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### **Instructions**
#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet**
1. **Preheat your oven** to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent the cakes from sticking.
#### **Step 2: Make the Cake Batter**
1. **Mix the wet ingredients**: In a large bowl, whisk together the quark, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. If you’re using lemon zest, stir it in at this point to add a refreshing citrus note to the batter.
2. **Combine the dry ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine.
3. **Add the melted butter**: Once the batter is fully combined, stir in the melted butter. This will add richness and flavor to the cakes, making them even more tender.
#### **Step 3: Form the Cakes**
1. **Spoon the batter onto the baking sheet**: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the cake batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each spoonful, as the cakes will spread slightly while baking.
2. **Shape if necessary**: You can gently shape the batter into small rounds using the back of the spoon, though they will naturally spread and form a slightly rustic shape as they bake.
#### **Step 4: Bake the Quark Cakes**
1. **Bake**: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cakes are golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. **Cool**: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
#### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
1. **Serve warm**: These cakes are best served warm, straight out of the oven, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. If you like, dust them with powdered sugar for a delicate finishing touch.
### **Why Quark Makes These Cakes Special**
Quark is a soft, fresh cheese that is popular in European kitchens, particularly in Germany and other parts of Central Europe. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor that sets these cakes apart from others. The moisture content of quark helps to keep the cakes wonderfully soft and tender, and the slight tang balances the sweetness perfectly. If you’ve never used quark before, it’s often found in the dairy section of supermarkets or specialty stores, or you can substitute it with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt.
### **Tips for Perfecting Grandma’s Quark Cakes**
– **Use room temperature ingredients**: For the best texture, make sure the eggs and quark are at room temperature before mixing them into the batter.
– **Don’t overmix**: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix gently to avoid overworking the dough. Overmixing can result in denser cakes, so aim for a light touch.
– **Customize the flavor**: Feel free to add your favorite flavorings, like a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of almond extract, or a handful of berries for a fresh twist.
– **Serving suggestions**: While these cakes are delightful on their own, you can serve them with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a dollop of jam for added flavor and texture.
### **Why This Recipe Works**
Grandma’s **Quark Cakes** work so well because they balance simplicity with exceptional taste. The quark ensures that the cakes remain soft, moist, and tender while providing just the right amount of tang. The use of lemon zest or vanilla adds layers of flavor without overpowering the delicate taste of the quark. In just 10 minutes of prep and about 12 minutes of baking, you can have a batch of cakes that rival any dessert at a bakery, all made with just a handful of ingredients.
### **Final Thoughts**
**Grandma’s Quark Cakes** are the perfect blend of tradition, simplicity, and flavor. Whether you’re baking to share with friends or looking for a comforting treat for yourself, these cakes are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. The ease and speed of this recipe make it perfect for any day of the week when you’re craving something homemade and delicious.
So, dust off your apron and give this simple yet divine recipe a try. In just 10 minutes, you’ll have a batch of warm, comforting cakes to enjoy with your loved ones – a little taste of tradition that’s sure to become a new favorite in your home. Happy baking!
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