Quarkstollen
A rich German fruit loaf filled with raisins, candied citrus, and warm spices, perfect for festive occasions or cozy teatimes with a buttery, sweet finish.
Ingredients
- 500 g raisins
- 100 ml rum ⓘ
- 500 g flour ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp baking powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract ⓘ
- pinch of salt ⓘ
- 4 drops almond extract ⓘ
- pinch ground cloves ⓘ
- 150 g diced candied lemon peel ⓘ
- 100 g diced candied orange peel
- pinch ground cardamom ⓘ
- pinch ground ginger ⓘ
- pinch ground nutmeg ⓘ
- pinch ground cinnamon ⓘ
- grated orange peel
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 175 g soft unsalted butter ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak raisins in rum in a jar overnight.
- Mix together flour, baking powder, vanilla, salt, almond extract, ground cloves, ground cardamom, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and grated orange peel.
- Add eggs and soft butter to the dry ingredients and knead with a mixer until combined.
- Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead by hand.
- Add the soaked raisins and work the dough until smooth and evenly incorporated.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place on a baking sheet lined with greaseproof paper.
- Bake at 160°C to 180°C for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Remove from oven, brush with melted butter, and dust with icing sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of citrus zest to the dough. If you don't have rum, you can substitute it with apple juice or orange juice. Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour while kneading. For a variation, you can incorporate nuts or other dried fruits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Quarkstollen plain or with a dusting of icing sugar. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider adding a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast. You can also enjoy it with a slice of cheese for a savory twist. For a festive touch, serve alongside Grandma Jean's Welsh Cakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Quarkstollen in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep it fresher longer, wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm slices in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quarkstollen contains roughly 393 calories, with 2g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1188mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Quarkstollen ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Quarkstollen a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight can enhance the flavors. Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container. If you want to serve it warm, you can reheat slices in the oven before serving.
What can I use instead of candied peel?
If you prefer not to use candied peel, you can substitute it with chopped dried fruits like apricots or figs. Alternatively, you can use a mix of fresh citrus zest for a more vibrant flavor without the sweetness of candied options.
Is it necessary to soak the raisins overnight?
Soaking the raisins in rum overnight helps to plump them up and infuse them with flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the Quarkstollen. If you're short on time, you can soak them for a few hours, but overnight is ideal for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).