Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 180 g butter (3/4 cup), cold and diced
• 300 g all-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 50 g powdered sugar (1/2 cup)
• 1 egg

For the Filling:

• 6 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• Lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• 120 g butter (1/2 cup), softened
• 150 g powdered sugar (1 1/4 cups)
• 4 eggs
• 500 g low-fat quark (2 cups)
• 200 ml 30% whipping cream (3/4 cup)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

To Sprinkle:

• Sliced almonds

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 300 g of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
• Add 180 g of cold, diced butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Stir in 50 g of powdered sugar and mix well.
• Add 1 egg to the mixture and combine until the dough comes together. If the dough is too crumbly, add a teaspoon of cold water at a time until it holds together.
• Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a 26 cm (10-inch) springform pan with butter or line the bottom with parchment paper.

3. Prepare the Filling:

• While the dough is chilling, prepare the apples. Peel, core, and slice 6 apples. Place the apple slices in a bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
• In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together 120 g of softened butter and 150 g of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add 4 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in 500 g of low-fat quark and mix until smooth.
• In a small saucepan, heat 200 ml of whipping cream until warm (do not boil). Add the warm cream to the quark mixture and stir to combine.
• Finally, add 1/4 tsp of vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract and mix well.

4. Assemble the Pie:

• Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the bottom and sides of the prepared springform pan. Press the dough into the pan, ensuring it is evenly spread and reaches up the sides.
• Arrange the apple slices evenly over the dough.
• Pour the quark mixture over the apples, spreading it out evenly.

5. Bake the Pie:

• Sprinkle a handful of sliced almonds over the top of the quark filling for added texture and flavor.
• Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
• If the almonds begin to brown too quickly, cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully release the springform and transfer the pie to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Serve the pie at room temperature or slightly chilled. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Perfect Apple Quark Pie:

• Dough Consistency: The dough should be firm yet pliable. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, a small amount of cold water will help bring it together.
• Quark Substitute: If you can’t find quark, you can substitute it with a mixture of equal parts ricotta cheese and Greek yogurt.
• Apple Variety: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The pie can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 25g

Conclusion:

This Apple Quark Pie offers a unique and delightful twist on the classic apple pie. The combination of a buttery crust, tart apples, creamy quark, and a touch of vanilla creates a dessert that is rich in flavor and texture. The addition of sliced almonds adds a satisfying crunch, making each bite a pleasure. Whether for a family gathering or a special occasion, this pie is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!