This delicious quark cake, a popular treat in Germany, is light, fluffy, and slightly tangy thanks to the quark cheese. It’s perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 220g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 packet (8g) vanilla sugar
- 220g (1 cup) unsalted butter or margarine, softened
- 320g (11.3 oz) quark (German-style curd cheese)
- 300g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons (15g) baking powder
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch (23cm) springform pan
- Electric mixer
- Parchment paper
- Fine mesh sieve, for dusting powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease the springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
Making the Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Softened butter or margarine
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla sugar
Beat together using an electric mixer for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the mixture is smooth.
- Gently fold in the quark until just combined—do not overmix.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined. Do not overmix to avoid a dense cake.
Baking Process:
- Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until:
- The cake is golden brown on top.
- A skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- The cake has a slight wobble in the center when gently shaken.
Finishing:
- Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes before removing the sides of the springform.
- Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Pro Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter, eggs, and quark mix together more smoothly, resulting in a fluffier cake.
- Be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients to avoid overworking the batter, which could result in a dense cake.
- Test doneness with a skewer: A clean skewer inserted into the center of the cake indicates it’s done.
- Chill the cake before slicing: If you prefer a firmer texture, chilling the cake for a bit before serving can help.
- Add lemon zest: For an added burst of flavor, you can add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest into the batter for a slight citrus note.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and easy to make: With basic ingredients and simple steps, you can bake this cake with ease.
- Light and fluffy texture: The quark adds a unique texture that is airy and moist without being heavy.
- Great for any occasion: This cake works perfectly for breakfast, tea time, or as a dessert for a family gathering.
- Naturally sweet: The vanilla sugar and quark provide natural sweetness without the need for too much added sugar.
- Customizable: You can adjust the flavors, adding things like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even some berries for a fun twist.
Conclusion
This quark cake is the perfect balance of lightness and flavor. It’s simple enough for beginner bakers but delicious enough to impress guests. The addition of quark makes this cake uniquely tender, and a dusting of powdered sugar gives it an elegant finish. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a cup of coffee, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of quark?
- While Greek yogurt can be a substitute, it may alter the texture slightly. Quark has a creamier consistency, so the cake may turn out denser with yogurt.
- Can I make this cake in advance?
- Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
- Can I freeze the quark cake?
- Yes, you can freeze the cake after it has cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- What can I add to the cake for extra flavor?
- You can add cinnamon, lemon zest, or even vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile of this cake.
- What is quark cheese?
- Quark is a soft, fresh cheese that is popular in European baking. It’s similar to ricotta or cottage cheese but has a smoother texture and milder flavor.