Käsekuchen (German Cheesecake)

Ingredients

• 250 grams All-purpose flour
• 125 grams Unsalted butter, chilled
• 200 grams Granulated sugar
• 4 large Eggs, separated
• 750 grams Quark (or Greek yogurt/Sour cream blend)
• 1 packet Vanilla pudding powder (custard powder)
• 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Baking powder
• 1 pinch Salt
• 200 ml Heavy cream

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine flour, baking powder, 75g sugar, one egg, and chilled butter to form a smooth shortcrust dough.

2. 2

   Press the dough into the bottom and 3cm up the sides of a greased 26cm springform pan, then chill for 30 minutes.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, whisk the remaining egg yolks with the rest of the sugar until pale and creamy.

4. 4

   Stir in the Quark, vanilla pudding powder, and lemon zest until the mixture is completely smooth.

5. 5

   In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.

6. 6

   Whip the heavy cream until stiff and gently fold both the cream and the egg whites into the Quark mixture.

7. 7

   Pour the filling onto the prepared base and bake at 175°C (350°F) for approximately 60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly.

8. 8

   Turn off the oven and leave the cake inside with the door slightly ajar for 15 minutes to prevent cracking.