Indulge in this traditional European-style quark cake that combines the richness of butter, the lightness of quark, and the sweet burst of fruit. Perfect for afternoon tea, family gatherings, or a simple sweet treat, this cake offers a delectable balance of flavors and textures that will delight bakers and dessert lovers alike.
Ingredients
US Measurements
- 1/2 cup (120 g) butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 g) sugar
- 1 package vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 g) quark (20% fat)
- 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 can mandarin oranges or 1 cup raisins
- Butter or oil for greasing the pan
Metric Measurements
- 120 g butter, softened
- 120 g sugar
- 1 package vanilla sugar
- 3 eggs
- 120 g quark (20% fat)
- 300 g flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 can mandarins or 150 g raisins
- Fat for greasing the pan
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Batter
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a cake tin with butter or oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine soft butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar.
- Add eggs and quark to the mixture.
- Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
- Fold gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Incorporate Fruit
- Carefully fold in mandarins or raisins.
- Distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Baking
- Transfer the batter to the prepared cake tin.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
- Cooling
- Remove from oven and let cool in the tin for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Approximate):
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fat: 12-15g
- Fiber: 1-2g
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Baking Time: 55-60 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Servings: 8-10 slices
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter to maintain a light, tender crumb.
- If using raisins, lightly coat them in flour to prevent sinking.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
Variations and Substitutions
- Fruit Alternatives: Use fresh berries, chopped apples, or dried fruits
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute flour with gluten-free all-purpose blend
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace quark with coconut yogurt
- Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar or use a sugar substitute
- Add Flavor: Incorporate lemon zest or almond extract
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is quark, and can I substitute it? A: Quark is a type of fresh cheese. You can substitute with Greek yogurt or cream cheese.
Q2: How do I store this cake? A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
Q3: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
Q4: How do I prevent fruit from sinking? A: Coat fruit in flour before adding to the batter.
Q5: Can I make this cake without vanilla sugar? A: Use vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste as a substitute.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days
- Refrigeration: Will keep for up to 1 week
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices for easy portioning
- Make Ahead: Bake a day in advance for enhanced flavor
Enjoy this delightful quark cake that brings a touch of European baking tradition to your table!