Classic German Cheesecake Recipe : Baked Käsekuchen

Discover the deliciousness of a Classic German Cheesecake, a delightful Käsekuchen with a rich cottage cheese layer and a buttery base. This classic German cake is perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy family dinners. Follow this easy-to-make classic german cheesecake recipe that is not only delicious but also visually stunning with a mixed berry sauce and fresh fruit garnish.

Why You Will Love This Classic German Cheesecake

• Rich and Creamy: The smooth cottage cheese combined with thick sour cream creates a luscious texture that melts in your mouth.
• Buttery Base: A perfect balance of sweetness and crunch from the buttery base adds a delightful contrast to the creamy topping.
• Versatile: Decorate it with a mixed berry sauce or enjoy it plain with a dusting of icing sugar. Either way, it’s bound to impress.

Homemade Vanilla Sugar: A Flavourful Substitute

This cheesecake recipe calls for Dr. Oetker Vanilla Sugar. If you don’t have it on hand, don’t worry! You can easily make your own with the following recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g / 7.05 oz) Sugar
• 1 Vanilla Pod

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vanilla Pod : Slice open the vanilla pod lengthwise to expose the seeds.
2. Combine with Sugar : Place the vanilla pod in a glass mason jar and add the sugar.
3. Infuse : Seal the jar and leave it in a cool, dark cupboard for at least 2 weeks before using. The longer it sits, the more aromatic and flavourful it becomes.

Usage : Replace 2 teaspoons of homemade vanilla sugar for 1 pouch of Dr Oetker Vanilla Sugar.

Tip : You can keep refilling the jar with sugar, as the vanilla beans remain potent for a long time.

This baked cheesecake is a showstopper, with its rich creaminess and deliciously sweet and tangy berry topping. Whether served plain or adorned with fruit, it’s a dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Baked Cheesecake (Käsekuchen) Recipe

A classic Käsekuchen with a rich cottage cheese layer and buttery base.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine German

Ingredients

  

For the Base

• 250 g / 2 cups / 8.8 oz Flour
• 150 g / 3/4 cup / 5.3 oz Sugar
• 1 packet Dr Oekter Vanilla Sugar If Dr. Oetker Vanilla Sugar is unavailable, you can substitute it with homemade vanilla sugar.
• 1 Large Egg
• 125 g / 1/2 cup / 4.4 oz Butter, cold, cubed

For the Cream Cheese Layer

• 5 Large Eggs
• 200 g / 1 cup / 7 oz Sugar
• 5 tbsp / 1.6 oz Flour
• 500 ml / 2 cups / 16.9 oz Thick Sour Cream
• 500 g / 2 cups / 17.6 oz Smooth Cream Cheese
• Juice of 1 Lemon

Optional Mixed Berry Sauce

• 2 cups Frozen Mixed Berries
• 2 tbsp Sugar
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 2 tbsp Cold Water

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Prepare a 24cm Springform Pan

• Spray with non-stick spray and line with baking paper.

Make the Base

• On a countertop, mix the flour, sugar, and vanilla sugar.
• Create a well in the centre, add the egg, and mix with the dry ingredients.
  
• Add the cold butter cubes into the well and mix until combined.
  
• Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms.
• Press the dough into a flat circle to fit the springform pan, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly.
  

Prepare the Cottage Cheese Layer

• Separate the eggs.
  
• In a large bowl, mix the egg yolks, sugar, cream cheese, and sour cream until smooth.
  
• Add the flour and lemon juice, using a whisk to remove any lumps.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until firm peaks form.
• Gently fold the egg whites into the egg yolk mixture.
  

Assemble and Bake

• Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the prepared base.
  
• Bake for 1 hour or until a cake tester inserted in the centre comes out clean.
• Allow the cheesecake to cool.
• To transfer your cheesecake onto a serving dish, use a cake lifter similar to the one pictured below. This tool is essential because you need to remove the baking paper and cannot turn the cheesecake upside down.
  

Optional Mixed Berry Sauce

• In a saucepan, heat the sugar and frozen berries.
• In a cup, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
• Add the cornstarch mixture to the berry saucepan, bring to a boil, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, mashing the berries with a potato masher.
• Allow the sauce to cool completely before spreading it over the cooled cheesecake.
  
• Decorate with fresh strawberries and blueberries.
  

Notes

It’s normal for the top of the cheesecake to crack; this adds to its rustic charm.

Note : You can only bake cheesecake in springform tins as it cannot be turned upside down. 

 

 

Variation of the Classic German Cheesecake Recipe : Chocolate Lover’s Cheesecake

Indulge your sweet tooth with a decadent twist on the classic baked cheesecake. This variation features a rich chocolate sauce drizzled over the creamy cheesecake and is adorned with elegant chocolate decorations. Perfect for chocoholics, this cake combines the smoothness of cream cheese with the deep, luxurious flavour of chocolate, making it an irresistible treat for any special occasion.

I Would Love to Hear From You

Have you tried this Classic German Cheesecake recipe? Share your experience and any variations you’ve made. I’d love to hear your feedback and see your beautiful creations! Leave a comment below or tag me on social media.