As I stand in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of cherries and freshly baked cake filling the air, I’m excited to share this quick and delicious quark cherry cake recipe that has become a weekly tradition in my home. This recipe is a perfect example of how we can create a comforting, homemade dessert with minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy weekdays or when you’re craving something sweet without the long wait.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. With just 5 minutes of prep time and a handful of basic ingredients, you can have a delicious cherry cake in the oven, filling your home with the irresistible scent of baking fruit and warm, sweet cake.
Ingredients
For the cake batter:
- 200g (1 cup) sugar
- 420g (3 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 220ml (1 cup) milk
- 220ml (1 cup) vegetable oil
- 1 packet (about 15g or 1 tablespoon) baking powder
For the quark filling:
- 350g (1 1/2 cups) quark
- 1 large egg
- Powdered sugar to taste (about 2-3 tablespoons)
Additional:
- About 2 cups pitted sweet cherries
- Baking paper
Instructions
1. Preparing the Batter
- I start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when our cake is ready to bake.
- In a large bowl, I beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture is frothy and pale yellow. This usually takes about 2 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Gradually, I add the milk and oil to the egg-sugar mixture, beating continuously to incorporate.
- In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour and baking powder.
- I then add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here – a few small lumps are okay.
2. Assembling the Cake
- I line a baking tray (about 9×13 inches) with baking paper. This prevents the cake from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- I pour the prepared batter onto the lined baking tray, spreading it evenly.
- Next, I scatter the pitted cherries evenly over the batter. The cherries will sink slightly into the batter as it bakes, creating pockets of juicy fruit throughout the cake.
- For the quark filling, I mix the quark with one egg in a separate bowl. I taste it and add powdered sugar if needed, depending on how sweet I want it and how sweet the cherries are.
- Using a spoon, I drop small mounds of the quark mixture between the cherries on top of the batter. This will create delightful pockets of creamy quark throughout the cake.
3. Baking the Cake
- I place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. I start checking at the 25-minute mark, looking for a golden brown top and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out clean.
- Once baked, I remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
For the entire cake (approximately 12 servings):
- Calories: 4905 kcal
- Protein: 129.68g
- Fat: 201.39g
- Carbohydrates: 553.25g
Per serving (1/12 of the cake):
- Calories: 409 kcal
- Protein: 10.8g
- Fat: 16.8g
- Carbohydrates: 46.1g
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
The Joy of a Weekly Baking Tradition
As I slice into this warm quark cherry cake, the aroma of sweet cherries and freshly baked cake wafting through the kitchen, I’m reminded of why this recipe has become such a beloved weekly tradition in my home. Despite its quick preparation time, it delivers all the comfort and satisfaction of a more complex dessert.
What makes this recipe so special is its clever combination of flavors and textures. The moist, tender cake provides the perfect backdrop for the juicy cherries and creamy quark topping. The quark, a fresh dairy product popular in German baking, adds a delightful tanginess that balances the sweetness of the cherries and cake.
The simplicity of this recipe also makes it incredibly versatile. While it’s delicious as is, you can easily adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Try using different fruits like blueberries or plums, or add a sprinkle of sliced almonds on top before baking for some extra crunch. You could even experiment with flavoring the quark mixture with a bit of lemon zest or vanilla extract.
This cake is perfect for so many occasions. It’s quick enough to whip up on a weeknight, impressive enough to serve to guests, and comforting enough to be a regular weekend treat. Its simplicity also makes it a great recipe to make with children, introducing them to the joys of baking.
As we enjoy this 5-minute prep quark cherry cake, we’re not just satisfying our sweet tooth – we’re creating a ritual. The weekly baking of this cake has become a signal in our home, a promise of comfort and continuity in our busy lives. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest traditions can bring the most joy.
So the next time you’re looking for a quick, delicious dessert to brighten your week, give this quark cherry cake a try. This recipe is more than just a quick cake; it’s a way to bring a moment of sweetness and comfort to your day, no matter how busy life gets. Who knows? It might just become a cherished weekly tradition in your home, as it has in mine.
