Name: Käsekuchen mit Mandarinen: Das einfache Rezept für zu Hause
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 355 min
Yield: 10-12 servings
Ingredients: 250g all-purpose flour; 125g cold unsalted butter, cubed; 75g granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 pinch of salt; 750g quark (German curd cheese, about 20% fat); 150g granulated sugar; 1 packet (8g) vanilla sugar; 4 large eggs; 50g cornstarch; 1 lemon, zest and juice; 1 can (314g drained weight) mandarin oranges, drained well; 2 tablespoons apricot jam; 1 tablespoon water

Käsekuchen mit Mandarinen, or Mandarin Cheesecake, is a dessert that's as delightful to make as it is to devour. Imagine sinking your fork into a creamy, smooth cheesecake, perfectly balanced with the bright, tangy sweetness of juicy mandarin oranges. It's a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more!

Käsekuchen, in general, holds a special place in German baking tradition. While its exact origins are debated, variations of cheesecake have been enjoyed in Europe for centuries. This particular version, Käsekuchen mit Mandarinen, likely gained popularity in the mid-20th century, as canned mandarins became more readily available, offering a convenient and delicious way to add a fruity twist to the classic dessert. It's a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary.

What makes this Mandarin Cheesecake so beloved? It's the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The rich, velvety cheesecake filling contrasts beautifully with the soft, juicy mandarins. The slight tanginess of the cheese cuts through the sweetness, preventing it from being overly cloying. Plus, it's relatively easy to make, making it a fantastic option for both experienced bakers and those just starting out. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion or a comforting treat to enjoy on a cozy afternoon, this Käsekuchen is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

250g all-purpose flour
125g cold unsalted butter, cubed
75g granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 pinch of salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

750g quark (German curd cheese, about 20% fat) - Important: Use quark, not cream cheese, for the authentic texture!
150g granulated sugar
1 packet (8g) vanilla sugar
4 large eggs
50g cornstarch
1 lemon, zest and juice
1 can (314g drained weight) mandarin oranges, drained well

Optional Glaze:

2 tablespoons apricot jam
1 tablespoon water

Preparing the Crust:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overwork the butter! You want small pieces of butter remaining for a flaky crust.
In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg.
Add the egg to the flour and butter mixture. Mix until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust.
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and makes the dough easier to roll out.
After chilling, lightly flour a clean work surface. Roll out the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch springform pan. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
Trim any excess dough from the edges of the pan. You can use a rolling pin to roll over the edge of the pan to create a clean cut.
Prick the bottom of the crust several times with a fork. This prevents the crust from puffing up during baking.
Pre-bake the crust in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. This helps prevent a soggy bottom.
Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Preparing the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large bowl, combine the quark, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure the quark is at room temperature for easier mixing.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can incorporate too much air into the batter, which can cause the cheesecake to crack.
Add the cornstarch and lemon zest and juice. Mix until just combined. The cornstarch helps to stabilize the cheesecake and prevent it from cracking. The lemon zest and juice add a bright, citrusy flavor.
Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges. Distribute them evenly throughout the filling.

Assembling and Baking the Cheesecake:

Pour the cheesecake filling into the pre-baked crust. Spread it evenly.
Bake the cheesecake in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for 60-75 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
To prevent cracking, you can bake the cheesecake in a water bath. To do this, wrap the bottom of the springform pan tightly in aluminum foil. Place the pan in a larger baking pan and add hot water to the larger pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
After baking, turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracking.
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
Once cooled, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cheesecake to set completely and develop its flavor.

Optional Glaze:

In a small saucepan, combine the apricot jam and water.
Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the jam is melted and smooth.
Strain the glaze through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
Brush the glaze over the top of the cheesecake. This adds a beautiful shine and enhances the flavor.

Serving:

Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
Slice and serve. Enjoy! This Käsekuchen mit Mandarinen is best served chilled. It's perfect for dessert, afternoon tea, or any special occasion.

Tips for Success:

Use high-quality quark: The quality of the quark will greatly affect the taste and texture of the cheesecake. Look for quark that is smooth, creamy, and has a slightly tangy flavor.
Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough cheesecake. Mix until just combined.
Bake at a low temperature: Baking at a low temperature helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking.
Cool the cheesecake gradually: Cooling the cheesecake gradually helps prevent cracking.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours: Refrigerating the cheesecake allows it to set completely and develop its flavor.
Experiment with flavors: You can add other flavors to the cheesecake, such as vanilla extract, almond extract, or citrus zest.
Add a topping: You can top the cheesecake with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings.

Variations:

Chocolate Käsekuchen: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolate version.
Lemon Käsekuchen: Increase the amount of lemon zest and juice for a more pronounced lemon flavor.
Berry Käsekuchen: Add fresh or frozen berries to the filling.
Nutella Käsekuchen: Swirl Nutella into the filling before baking.

This recipe is a classic for a reason. The combination of the creamy quark filling, the sweet mandarin oranges, and the buttery crust is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious Käsekuchen mit Mandarinen!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Käsekuchen mit Mandarinen recipe is more than just a dessert; it's a slice of pure comfort and joy. The creamy, dreamy cheesecake filling, perfectly balanced with the bright, tangy sweetness of the mandarins, creates a symphony of flavors that will dance on your palate. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who appreciates a good cheesecake, and especially for those looking for a delightful twist on a classic. Why is it a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it's surprisingly simple to make. The ingredients are readily available, and the steps are straightforward, even for beginner bakers. Plus, the presentation is stunning! The vibrant mandarins nestled atop the golden cheesecake make it a showstopper that's perfect for any occasion, from a casual family gathering to a more formal dinner party. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I can almost guarantee you'll be asked for the recipe! But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! While I'm partial to the classic mandarin combination, feel free to experiment with other fruits. Think juicy peaches, sweet berries, or even a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an extra decadent touch. You could also add a hint of lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake filling for an extra layer of citrusy goodness. For a slightly different texture, try using a graham cracker crust instead of the traditional shortbread. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Serve chilled, straight from the refrigerator, for the best flavor and texture. * A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a delightful accompaniment. * Dust the top with a light coating of powdered sugar for an elegant finish. * For a festive touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or candied orange peel. * If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of chocolate ganache under the mandarins. I've poured my heart and soul into perfecting this Käsekuchen mit Mandarinen recipe, and I'm so excited for you to try it. I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do. It's a recipe that's been passed down through my family, and it always brings back fond memories. I hope it creates some special memories for you and your loved ones too. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake! I promise you won't regret it. This cheesecake is a little slice of heaven, and I can't wait for you to experience it for yourself. And most importantly, I'd love to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Please share your photos and comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to improve and share delicious recipes with the world. Happy baking! I am sure you will love this Käsekuchen mit Mandarinen as much as I do.