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Strawberry Brownie Traybake with Quark Cream – Perfect Summer Dessert
🛒 Ingredients
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100 g dark chocolate
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100 g butter
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150 g sugar
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1 pinch of salt
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3 eggs
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100 g plain flour
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30 g cocoa powder
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250 g quark
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200 g soured cream
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200 ml double cream
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1 sachet vanilla sugar
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300 g fresh strawberries
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a few lemon balm leaves, to garnish
This recipe is also available in German.
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📌 Overview
Strawberry brownie traybake is a delightful fusion of rich German-style chocolate brownie and fresh quark cream topped with ripe strawberries. Popular in everyday German baking, especially in Bavaria and surrounding regions, this dessert offers a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness, making it a seasonal favourite for summer afternoons and casual celebrations.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Roughly chop the chocolate and melt it with the butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water, or in a bain-marie. Leave it to cool slightly.
- 2
Put the sugar, salt and eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk with a hand mixer until pale and fluffy. Stir in the melted chocolate and butter mixture.
- 3
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and cocoa powder, then sift them into the chocolate mixture. Fold in briefly and gently until you have a smooth, even batter.
- 4
Grease a baking tray and place an adjustable baking frame measuring 23 x 28 cm on top. Spread the brownie batter evenly inside and smooth the surface with a damp palette knife or spatula.
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Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C conventional on the middle shelf for about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and cut into pieces while still warm.
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For the topping, stir the quark and soured cream together in a bowl until smooth. Whip the double cream with the vanilla sugar until it holds soft peaks, then gently fold it into the quark mixture. Chill until ready to serve.
- 7
Wash, hull and finely slice the strawberries.
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Just before serving, spread the quark cream over the brownie and arrange the strawberry slices decoratively on top. Finish with fresh lemon balm leaves.
🧠 Why It Works
This traybake succeeds through the harmonious balance of its fudgy, deeply chocolatey base and the light, tangy quark cream topping. The dark chocolate and butter provide a rich, velvety texture, while the quark and soured cream introduce a refreshing acidity that cuts through the sweetness. The whipped double cream adds airy softness, complementing the dense brownie. The fresh strawberries bring natural juiciness and brightness, enhanced by lemon balm’s subtle herbal notes, creating a layered aromatic profile that respects traditional German dairy and baking techniques.
🛠️ Troubleshooting
Why is my brownie base too dry or crumbly?
Overbaking or inaccurate oven temperature can cause dryness. Ensure the oven is correctly preheated to 180°C and bake for about 30 minutes, checking for a moist but set centre.
How do I prevent the quark cream from separating?
Whip the double cream to soft peaks before folding gently into the quark and soured cream mixture. Avoid overmixing to maintain a smooth, stable topping.
What if the strawberries release too much juice and make the topping soggy?
Slice strawberries just before serving and arrange them carefully. Patting them dry with kitchen paper can reduce excess moisture and preserve the cream’s texture.
Can I prepare the quark cream in advance?
Yes, prepare and chill the quark cream up to a day ahead, but add the whipped cream last and fold gently just before chilling to keep the topping light and airy.
How to reheat the brownie if needed?
Reheating is not recommended as it may affect the cream topping. If necessary, warm individual brownie pieces without topping briefly in a low oven or microwave before adding fresh cream and strawberries.
💡 Tips and Variations
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For a richer finish, swap the soured cream for crème fraîche and add a small splash of espresso to the chocolate mixture to deepen the flavour.
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An adjustable baking frame is particularly handy here, as it helps you fit the cake neatly to your tray and gives a more even bake.
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The brownie layer is wonderfully sweet, rich and deeply chocolatey, which makes a lovely contrast to the fresh topping.
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This recipe is already vegetarian. For a vegan version, replace the eggs with apple purée or a flaxseed egg, and use plant-based alternatives in place of the cream and dairy.
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If you fancy a change, raspberries or blueberries work beautifully instead of strawberries.
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A little vanilla extract stirred into the chocolate mixture gives the whole bake a rounder, more balanced flavour.
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For a quick gluten-free and vegan adaptation, use gluten-free flour, replace the eggs with aquafaba or a vegan egg substitute, and swap the cream for coconut cream.
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The real charm of this cake lies in the balance between the fudgy brownie base and the cool, fresh cream topping.
📦 Storage
Keep the cake covered in the fridge and eat within 2 days so the strawberries stay fresh and the cream keeps its lovely texture.
🍷 Pairing
This strawberry brownie traybake finds an elegant companion in a light German Spätburgunder rosé, whose crisp acidity and subtle berry aromas enhance the chocolate’s richness and the strawberries’ freshness. A dry Mosel Riesling offers a vibrant minerality and balanced sweetness that harmonises beautifully with the quark cream’s tang and the dessert’s fruity notes. For an international touch, an Italian Lambrusco with its gentle sparkle and bright red berry profile complements the traybake’s layered textures and flavours, creating a refined yet approachable pairing that honours German culinary tradition.
❓ F.A.Q.
Can I make the strawberry brownie traybake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the brownie base a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Add the quark cream and fresh strawberries just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
How do I substitute quark if it’s unavailable?
If quark is not accessible, use a mixture of Greek yogurt and cream cheese as a close alternative to replicate the creamy tang and texture typical in German baking.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians and can it be made vegan?
The recipe is naturally vegetarian. For a vegan version, replace eggs with flaxseed or apple purée, and use plant-based cream and quark substitutes such as coconut cream and vegan quark alternatives.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store the traybake covered in the refrigerator and consume within two days to ensure the strawberries remain fresh and the cream topping retains its texture.
Can I use other berries instead of strawberries?
Absolutely, raspberries or blueberries are excellent seasonal alternatives that pair well with the chocolate and quark cream, offering a slightly different but equally fresh flavour profile.
🏛️ History and Tradition
The strawberry brownie traybake is a modern interpretation rooted in traditional German baking, where quark-based desserts have long been cherished. Quark, a staple dairy product in Germany, especially in Bavaria and Swabia, lends a distinctive creamy tang that contrasts with rich chocolate, reflecting the region’s love for balanced flavours. This dessert aligns with the German custom of afternoon Kaffee und Kuchen, often enjoyed during summer gatherings and festive occasions. Its combination of accessible ingredients and straightforward preparation reinforces its place in everyday German cuisine, showcasing the enduring appeal of quark in sweet baking.
If you’re after a pudding that feels both comforting and a little bit special, this strawberry brownie traybake is a splendid one to try. The combination of rich chocolate, soft cream and fresh strawberries is hard to resist, and it’s just the sort of bake that disappears quickly when shared around the table. Do give it a go at home and enjoy it with family or friends – it’s a lovely one to bring out for a relaxed weekend treat or a sunny gathering.
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