Dresdner Eierschecke
A traditional Saxon layered cake from Dresden, featuring three distinct layers: a yeast dough base, a creamy quark filling, and a rich egg custard topping.
🧂 Ingredients
- 300 g Yeast dough base(Use a standard sweet yeast dough recipe, or a good quality store-bought dough.)
- 500 g Quark(Full-fat quark is recommended for the best texture. If unavailable, a mixture of strained full-fat yogurt and cream cheese can be substituted.)
- 6 Eggs(Separated into yolks and whites.)
- 150 g Butter(Unsalted, softened.)
- 200 g Granulated Sugar(Divided: 100g for the quark layer, 100g for the egg custard layer.)
- 2 packets Vanilla Sugar(Or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Use 1 packet/1 tsp for the quark layer and 1 packet/1 tsp for the egg custard layer.)
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch(For thickening the quark layer.)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest(Optional, for the quark layer.)
- 1 pinch Salt(For the egg whites.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the yeast dough base: If making from scratch, prepare your favorite sweet yeast dough recipe. Let it rise according to the recipe. Once risen, press or roll the dough evenly into a greased and floured 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) springform pan or baking dish. Prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent puffing. Bake the base at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while preparing the filling.
⏱️ 30 minutes (includes rising if from scratch) - 2
Prepare the quark layer: In a large bowl, combine the quark, 100g of the granulated sugar, 1 packet (or 1 tsp) of vanilla sugar, cornstarch, softened butter, and optional lemon zest. Mix until smooth and well combined. If using a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Prepare the egg custard layer: Separate the eggs. In a clean bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining 100g of granulated sugar and the remaining 1 packet (or 1 tsp) of vanilla sugar until pale and creamy. In a separate, very clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the egg yolk mixture until just combined, being careful not to deflate the whites.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Assemble and bake the cake: Spread the quark mixture evenly over the partially baked yeast dough base in the pan. Gently spoon or pour the egg custard mixture over the quark layer, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 35-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown. The center should be firm but may have a slight wobble. Avoid overbaking, which can cause the custard to crack.
⏱️ 50-60 minutes - 5
Cool and serve: Let the Dresdner Eierschecke cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for the layers to set properly. Once cooled, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan (if used). Slice and serve. It can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled.
⏱️ 1 hour (cooling time)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure all ingredients for the quark and egg layers are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- ✓The three distinct layers are key to an authentic Eierschecke: a firm base, a creamy middle, and a light, airy top.
- ✓Allowing the cake to cool completely in the pan is essential for it to set properly and prevent the layers from collapsing.
- ✓This cake is a beloved specialty from Dresden and the Saxony region of Germany.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of raisins to the quark layer for added texture and flavor.
- Incorporate fresh or preserved fruits (like cherries or plums) between the quark and custard layers.
- A thin layer of poppy seed filling can be added on top of the yeast dough base before the quark layer.