5 from 4 votes

Caramelized onions and tart apples are cooked on the stove then mixed with sour cream, eggs, and a few savory spices to create the most rich, creamy, sweet-and-savory filling in this delicious German apple and onion pie known as Zwiebelkuchen mit Äpfeln. Baked in a buttery pie crust, this old fashioned pastry is comforting and delicious!

German Onion Pie in a metal pie tin with a few slices cut into it.

What is Zwiebelkuchen?

The word "Zwiebelkuchen" translates to English as "onion cake". But this German pastry is really more of a pie than a cake, which is why I lovingly refer to it as German onion pie. And while many traditional Zwiebelkuchen recipes are made with just onions, I love the addition of an apple, making it Zwiebelkuchen mit Äpfeln.

Easy Apple Onion Pie, Any Time of the Day

Just 10 simple ingredients are combined to create the best pastry you've ever sunk your teeth into! Thin onion slices are cooked low + slow on the stove to add a savory, caramelized flavor to the filling. And to balance it, a sliced tart apple and tangy sour cream are added. Finally, we'll thicken the filling with a couple eggs and pour it into a flaky, buttery pie crust.

Seriously, this old fashioned pie is great eaten for breakfast, as main dish with salad, or for an afternoon snack. Bonus points if you make it with my simple 3 ingredient pie crust from scratch!

Wood crate with a German onion pie in a metal pie tin.

Growing up in Germany, one of my favorite things to do in the Fall was to wander into the nearby forest and look for hedgehogs. These adorable woodland creatures eat fallen apples, which were always abundant near our neighborhood. That's why this savory onion and apple pie reminds me of Fall in Germany. 🙂

Two onions, and apple, and other ingredients on a wood table.

Ingredient Recommendations

Refrigerated pie crust - Homemade or store bought pie crust both work.
Onion - I recommend using a sweet onion or yellow onion for the best caramelized flavor and warm color.
Apple - I like using a tart variety like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Empire.
Butter
Salt
Paprika
Ground black pepper
Thyme leaves - Feel free to swap in oregano if you prefer.
Eggs
Sour cream - Makes the filling thick and creamy. You can substitute crème fraiche or plain Greek yogurt.

Let's Make Apple Onion Pie Together!

Below are the general steps to make this recipe. For the full step-by-step instructions and ingredient measurements, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Pie crust rolled out and shaped in a pie tin.

1. Roll out the pie crust and transfer it to a greased pie tin. Poke holes in the bottom with a fork.

Onions and an apple thinly sliced on a cutting board.

3. Thinly slice the onion and the apple to the same thickness.

Caramelized onions and cooked apples in a large pan.

5. Add the thinly sliced apple and cook just until they begin to soften.

German onion pie filling in a glass bowl with a wooden spoon.

7. Add the caramelized onions and apples. Mix to combine.

A whole freshly baked Zwiebelkuchen mit Äpfeln on a dark wooden table.

9. Pour the filling into the par-baked crust. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes.

A pie crust with parchment paper and pie weights in it.

2. Cover with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights (or dried beans). Bake at for 15 minutes.

4. Cook the sliced onions in butter until they’re caramelized.

A glass bowl with a creamy egg and sour cream mixture.

6. Whisk the salt, paprika, pepper, thyme, eggs, and sour cream.

A par baked pie crust in a metal pie tin.

8. Remove the parchment and pie weights from the crust.

A slice of German onion pie with apples on a black plate.

10. Let the pie cool for at least 20 minutes, then slice and enjoy!

A slice of Zwiebelkuchen mit Äpfeln (German onion pie) on a black plate on a red linen.

Pro Tips for Pastry Perfection

When handling pie crust, it's important to keep the butter cold and hard. If you feel the butter is starting to soften or melt, place it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to harden the butter again before it's baked.
I don't know about you, but I cry myself a river when slicing onions. Place your onion in the fridge for about 30 minutes before slicing it to prevent the pungent onion juices from causing your eyes to water.
You can peel the apple along with the onion, but I prefer to leave the peel on, so my apple slices don’t become mushy.
Don't skip par baking the pie crust! Partially baking the crust before adding the filling ensures the bottom doesn't become soggy.

Variations on Onion Pie

Bacon: There are many variations of this savory onion pie throughout Germany. Some recipes include smoked ham bacon called Schinkenspeck.
Crust: I've seen some pies made with a much thicker, chewier yeast dough crust. Others, like this recipe, are made with a thinner, more flaky pie crust.
Caraway Seeds: You can also add flavorings to your filling, like caraway seeds which add a peppery, licorice-like flavor.

A slice of German onion pie with apples on two stacked black plates.

Hungry for more caramelized onions? I don't know about you, but even just thinking about the sweet, savory, rich, buttery flavor makes my mouth drool... So if you're looking for more ways to gorge on caramelized onions, try my soft onion bread rolls!