German cheesecake, known as Käsekuchen, is a delicious and creamy dessert that differs from its American counterpart. It typically features a quark cheese filling, which gives it a unique texture and flavor. Here’s a traditional recipe for making Käsekuchen:
German Käsekuchen (Cheesecake) Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 200 g (about 7 oz) digestive biscuits or graham crackers, crushed
- 100 g (about 3.5 oz) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
For the Filling:
- 500 g (about 1 lb) quark cheese (or a mix of cream cheese and sour cream if quark is unavailable)
- 200 g (about 7 oz) cream cheese
- 150 g (about 5.3 oz) sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for a firmer texture)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed biscuits, melted butter, and sugar (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan to form an even layer. Bake for about 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the quark cheese, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the lemon juice and lemon zest (if using). Mix until just combined.
- If using cornstarch, add it to the mixture and stir until smooth.
3. Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Pour the cheese filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
4. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The cheesecake will firm up as it cools.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent cracking.
5. Cool and Chill:
- Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely.
6. Serve:
- Before serving, you can dust the top with powdered sugar or serve with fresh fruit, fruit compote, or whipped cream if desired.
Tips
- Quark Cheese: If you can’t find quark cheese, you can substitute it with a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream (about 250 g cream cheese and 250 g sour cream).
- Storage: The Käsekuchen can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes well; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Variations: You can add fruit to the filling, such as blueberries or cherries, or top the cheesecake with fruit after it has set.
Enjoy your delicious homemade German Käsekuchen! It’s a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress family and friends.