Description
Authentic German Cheesecake, also known as Käsekuchen, is a light and fluffy dessert made with quark cheese and a buttery crust, offering a uniquely tangy flavor and delicate texture distinct from American cheesecakes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- For the filling:
- 1 1/2 lbs (680g) quark cheese (or well-drained cottage cheese/Greek yogurt as substitute)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder. Add cubed butter and cut in using a pastry cutter or fingers until crumbly. Add egg and mix to form a dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Chill while preparing the filling.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine quark, sugar, vanilla, eggs, oil, milk, cornstarch, and lemon zest. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the filling into the crust and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top is lightly golden. The center may still jiggle slightly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 30 minutes to prevent cracking.
- Remove and let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
- Traditional German cheesecake uses quark cheese, which can be substituted with Greek yogurt or farmer’s cheese if unavailable.
- For a smoother texture, blend quark before mixing.
- Serve plain or with fruit compote for added sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 90mg