Soft cup batter, quark, and sweet plum jam make up a simple cake that requires just a few common ingredients. Thanks to the oil and milk, the base is moist, while the alternating layers of filling add a richer flavor and a nice appearance.
This recipe can be made without weighing, as the flour, sugar, milk, and oil are all measured with the same cup. Simply beat the eggs with sugar, add the other ingredients, and top the batter with quark and plum jam. Baking time ranges from 30 to 40 minutes depending on the thickness of the batter in your baking dish.
What You’ll Need
For the batter:
- 2 eggs,
- 1 cup sugar,
- 1 cup milk,
- 1/2 cup oil,
- 1 packet baking powder,
- 2 cups plain flour.
For the quark and plum jam layer:
- quark,
- plum jam.
The original recipe does not specify the volume of the cup used or the exact amount of quark and plum jam, so adjust according to the size of your baking dish and the amount of filling you prefer. Always use the same cup for all cup-measured ingredients.
Step-by-Step Preparation:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Gather the eggs, sugar, milk, oil, baking powder, and plain flour. Measure the flour, sugar, milk, and oil with the same cup to keep the proportions correct.
2. Beat the eggs: Place the eggs in a bowl, add one cup of sugar, and beat together. Mix until both ingredients are well combined and form a smooth base for the batter.
3. Add the liquids: Pour in one cup of milk and half a cup of oil to the beaten eggs and sugar. Mix well so the oil is evenly incorporated into the liquid base.
4. Finish the batter: Add two cups of plain flour and one packet of baking powder. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth batter with no dry spots. You do not need to use a scale—just stick to the cup proportions.
5. Pour into the baking dish: Pour the finished batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. The thickness of the layer will depend on the size of your dish and will also affect the final baking time.
6. Add the filling: Alternate spoonfuls of quark and plum jam over the surface of the batter. Distribute both fillings gradually across the whole area so each piece will have both the creamy quark and the sweet jam flavor.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake the cake for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the thickness of the batter. The original recipe does not specify the exact baking temperature, so set it based on your experience with your oven and keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.
8. Finish: Remove the baked cake from the oven and let it cool before cutting, so it can be sliced comfortably. The pieces will hold their shape better and the quark and jam will stay in place.
How to Choose the Right Baking Dish Size
The original recipe does not specify the size of the baking dish. Keep in mind that a smaller dish will yield a taller cake, which will need to bake closer to the upper end of the suggested time. In a larger dish, the batter layer will be thinner and may be done sooner.
When choosing your dish, also leave enough space above the batter, as the recipe uses a whole packet of baking powder. Always adjust the baking time to the actual thickness of your cake, as the original recipe suggests.
How to Work with Quark and Plum Jam
The amount of both fillings is not strictly set, so you can adjust it to the size of your baking dish and your own taste. Apply the quark and plum jam in alternating spoonfuls, not as a single continuous layer. This way, a simple pattern will remain visible on the surface and the flavors will alternate nicely when you cut the cake.
Final Tip
Use one specific cup to measure all the cup-based ingredients in the recipe. The exact volume of the cup is not as important as keeping the ratio of one cup sugar, one cup milk, half a cup oil, and two cups flour.
