Soft Quark Balls, or “Quarkbällchen,” are a delightful treat that combines the light, creamy texture of quark or strained yogurt with the satisfying richness of a fried pastry. This German-inspired dessert is simple to prepare and offers a deliciously soft bite, rolled in sugar and enhanced with a hint of vanilla and optional cinnamon for extra flavor. They’re perfect for a sweet snack or as a unique addition to your dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This:
These quark balls are irresistibly fluffy and light, with a moist interior that melts in your mouth. The gentle sweetness balanced with the subtle tang of the quark makes these treats a favorite among both children and adults. They are quick to make and even quicker to disappear from the plate!
Perfect Occasion:
Soft Quark Balls are ideal for gatherings, coffee breaks, or as a comforting treat on a cozy evening. They are especially popular during festive seasons and celebrations, where a sweet, easy-to-eat finger food is much appreciated.
Decoration Tips:
After rolling the warm quark balls in sugar, you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or drizzle them with a light glaze if you prefer a touch more sweetness. To make them festive, you can also dip them in melted chocolate and then into sprinkles or crushed nuts before the chocolate sets.
Ingredients:
- For the Quark Balls:
- 250g 20% fat quark or strained yogurt
- 2 medium eggs
- 125g sugar
- 230g flour
- 20g cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 8g baking powder
- For Coating:
- A bowl of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Preparation:
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the quark, eggs, and sugar using an electric mixer. Then, gradually add the flour, cornstarch, milk, and baking powder. Continue mixing until a smooth, sticky dough forms. Using a dough hook attachment can facilitate this process but is not necessary.
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour enough oil into a deep pan to allow for frying and heat it up. Once hot, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a steady temperature. Ideal frying temperature is about 175°C (347°F).
- Form and Fry the Quark Balls:
- Fill a large piping bag with the dough. If you don’t have a piping bag, a plastic bag with a corner cut off will work as well. Squeeze rounds of dough directly into the hot oil, cutting off each dollop with scissors previously dipped in oil to prevent sticking.
- Fry the balls until golden brown on all sides, turning them as needed for even cooking.
- Coat and Serve:
- Once fried, transfer the quark balls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, roll them in a mixture of sugar, vanilla sugar, and cinnamon if using.
- Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Enjoy these soft, sweet Quark Balls as a delightful treat that brings a touch of European charm to any occasion!
