Quark Pfannkuchen German Quark Pancakes Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it transforms a few simple ingredients into a stack of fluffy, indulgent pancakes that feel like a warm hug on a lazy Sunday morning. Plus, the versatility of toppings means I can get creative with flavors, making every pancake adventure uniquely delicious! 🥞💖

I love preparing Quark Pfannkuchen, the German equivalent of pancakes! They are a delightful blend of 200g of quark and 100g of all-purpose flour, a perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates.

With 2 large eggs and 100ml of milk, they have a luscious texture bordering on custard. A hint of vanilla extract and sugar adds a nice sweetness.

Ingredients

Quark:
Rich in protein, provides pancakes with a deep creaminess.

All-purpose Flour:
Delivers structure and carbs.

Eggs:
Imparts moisture, binding, and protein.

Milk:
Adds to the richness and wetness of the batter.

Sugar:
Contributes sweetness and assists in achieving a browned appearance.

Vanilla Extract:
Improves taste with a sugary scent.

Baking Powder:
Makes sure the pancakes are fluffy and rise well.

Ingredient Quantities

• 200g quark
• 100g all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 100ml milk
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Butter or oil for frying
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, fresh fruits, maple syrup

Instructions

1. Using a big mixing bowl, blend together the quark, eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until you reach a smooth consistency.

2. In a bowl set apart, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix well.

3. In a slow and deliberate manner, introduce the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, using a gentle stir to fold the two together until you have a batter that is thick and smooth with no lumps.

4. Allow the batter to rest for approximately 5 minutes so that the flour can completely hydrate.

5. Preheat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and put in a small quantity of butter or oil.

6. When the pan is hot, use a ladle to pour batter into the pan for each pancake.

7. Prepare the pancakes for approximately 2-3 minutes on one side, or until bubbles emerge on the surface and the edges are firm.

8. Cook the pancakes for an additional 2 minutes, or until golden brown on both sides.

9. Using the remaining batter, repeat the process, adding more butter or oil to the pan as necessary.

10. Pancakes should be served either warm or hot. They are delicious with the following optional toppings:

– Powdered sugar
– Fresh fruit
– Maple syrup

Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Additional bowl
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Whisk or spoon
5. Non-stick frying pan
6. Ladle
7. Spatula
8. Stove or cooktop

FAQ

• What is quark and can I substitute it?Quark is a kind of fresh dairy product that is comparable to yogurt or cottage cheese. If quark is unavailable, use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese in its place; they provide an equally textured and flavored substitute.
• Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?Correct. You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour in the pancakes, and they will still turn out light and fluffy. Use the same amount of gluten-free flour as you would regular flour, and don’t forget to add the necessary leavening agents.
• Can I prepare the batter in advance?For optimal results, use the batter right after mixing, but if necessary, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours. Stir well before cooking.
• How should I cook the pancakes for the best texture?Prepare the pancakes on a medium fire and ensure that the cooking fat—be it butter or oil—is hot before adding the pancake batter. This is key for getting the pancakes to crisp up on the outside while maintaining a fluffy interior.
• Are these pancakes sweet or savory?The sweetness of the pancakes makes them suitable for sweet toppings. The reason for the sweetness is the sugar and vanilla extract, which together give the pancakes their necessary flavor. If you want a not-so-sweet pancake, just adjust the sugar to your liking.
• What toppings go well with Quark Pfannkuchen?Common toppings are powdered sugar, fresh fruits, and a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness.
• Can these pancakes be made dairy-free?To prepare pancakes that are free from dairy, replace the quark with a yogurt alternative that is also free from dairy, and use a plant-based milk such as almond or soy milk in place of the regular milk called for in the recipe.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use equal amounts of Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese as substitutes for quark.
Use whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier or gluten-free option, respectively, in place of all-purpose flour.
Sweetener: For a natural sweetener, substitute honey or maple syrup to taste.
Milk: Substitute almond milk or oat milk in place of a dairy option.
Vanilla extract: Substitute with almond extract or a few pinches of cinnamon for a different flavor profile.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Fluffiness Separate the egg yolks and whites. Beat the egg whites to soft peaks and fold them into the batter at the end. This will make your pancakes extra light and fluffy.

2. Rest the Batter Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes instead of just 5. This will allow the flour to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a more consistent texture and better flavor.

3. Control the Heat Maintain a medium-low heat throughout cooking to ensure the pancakes cook evenly without burning. Adjust the heat between batches as necessary to maintain a consistent cooking temperature.

4. Add Zest For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter. It pairs wonderfully with the vanilla and quark.

5. Topping Preparation Warm your maple syrup slightly before serving and keep your fruit toppings ready to go. This way, you can serve your pancakes immediately with warm and fresh toppings for the best experience.