If you're a fan of rich, creamy, and slightly tangy desserts, then authentic German cheesecake is a must-try. This delightful dessert, known as Quarkkuchen, uses a unique ingredient called quark, which gives it a distinctive flavor and texture. This recipe will guide you through making a cheesecake that captures the essence of traditional German baking, providing a delicious and easy-to-follow dessert that can become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
- 500 grams of quark (or cottage cheese if quark is unavailable)
- 150 grams of granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 75 grams of butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- A pinch of salt
- 250 grams of shortcrust pastry or use a recipe for homemade pastry
- Butter or oil for greasing the springform pan
Instructions
1. Preparing the Crust
- If you’re using store-bought shortcrust pastry, let it come to room temperature or follow the instructions on the package. If making your own, prepare your favorite shortcrust pastry recipe.
- Grease a 24 cm (9-inch) springform pan. Roll out the pastry and line the bottom and sides of the pan. Trim any excess dough from the edges.
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Making the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the quark (or cottage cheese), sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Mix in the cornstarch and a pinch of salt, ensuring there are no lumps in the batter.
3. Assembling the Cheesecake
- Pour the quark mixture into the prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
4. Cooling and Serving
- Once baked, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly ajar to prevent cracking.
- After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, for the flavors to meld.
- To serve, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. You can dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh fruit if desired.
✨ Note: If you cannot find quark, you can make a substitute by mixing equal parts cottage cheese and cream cheese. However, the flavor profile will slightly differ.
Creating this authentic German cheesecake provides not just a dessert but a slice of German culture. Its unique texture and flavor, derived from the use of quark, make it distinct from other cheesecake varieties. The recipe's simplicity, requiring no water bath or complex preparations, makes it accessible even for novice bakers. By following these steps, you'll have a cheesecake that impresses with its authenticity and delicious taste, bringing a touch of Germany right into your home.
FAQ
Can I use cream cheese instead of quark?
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Yes, you can use cream cheese, but the flavor and texture will be different from the traditional German cheesecake. Quark provides a lighter, more tangy taste. If you’re using cream cheese, mix it with cottage cheese for a closer approximation.
What can I do if the cheesecake cracks?
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Cracking can occur due to sudden temperature changes. To minimize this, let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open after baking. If it does crack, you can cover it with toppings or dust it with powdered sugar to camouflage the cracks.
How long will this cheesecake keep?
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When stored in the refrigerator, your German cheesecake can last up to 5 days. Make sure it is well-covered to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
