Traditional Käsekuchen Recipe (German Cheesecake)

Käsekuchen, or German cheesecake, is a delightful dessert that combines a creamy filling with a buttery crust. This traditional recipe has been enjoyed for generations, and its unique flavors and textures make it a favorite among cheesecake lovers. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, making this elegant dessert doesn’t have to be complicated. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy this sweet treat throughout the week.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This Traditional Käsekuchen is not only delicious but also offers a healthier alternative to many other desserts. It is inherently lower in sugar compared to many commercial cheesecakes, making it a great choice for those watching their sugar intake. With its high protein content from the quark and eggs, it’s a balanced dessert that can fit into various lifestyles, including a healthy eating plan. Moreover, it’s a lighter option that you can enjoy guilt-free!

HOW TO MAKE Traditional Käsekuchen

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To create the perfect Käsekuchen, you will need the following kitchen tools:

Mixing bowls
A whisk or electric mixer
A rolling pin
A greased springform pan
An oven

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (100g) sugar
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
1 egg (for crust)
1 ½ cups (375g) quark
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
3 eggs (for filling)
¾ cup (150g) sugar
2 tbsp vanilla pudding powder
Zest of 1 lemon

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the Crust: Start by combining the flour, ½ cup of sugar, and unsalted butter in a mixing bowl. Add in 1 egg and mix until the dough forms. Chill the dough for 30 minutes to firm up.
Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, beat together the quark, heavy cream, 3 eggs, ¾ cup of sugar, vanilla pudding powder, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Cake: Roll out the chilled dough and press it into a greased springform pan, covering the bottom and slightly up the sides. Pour the creamy filling over the crust.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes. Don’t worry if the top cracks slightly—it adds to the homemade charm. After baking, leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door ajar to cool gradually. This helps prevent cracks on the surface. Once cooled, refrigerate for several hours before serving.

HOW TO SERVE Traditional Käsekuchen

Käsekuchen is delicious on its own or dressed up with a few healthy toppings. Consider serving it with fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness without too many calories. For portion control, cut the cheesecake into smaller slices. This way, you can enjoy its creamy goodness while keeping your calorie intake in check.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Traditional Käsekuchen

Store any leftover Käsekuchen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Pair your Käsekuchen with a side of fresh fruit, like strawberries or blueberries, for added fiber and nutrients. These fruits not only enhance the flavor of the cheesecake but also provide a refreshing balance, making your dessert feel even more special!

VARIATIONS

Healthier Version: To make it healthier, you can use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream. This will lower the calorie count while increasing the protein content, making it a great fit for a healthy eating lifestyle.
High-Protein or Low-Carb Version: Consider using almond flour for the crust instead of all-purpose flour. This keeps the carb count down and adds healthy fats. Additionally, using cottage cheese instead of quark increases the protein content, making it a high protein meal.
Air Fryer Version: If you want a quicker option, you can use an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C) and follow the same assembly steps. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is golden. Always check for doneness with a toothpick!

FAQs

Can I make Käsekuchen gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a delightful gluten-free version.
How can I reduce sugar in the recipe?
You can use a sugar substitute or a lower-calorie sweetener like Stevia to reduce the sugar content and make it diabetic-friendly.
Can I freeze Käsekuchen?
Absolutely! It freezes well. Just ensure it is tightly wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
Is Käsekuchen a good option for weight loss?
Yes! When made with lower-sugar and lower-fat ingredients, it can be a suitable dessert in moderation, making it a great option for weight loss.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Traditional Käsekuchen

One of the best aspects of this Käsekuchen recipe is its suitability for meal prep. You can make it a day or two ahead of time, allowing its flavors to meld for a better taste. Just remember to wrap it well before placing it in the fridge, so it remains fresh. Since it holds up well, you can slice and pack individual portions that are perfect for various meals or snacks throughout the week—making it an easy, healthy dessert option whenever you’re craving something sweet!

Enjoy creating this delicious and versatile Traditional Käsekuchen, and feel free to make it your own with the variations provided. This delightful German cheesecake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also aligns with healthy eating habits and provides balanced nutrition. Happy baking!

Traditional Käsekuchen

A delightful German cheesecake featuring a creamy filling and buttery crust, perfect for any occasion and easier to make than you think.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 30

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: German

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Crust

1.75 cups 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
0.5 cups ½ cup sugar
0.5 cups ½ cup unsalted butter softened
1 piece 1 egg for crust

For the Filling

1.5 cups 1 ½ cups quark
1 cups 1 cup heavy cream
3 pieces 3 eggs for filling
0.75 cups ¾ cup sugar
2 tbsp 2 tbsp vanilla pudding powder
1 piece Zest of 1 lemon

Method

Preparation of the Crust

Combine the flour, ½ cup of sugar, and unsalted butter in a mixing bowl.
Add in 1 egg and mix until the dough forms.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes to firm up.

Preparation of the Filling

In another bowl, beat together the quark, heavy cream, 3 eggs, ¾ cup of sugar, vanilla pudding powder, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Assembling and Baking

Roll out the chilled dough and press it into a greased springform pan, covering the bottom and slightly up the sides.
Pour the creamy filling over the crust.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes.
Leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door ajar to cool gradually after baking.
Once cooled, refrigerate for several hours before serving.

Notes

Käsekuchen is delicious on its own or with fresh berries. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.