I’ve perfected this traditional German cake recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a velvety, rich dessert. This quick-to-prepare cake offers the perfect balance of creaminess from the quark and a light, tender crumb that makes it irresistibly moreish.
The Story Behind Quark Cake
This beloved German dessert has been a staple in households for generations. The use of quark, a fresh dairy product similar to cream cheese but lighter, gives this cake its distinctive texture and subtle tang that sets it apart from other cream cakes.
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
Detailed Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Grease springform pan and line bottom with parchment paper
- Bring all ingredients to room temperature
Making the Batter
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Softened butter/margarine
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla sugar
- Beat until light and fluffy (about 5 minutes)
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition
- Gently fold in quark until just combined
- In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture
Baking Process
- Pour batter into prepared pan
- Smooth top with spatula
- Bake for 60 minutes or until:
- Golden brown on top
- Skewer inserted comes out clean
- Slight wobble remains in center
Finishing
- Cool in pan for 15 minutes
- Remove sides of springform
- Cool completely on wire rack
- Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving
Pro Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results
- Don’t overmix after adding flour
- Test cake at 50 minutes to prevent overbaking
- Place foil over top if browning too quickly
Nutritional Information
(Per slice, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 345
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 16g
- Calcium: 85mg
- Iron: 1.5mg
Time Requirements
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 60 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Up to 2 days
- Refrigerated: Up to 5 days
- Freezer: Up to 3 months
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Berry compote
- Coffee or tea
- Vanilla sauce
Variations
Fruit Version
- Add 1 cup mixed berries
- Fold in apple chunks
- Top with fruit compote
Chocolate Version
- Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- Fold in chocolate chips
- Drizzle with chocolate ganache
Citrus Version
- Add lemon or orange zest
- Include citrus juice
- Top with citrus glaze
This Classic German Quark Cake is a testament to the beauty of simple, well-made desserts. The combination of rich, creamy quark and light, tender cake creates a perfect balance that makes this recipe truly addictive. What makes it particularly special is its versatility – it can be dressed up for special occasions or enjoyed simply with afternoon coffee.
The key to success lies in not overworking the batter and paying attention to baking time, as each oven varies slightly. The result should be a cake with a golden crust and a moist, tender interior that practically melts in your mouth.
Whether you’re familiar with German baking or trying it for the first time, this quark cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Its simplicity makes it perfect for everyday baking, while its delicious results make it worthy of any special occasion.
