Step into the world of delightful Austrian desserts with this cozy and flavorful Mohn Topfen Kuchen recipe. This traditional cake combines the earthy richness of poppy seeds with the light tang of quark (Topfen in Austrian German) for a unique and utterly delicious treat that is sure to impress. Perfect for a special occasion or just a cozy evening at home, this cake will transport your taste buds to the charming cafes of Vienna.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup poppy seeds
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 large eggs, separated
– 1 cup quark (if unavailable, you can substitute with strained Greek yogurt)
– 1 lemon, zest and juice
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– Powdered sugar for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the poppy seeds and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat and cook for about 10 minutes until the poppy seeds have absorbed most of the milk. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the quark, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Gently fold in the poppy seed mixture.
7. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder.
8. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
9. In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
10. Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter until no white streaks remain.
11. Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
13. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing the sides of the pan.
14. Once completely cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Enjoy this Mohn Topfen Kuchen with a cup of coffee or tea, and savor the unique combination of flavors that make this Austrian dessert a true delight. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this cake will surely become a favorite in your repertoire of homemade treats. Indulge in a taste of Austria with this delicious and comforting recipe – your guests and loved ones will thank you for it!
