German Quark and Peach Dessert (Quark mit Pfirsichen) Recipe
Quark mit Pfirsichen is a light dessert made from quark and peaches, which in Germany is often served after lunch instead of heavy cakes. It is creamy, fruity and pleasantly refreshing. The taste is a bit like a mix of sweet quark cream and fruit salad, but with a more pronounced quark character.
This dessert shows a classic German way of using quark in everyday cooking: as a light, refreshing alternative to heavy cakes. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients and can be adapted to different fruits and levels of sweetness.
Chef's tips
Use good-quality quark with a natural, slightly tangy flavour – it makes a big difference. If your quark is very grainy, blend it briefly with the yogurt for an extra-smooth texture. Adjust the sweetness gradually, especially if your peaches are already very sweet from the syrup.
How to serve
Serve after a light lunch or as an afternoon treat with coffee or tea. For a more festive look, layer the quark and peaches in tall glasses like a parfait and finish with toasted nuts and a small mint sprig.
Ingredients
- semi-fat quark smooth or well mashed - 400 g
- plain yogurt thick - 150 g
- canned peaches about 400 g of fruit after draining - 1 can
- sugar or honey, to taste - 2 tablespoons
- vanillin sugar - 1 packet
- lemon juice freshly squeezed - 1 tablespoon
- flaked almonds toasted, for sprinkling, optional - 2 tablespoons
- mint leaves a few for decoration, optional
Preparation
- Drain the peaches from the syrup in a sieve, set a few wedges aside for decoration and cut the rest into small cubes.
- Transfer the quark to a bowl and mash thoroughly with a fork or briefly blend until smooth. Add the yogurt, sugar, vanillin sugar and lemon juice, and mix into a uniform, creamy mass.
- Add the chopped peaches to the quark mixture and gently fold in with a spoon so the fruit is evenly distributed.
- Spoon the dessert into small bowls or glasses. Arrange the reserved peach wedges on top.
- If using, sprinkle the top with almonds toasted in a dry pan and decorate with mint leaves.
- Chill the dessert in the fridge for at least 20 minutes so it cools and sets slightly, then serve.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the fridge and eat within 1–2 days. Stir gently before serving, as some liquid from the fruit may separate.
