How to Bake an Eastern German Basic Cake

Baking an Eastern German basic cake, also known as "Ostdeutscher Eierschecke," is a delicious and simple process. Here's a recipe to get you started:

Ingredients: - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 eggs, separated - 2/3 cup milk - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1/2 tsp baking powder - Pinch of salt - 1/2 cup quark cheese - 1/4 cup sour cream - 1/4 cup powdered sugar - Lemon zest (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and set aside. 3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. 4. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. 5. Add egg yolks, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined. 6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until smooth. 7. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. 8. Gently fold the egg whites into the cake batter until fully incorporated. 9. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. 10. In a small mixing bowl, mix together quark cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and lemon zest (if using). 11. Spoon the quark mixture over the cake batter and spread it evenly, leaving a small border around the edge. 12. Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 13. Let the cake cool for a few minutes before removing it from the pan. 14. Serve the cake warm or chilled and enjoy!

This cake is perfect for any occasion and pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea. Give it a try and taste the delicious flavors of Eastern Germany!