Name: Simple apricot cake with quark: tender, fresh and ideal for summer
Prep time: 105 min
Cook time: 105 min
Total time: 105 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: 1 egg; 70 g sugar; a pinch of salt; 100 g softened butter; 200 g all-purpose flour; 2 eggs; 100 g sugar; 500 g quark (ideally smooth, can also be cream cheese); 100 ml milk; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 40 g corn starch; apricots, canned or fresh (quantity as needed); 1 tablespoon corn starch to dust the fruit (only if very juicy); sliced almonds (optional)

Preparation procedure

Base – dough: Beat the egg with the sugar and a pinch of salt. Add the softened butter and flour, quickly work into a smooth dough. Wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.
Preparing the pan: Lightly dust a round pan Ø 24 cm with flour (or line with baking paper). Roll out the dough, place it in the pan and pull slightly up the sides.
Filling: Whisk the eggs with the sugar until foamy. Stir in the quark, milk, lemon juice and corn starch – the cream must be smooth.
Fruit: Drain and dry canned apricots well. For fresh ones simply halve/slice. If the fruit is very juicy, lightly dust it with corn starch.
Assembly: Pour the quark filling over the dough, arrange the apricots on top with the cut side up. You can sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Baking: Bake in a preheated oven at 160 °C (top/bottom heat) for approximately 50–60 minutes, until the center sets and the edges turn lightly golden. Let cool completely, then slice.

Number of servings: 10

Total preparation time: 1 hr 45 min (15 min dough prep + 30 min chilling + 10 min assembly + 50–60 min baking)

Tips for a perfect result

Fresh apricots hold their shape and the cake is less soggy; canned will be more intensely fruity.
For a stronger aroma add grated lemon zest to the filling.
Serve the cake well chilled – the cream will set nicely and the slices will be clean.

Conclusion

The apricot cake with quark is a summer staple that scores for its simplicity and taste. The tender pastry, creamy filling and juicy fruit form a combination that never gets old. Make it ahead, let it cool and serve as a light dessert with coffee or tea.