Red Currant Quark Slices

There’s something comforting about a slice of baked good, especially when it features creamy filling and a crumbly topping. Ribisel-Topfen-Schnitten, or red currant quark slices, marry the tanginess of fresh red currants with a luscious quark filling, all atop a delightful oat crumble. Perfect for afternoon tea or as a light dessert, these slices are simple to make and are sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of flavors and textures is not only satisfying but also inviting, making this a recipe you’re likely to want to revisit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The balance of tart red currants and creamy quark makes for a refreshing dessert.
Easy to prepare with minimal fuss, perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
This recipe uses accessible ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.
The oat crumble adds a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with the soft filling.
Great for meal prep; these slices can be enjoyed over several days!

Ingredients

1 ⅔ cups (160 g) oats
1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
7 tablespoons (100 g) cold butter, cubed
⅓ cup (70 g) granulated sugar (for the crust)
1 pinch of salt
2 cups (500 g) quark (or ricotta as a substitute)
2 large eggs
⅓ cup (80 g) granulated sugar (for the filling)
1 packet (about 1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar
3 tablespoons (25 g) cornstarch
1 ½ cups (250 g) fresh red currants, washed and de-stemmed

Ingredient Notes

Quark is a soft, creamy dairy product that’s similar to cream cheese or ricotta; if you can’t find it, ricotta can work as a substitution. The sweetness of the filling can be adjusted based on your preference and the tartness of the currants.

Kitchen Tools Needed

9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish or similar
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or whisk
Rubber spatula
Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal once baked.
In a bowl, mix the oats, flour, cold butter, ⅓ cup of the sugar, and a pinch of salt using your hands or a pastry cutter until crumbly.
Press about two-thirds of this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish and bake for 10 minutes until slightly set.
Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine the quark, eggs, ⅓ cup of sugar, vanilla sugar, and cornstarch. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Gently fold in the red currants, being careful not to crush them, then spread the quark mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the quark layer, covering it evenly.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and set.
Allow the slices to cool completely in the baking dish before lifting them out using the parchment overhang and cutting them into squares.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding lemon zest to the quark mixture.
If currants aren’t available, you can easily substitute them with blueberries or raspberries.
Let the slices cool completely; this ensures the filling firms up and holds its shape when cut.

Common Mistakes

Avoid over-mixing the quark filling, as it can become too airy and may not set correctly.
Ensure the butter for the crust is cold to achieve that delightful crumbly texture.
Don’t skip the cooling step before cutting; this will help maintain the structure of the slices.

Variations

Substitute the red currants with other berries such as blackberries or strawberries.
Add a layer of jam under the quark for a twist in flavor.
For added richness, you can mix some cream cheese into the quark filling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious slices chilled or at room temperature, optionally dusting them with powdered sugar for a lovely presentation. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should maintain their quality for about 3-4 days.

Reheating Tips

There’s no need to reheat these slices; they are delightful when served cold.

Nutrition Estimate

Approximately 220 calories per serving (1 square). Nutritional breakdown per serving: 6g protein, 34g carbohydrates, 7g fat.

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 9
Cuisine: Central European
Course: Dessert
Calories: 220

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen red currants?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

What can I use if I don’t have vanilla sugar?
You can use regular sugar and add a few drops of vanilla extract instead.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may be slightly different.

How can I make this recipe smaller?
You can easily halve the ingredients and use a smaller dish; just keep an eye on baking time.

The Ribisel-Topfen-Schnitten is a fantastic recipe that combines simplicity and satisfaction. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer, even if the berries are a bit tart! Enjoy every bite!