Easy Fricassee Cake Recipe: A Unique Fusion of Flavor and Comfort
If you’re a fan of hearty, savory bakes and crave something a little different from the traditional sweet cake, let us introduce you to the deliciously unexpected world of the fricassee cake. No, this isn’t your typical sponge cake topped with frosting. Instead, this savory pastry takes inspiration from the classic French dish—fricassee—and transforms it into an easy fricassee cake recipe that combines the richness of tender meat, vegetables, and herbs in a fluffy, moist cake-like base. It’s comfort food, elevated.
Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch, need a show-stopping potluck dish, or want something creative for family dinner, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds. Let’s dive into how to make your new favorite savory treat!
What Is a Fricassee Cake?
A fricassee cake is a savory cake or pastry filled with a creamy stew-like mixture, usually made with chicken or turkey, vegetables, and a light cream sauce. It’s inspired by the traditional fricassee, a French dish where meat is lightly sautéed and then simmered in a flavorful broth. In the cake version, the filling is baked inside or layered over a savory cake batter or pastry shell.
Think of it as a cross between a pot pie, a quiche, and a savory cake. It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of depth.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Fricassee Cake Recipe
- Unique and crowd-pleasing
- Easy to prepare with common ingredients
- Versatile—use whatever veggies and proteins you have on hand
- Perfect for leftovers
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep
This dish might just become your new go-to for dinner parties or Sunday family meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the fricassee filling:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken or turkey
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or parsley, optional
For the savory cake batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup grated cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or gruyère)
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup olive oil or melted butter
How to Make an Easy Fricassee Cake Recipe: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the fricassee filling:
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in shredded chicken.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well.
- Slowly add broth while stirring constantly.
- Add cream and let the sauce simmer until thickened.
- Add peas, season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Remove from heat.
2. Make the cake batter:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and oil.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a thick batter.
3. Assemble and bake:
- Grease a springform or deep baking pan.
- Spread half the batter on the bottom.
- Spoon the fricassee filling evenly over the batter.
- Top with remaining batter and gently spread.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes until golden and set.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions for Fricassee Cake
- Serve warm with a fresh green salad.
- Add a drizzle of cream sauce or gravy.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or soup for a hearty meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese on top.

Variations to Try
This easy fricassee cake recipe is wonderfully flexible. Try these spins:
- Vegetarian version: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or squash instead of meat.
- Seafood fricassee: Add cooked shrimp or crabmeat to the filling.
- Spicy twist: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the batter.
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Tips for the Best Fricassee Cake
- Don’t overfill the cake or it may become soggy.
- Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Use full-fat dairy for a richer texture.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven to keep the texture crisp.
Can You Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and batter separately and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Or bake the full cake, let it cool, then refrigerate. Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is fricassee in French cooking?
It refers to sautéed meat, usually chicken, simmered in white sauce or broth.
Q2: Can I freeze fricassee cake?
Yes. Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Q3: What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar, gruyère, or parmesan add the most flavor.
Q4: Can I make it without eggs?
Use an egg substitute or add extra milk and a teaspoon of baking soda.
Q5: Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely—it’s mild, comforting, and easy to eat.
Q6: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—it saves time and adds great flavor.
Q7: How do I keep the cake from being dry?
Don’t overbake and be sure the filling is moist.
Q8: Is this like a chicken pot pie?
Similar—but with a more cake-like texture instead of a crust.
Q9: Can I add cheese on top?
Definitely—for extra golden, bubbly goodness.
Q10: What pan is best?
A springform or deep round cake pan works beautifully.
Final Thoughts on This Easy Fricassee Cake Recipe
If you’re looking to shake up your meal routine, this easy fricassee cake recipe brings something fresh, flavorful, and comforting to the table. It’s the perfect marriage of French elegance and homey satisfaction—simple enough for weeknights but special enough for guests. With a creamy filling, cheesy batter, and endless room for customization, this savory cake deserves a place in your recipe rotation.
So go ahead—preheat your oven, grab those leftovers, and treat yourself to a slice of something savory and spectacular. You might just find yourself making it again and again.
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Easy Fricassee Cake Recipe: Homemade Baking Made Simple
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 portions
Ingredients
For the Fricassee Filling:
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken or turkey
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 cup frozen peas
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream or milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
For the Savory Cake Batter:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup grated cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or gruyère)
2 eggs
¾ cup milk
¼ cup olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
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Prepare the filling:
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In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
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Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
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Add carrot, celery, and mushrooms; cook 5–7 minutes.
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Stir in chicken or turkey.
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Sprinkle flour over and stir to coat.
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Slowly pour in broth while stirring.
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Add cream; simmer until thickened.
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Stir in peas, herbs, and season to taste. Remove from heat.
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Make the batter:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and cheese.
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In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and oil.
-
Mix wet and dry ingredients to form a thick batter.
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Assemble and bake:
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Grease a springform or deep baking pan.
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Spread half the batter in the bottom.
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Add the fricassee filling evenly.
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Spread remaining batter on top.
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Bake for 35–45 minutes until golden.
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Cool 10–15 minutes before slicing.
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Notes
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Don’t overfill to avoid sogginess.
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Cool before slicing for cleaner portions.
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Full-fat cream makes the filling richer.
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Add herbs or spice to customize flavor.
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Use leftovers like rotisserie chicken for convenience.
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Freeze individual slices for easy future meals.
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Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 25minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes