with a rich chocolate topping baked right inside a flaky pie crust. Simple to make yet impressively delicious, it’s perfect for a cozy family treat or an inviting potluck dish.

A white plate holds a thick pie with two visible layers. The bottom layer is dark brown, rich and moist, while the top layer is light golden and fluffy. The pie crust is light brown, slightly thick and crimped around the edges. The pie sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract (divided)
¼ cup (½ stick) butter, softened
1 large egg
½ cup milk
1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
1 tsp baking powder
⅛ tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the pie crust on a baking sheet for easy handling.
Step 2: In a saucepan, whisk together ½ cup of sugar and the cocoa powder.
Step 3: Add the water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 5: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the remaining ½ cup sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 6: Beat in the egg followed by the remaining ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 7: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 8: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and milk to the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 9: Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared pie crust and smooth the surface gently.
Step 10: Carefully drizzle the cooled chocolate syrup over the top of the batter without stirring it in, allowing it to create a rich layer on top.
Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 12: Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use an all-butter pie crust for a richer flavor and flakier texture.
For extra moisture, substitute milk with buttermilk in the cake batter.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the cocoa mixture for a subtle depth of flavor.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.

Storage

Store leftover pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to enjoy a warm, fresh taste.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a pie with a crumbly, golden-brown crust that is thick, fluted, and wraps around the edges of a clear glass pie dish. Inside, there are two distinct layers: the bottom layer is a rich, dark chocolate filling with a moist, dense texture, while the top layer is a light, fluffy, and slightly browned meringue or whipped topping, shaped in a smooth spiral pattern. One slice is removed, exposing the thick layers and some crumbs scattered inside the empty space of the dish. The pie dish sits on a white marbled surface with a soft gray cloth nearby and a couple of forks visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade pie crust for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade pie crust works wonderfully and adds a personal touch. Just roll it out to fit a 9-inch pie pan as the recipe suggests.

What causes the chocolate syrup layer to form on top?

The chocolate syrup is poured over the batter before baking without stirring, so it settles during baking to form a distinct, fudgy topping that contrasts with the light cake beneath.