Teresa's Recipes
Sächsische Eierschecke
Sächsische Eierschecke is a delightful traditional cake hailing from the picturesque region of Saxony, Germany. This indulgent dessert features a harmonious blend of three layers: a soft, yeast-based dough base, a creamy and tangy quark layer infused with zesty lemon and fragrant vanilla, and a rich, buttery custard on top that adds a golden finish. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making it a beloved treat for celebrations or a cozy afternoon tea. Originating in the 18th century, this cake reflects the heart of Saxon culinary culture, showcasing local ingredients and traditional baking techniques.
Ingredients
- 1 packet (7g) Active dry yeast
- 1 cup (250ml) Warm milk
- 1/2 cup, divided Granulated sugar
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup, softened Unsalted butter
- 4, divided Large eggs
- 2 cups Quark (or ricotta cheese as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
- 1/4 cup Milk (for custard layer)
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 12
- Dish Type: Dessert
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Sugar: 20g
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk along with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes until frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour with half of the remaining sugar. Add the yeast mixture, 1 egg, and softened butter. Mix until a smooth dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until elastic, then cover and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface and press it into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer.
- For the quark layer, in another bowl, combine the quark, 2 eggs, the remaining sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and spread this mixture evenly over the yeast dough.
- In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter and let it cool slightly. In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup milk until well combined. Pour this rich mixture over the quark layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.
Tips
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the quark mixture.
- Substituting quark can be done with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt, but the texture may vary slightly.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, and consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.