The Traditional German Cheesecake, or "Käsekuchen," is a classic dessert known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. This cheesecake features a buttery crust and a rich filling made with quark, a type of German cheese. The addition of lemon zest and juice gives the cheesecake a refreshing citrus note, while the smooth and velvety filling offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness. This timeless dessert is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your loved ones.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
You'll love this recipe because it combines the best of both worlds: a crisp and buttery crust with a creamy and tangy filling. The cheesecake is rich yet light, making it a satisfying dessert without being overly heavy. The recipe uses quark, which adds a unique and authentic flavor, while the lemon zest and juice provide a refreshing twist. The cheesecake is easy to make and offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will please any dessert lover.
Perfect Occasion:
The Traditional German Cheesecake is ideal for any occasion where you want to share a delicious and elegant dessert. It's perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or as a delightful treat for yourself. The cheesecake also makes a great dessert for dinner parties, as it can be easily prepared in advance and served chilled.
Decoration Tips:
To enhance the presentation of this cheesecake, you can dust the top with powdered sugar before serving, creating a beautiful and elegant finish. You can also garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color and freshness. The cheesecake can be served on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 150g all-purpose flour
- 75g butter
- 50g sugar
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 500g quark (20% fat)
- 200g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 packet (37g) vanilla custard powder
- Juice and zest of half a lemon
- 200ml cream
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease a 20cm diameter baking pan and dust with flour.
- Prepare Crust: Knead together the flour, butter, sugar, egg, and a pinch of salt until you have a smooth dough. Press the dough into the baking pan, creating a rim about 4.5cm high. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and chill in the refrigerator for around 30 minutes.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix together the quark, sugar, eggs, custard powder, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the quark mixture.
- Spread Filling: Spread the quark mixture evenly over the crust.
- Bake: Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, until the surface is golden brown and the filling is set. To avoid cracks, avoid overmixing the filling and bake slowly at a low temperature.
- Cool: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool completely before removing it from the pan. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired. This timeless German cheesecake is sure to delight.
Enjoy!