Description
Mandarin Quark Slices are a light and refreshing German-style dessert made with a soft sponge cake and a creamy quark filling studded with juicy mandarins. This cake is airy, gently sweet, and perfectly balanced with citrus freshness, making it ideal for gatherings, afternoon coffee, or warm-weather desserts.
Introduction
This classic bake is especially popular in European kitchens thanks to its simplicity and elegant flavor. The sponge cake provides a tender base, while the quark filling delivers a smooth, creamy texture with bright mandarin notes. It is easy to prepare, not overly sweet, and always looks beautiful when sliced.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Light and refreshing, not heavy
Perfect balance of creamy and fruity
Ideal make-ahead dessert
Simple ingredients with elegant results
Great for slicing and serving to guests
Ingredients
For the Sponge Cake
3 eggs
3 tablespoons hot water
150 g sugar
1 packet vanilla sugar
100 g all-purpose flour
1 level teaspoon baking powder
50 g cornstarch
For the Filling
2 cans mandarins, 175 g drained weight each
100 ml mandarin juice from the can
6 sheets white gelatin
500 g quark
150 g sugar
1 packet vanilla sugar
1 untreated lemon, zest plus 2 tablespoons juice
200 ml cold whipping cream
Instructions
Prepare the Sponge Cake
Preheat the oven to 200°C top and bottom heat or 180°C fan.
Beat the eggs with the hot water for about 1 minute until pale and frothy.
Mix the sugar and vanilla sugar, then gradually add to the egg mixture while beating for another 2 minutes until thick and creamy.
Combine flour, baking powder, and cornstarch, then gently fold into the batter using a spatula.
Spread the batter evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or pour into a prepared springform pan.
Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden and set.
Remove from the oven and allow the sponge to cool completely.
If baked as a sheet cake, cut the sponge vertically into two equal halves.
If baked in a springform pan, slice the sponge horizontally into two layers.
Prepare the Filling
Drain the mandarins, reserving the juice, and measure out 100 ml.
Soak the gelatin sheets according to the package instructions.
In a large bowl, mix the quark with sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
Heat the measured mandarin juice gently, squeeze excess water from the gelatin, and dissolve it completely in the warm juice.
Stir four tablespoons of the quark mixture into the gelatin mixture first, then immediately stir everything back into the main quark mixture.
Whip the cold cream until stiff.
Once the quark mixture begins to thicken, gently fold in the whipped cream followed by the mandarins.
Assemble the Cake
Spread the quark filling evenly over one sponge layer.
Place the second sponge layer gently on top and press lightly.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours until fully set.
Variations
Use peaches or pineapple instead of mandarins
Add a thin layer of mandarin jam on the sponge for extra fruit flavor
Replace lemon zest with orange zest for a sweeter citrus note
Serve as individual slices in dessert rings
Tips for the Best Results
Make sure the cream is very cold before whipping
Temper the gelatin properly to avoid lumps
Do not overmix once the cream is added
Chill long enough for clean, sharp slices
Storage Tips
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Do not freeze, as the quark and gelatin texture may change
Serving Suggestions
Dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving
Garnish with fresh mint or extra mandarin segments
Serve with coffee or light tea
FAQs
Can I substitute quark
Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt or a quark-style cheese works well
Can I make this a day ahead
Yes, this cake sets beautifully overnight
Can I use gelatin powder instead of sheets
Yes, substitute according to package instructions
Conclusion
Mandarin Quark Slices are a timeless dessert that combines light sponge cake with a creamy, citrus-infused filling. Elegant yet easy, this recipe is perfect for anyone who loves fresh, balanced desserts that are not too sweet. Once you try it, it is sure to become a favorite in your baking collection.