Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic German Cheesecake, or Käsekuchen, is a light, creamy dessert made with quark—a tangy, soft cheese that sets it apart from American-style cheesecakes. With a delicate crust and a fluffy, custard-like filling, this cake is not overly sweet, making it a refined and beloved treat perfect for holidays, coffee breaks, or special occasions.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:
all-purpose floursugarunsalted buttereggvanilla extractbaking powdersalt

For the filling:
quark (or substitute with well-drained Greek yogurt or a mix of ricotta and sour cream)eggsugarcornstarch or vanilla pudding powderlemon juice and zestvanilla extractmilk or heavy cream

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.

For the crust, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

Cut in butter until crumbly, then add egg and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Press dough into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan. Chill while preparing the filling.

For the filling, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add quark, lemon juice and zest, vanilla, cornstarch, and milk or cream. Mix until smooth.

Pour filling over the crust and smooth the top.

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is just set.

Cool completely in the pan, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 10–12 slices.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 55 minutes
Cooling and chilling time: 4–6 hours
Total time: 5½–6½ hours

Variations

Add raisins or chopped fruit into the filling.
Use almond extract for a nutty twist.
Top with fresh berries or fruit compote.
Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top before serving.
Use a biscuit or shortbread crust instead of pastry.

storage/reheating

Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.
Freeze individual slices tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator—do not reheat.

FAQs

What is quark and where can I find it?
Quark is a fresh, soft cheese common in European baking—look in specialty or European markets.

What can I use if I don’t have quark?
A blend of Greek yogurt and ricotta, or Greek yogurt and sour cream, is a good substitute.

Why is my cheesecake cracking?
It may be slightly overbaked or cooled too quickly—let it cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.

Is German cheesecake sweeter or more tart?
It’s mildly sweet with a gentle tang from the quark and lemon.

Do I have to chill it overnight?
Yes, chilling helps the cheesecake set fully and develop flavor.

Conclusion

Authentic German Cheesecake offers a lighter, tangier alternative to dense American versions, delivering a creamy, refined dessert with old-world charm. Whether you serve it plain or with fresh toppings, this Käsekuchen is sure to impress with its subtle sweetness and delicate texture.