Fruity Quark Casserole with Tangerines

Fruity Quark Casserole with Tangerines
This Fruity Quark Casserole with Tangerines is a light, airy, and delightfully refreshing baked dessert that blends the creamy tang of quark with the sweet citrus burst of mandarin oranges. Balanced with just the right touch of sugar, butter, and semolina for structure, this oven-baked casserole is perfect as a warm dessert, a brunch treat, or even a sweet main course for lovers of classic Central European cuisine. The lemon juice adds a subtle brightness, and the delicate dusting of powdered sugar over the golden top makes it look as heavenly as it tastes. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just want something soothing and sweet, this casserole is a celebration of fruit, dairy, and tradition—comfort food at its most elegant.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: German / Austrian-inspired

Ingredients

1 can (314 ml) mandarin oranges, drained

3 eggs (size M)

1 pinch of salt

50 g granulated sugar

50 g butter, softened

50 g powdered sugar (for batter)

1 tbsp powdered sugar (for garnish)

Juice of 1 lemon

500 g low-fat quark

75 g durum wheat semolina

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

Drain the Tangerines
Open the can of mandarin oranges, pour them into a sieve, and let them drain well. Set aside a few pieces for garnishing the top, if desired.

Separate the Eggs
Carefully separate the egg yolks from the whites. Place the whites in a clean mixing bowl with a pinch of salt and set aside.

Make the Quark Mixture
In another large bowl, beat together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Stir in the quark and mix until smooth. Fold in the semolina and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes so the semolina can swell slightly.

Beat the Egg Whites
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the egg whites with the pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten whites into the quark mixture using a spatula, keeping as much air as possible in the batter.

Add the Tangerines
Carefully fold in most of the mandarin oranges, saving a few for decoration if desired. Distribute them evenly without crushing them.

Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the fluffy quark mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top and optionally decorate with the reserved mandarin segments.

Bake the Casserole
Place the dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Garnish
Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar and serve warm or at room temperature.

Cheesecake with Quark and Crumble Crust
Cheesecake with Quark and Crumble Crust
Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 285

Protein: 13g

Carbohydrates: 28g

Fat: 13g

Sugar: 18g

Fiber: 1g

Sodium: 120mg

Origin and Popularity

Baked quark dishes have a long tradition in German and Austrian cuisine. Known for their creamy texture and balance between sweet and tangy flavors, quark casseroles are often made with fruit, grains like semolina or rice, and eggs for a custardy finish. Tangerines or mandarin oranges became popular additions thanks to their brightness and availability in canned form, making this dessert ideal for any season. With its soft texture and fruity profile, this casserole is beloved by both children and adults and remains a nostalgic dish for many across Europe.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

Light and Fruity: Perfectly balanced between creamy and citrusy.

Easy to Make: Requires just a few simple steps and basic ingredients.

Naturally Sweetened: Most of the sweetness comes from fruit and light sugars.

Wholesome Ingredients: Quark and semolina provide protein and structure.

Beautiful Presentation: Looks impressive with minimal effort.

Health Benefits

This fruity quark casserole isn’t just delicious—it also provides a range of nutritional benefits:

Quark: A great source of protein, calcium, and probiotics.

Eggs: High in protein and essential nutrients like choline and B12.

Semolina: Adds fiber and slow-digesting carbohydrates for energy.

Mandarins: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.

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Whiten Your Teeth Instantly with This 2-Minute Ginger and Salt Trick. Here’s How
Lemon Juice: Adds vitamin C and supports digestion.

It’s a sweet dish that won’t leave you feeling sluggish—a light and energizing dessert or meal.

Serving Suggestions

As a Dessert: Serve warm with a spoonful of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream.

For Breakfast or Brunch: Pair with a cup of tea or fresh orange juice.

With Fruit Compote: Top with berry compote or stewed apples for extra flair.

Dust with Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon on top gives it a cozy touch.

Cooking Tips

Use Fresh Quark: Low-fat quark works best for texture, but full-fat is richer if desired.

Let the Semolina Rest: Allowing the mixture to rest before baking helps it thicken.

Don’t Overbake: It should be just set in the middle and golden on top.

Cool Slightly Before Serving: This helps the flavors and texture settle.

Double the Recipe: Easily scale up for a crowd or prepare in advance.

Variations

With Berries: Replace tangerines with blueberries or raspberries.

Use Ricotta or Greek Yogurt: If quark is unavailable, ricotta or a mix of Greek yogurt and cream cheese can work.

Add Vanilla Pudding Powder: Some German-style casseroles include vanilla pudding mix for a smoother texture.

Make it Gluten-Free: Use cornmeal or rice semolina as an alternative.

Top with Almonds or Coconut: Add a crunchy texture to contrast the creamy base.

Conclusion

This Fruity Quark Casserole with Tangerines is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of European culinary tradition with a fresh, zesty twist. Whether you enjoy it as a light meal or serve it as a crowd-pleasing treat, it never fails to impress. With its gentle sweetness, bright citrus notes, and creamy quark base, it hits all the right notes for a comforting, wholesome bake. Easy to prepare, beautiful to present, and irresistible to eat, this is the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again—especially when you’re cooking with love.