If you’re looking for a dessert that’s airy, slightly sweet, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor, this Fluffy Quark Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful twist on a traditional cheesecake—lighter, less sweet, and oh-so-soft. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or chilled as a refreshing treat, this quark casserole is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This quark casserole is incredibly easy to make and has a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The lemon zest gives it a bright and fresh flavor, while the quark makes it naturally creamy without being heavy. Plus, it’s versatile—enjoy it for breakfast, as a light dessert, or even as an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need (full ingredient list below):
- Quark (or ricotta/cottage cheese as substitutes)
- Eggs
- Sugar or honey
- Lemon zest
- Semolina or cornstarch
- Vanilla extract
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Separate the Eggs
Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. This step is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Quark Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the quark, egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and semolina (or cornstarch). Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Fold in the Egg Whites
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the quark mixture. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep the casserole light and airy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for about 35–40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and slightly puffed up.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it warm or chilled with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a drizzle of honey.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For extra fluffiness: Be gentle when folding in the egg whites—this keeps the casserole light.
- More citrus flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the batter for an extra zing.
- Adjust the sweetness: Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetness.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Berry Bliss: Fold in fresh raspberries or blueberries for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap semolina for almond flour or cornstarch.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This quark casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of fruit compote. It’s also delicious with a cup of coffee or tea for a light and satisfying treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 20 seconds or enjoy it cold—it’s delicious both ways!
4 FAQs
1. Can I use ricotta instead of quark?
Yes! Ricotta or cottage cheese are great substitutes, though the texture may be slightly different.
2. Can I freeze the quark casserole?
Yes, freeze it in slices and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
3. Why did my casserole deflate after baking?
It’s normal for the casserole to puff up while baking and settle slightly as it cools.
4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Try using a dairy-free yogurt alternative, but the texture may be slightly different.
Conclusion
This fluffy quark casserole is a dreamy, lemony delight that’s perfect for any time of day. It’s light, creamy, and just sweet enough—plus, it’s easy to make! Whether you enjoy it warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or chilled with fresh berries, this dish is sure to impress. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!
Print
Fluffy Quark Casserole: Lemony, Light, and Irresistible
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2-4 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This airy casserole combines the creamy texture of quark with the zesty brightness of lemon, resulting in a dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons cherries (from a jar)
- 1 egg
- 40 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 160 g low-fat quark
- 1 pinch salt
- 20 g soft wheat semolina
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 160°C (320°F) with convection.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg, sugar, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest until frothy.
- Stir in the quark and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the semolina and baking powder, then fold into the quark mixture.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Drain the cherries and gently fold them into the batter.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish or individual ramekins.
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the top is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Variations: For added flavor, consider incorporating other fruits like blueberries or raspberries.
- Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs wonderfully with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a side of fresh fruit.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of the casserole
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg