Ingredients with Measurements:
For the crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
For the filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the caramel sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Candy thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and chilled butter. Mix with an electric mixer until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the egg and milk to the mixture and mix until a dough forms.
4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until well combined.
7. Pour the filling over the baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set.
8. While the Eierschecke is baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
9. Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Cook until the mixture turns a deep amber color and reaches 350°F (180°C) on a candy thermometer.
10. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully add the heavy cream and butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth.
11. Once the Eierschecke is done baking, let it cool for 10-15 minutes before removing it from the pan.
12. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the Eierschecke and let it cool completely before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 350°F (180°C)
Caramel temperature: 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
8-10 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use graham cracker crumbs instead of flour for the crust.
- You can use light cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese.
- You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Variations:
- Add sliced apples or berries to the filling for a fruity twist.
- Use a chocolate cookie crust instead of a plain crust.
- Top with whipped cream or chopped nuts for added texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter for the crust is chilled to ensure a flaky crust.
- Let the Eierschecke cool completely before adding the caramel sauce to prevent it from melting.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the caramel sauce reaches the correct temperature.
Storage instructions:
Store the Eierschecke in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Eierschecke on a cake stand or platter and drizzle the caramel sauce over the top.
Garnishes:
Top with whipped cream, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit.
Pairings:
Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit or a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is too crumbly, add a little more milk to the dough.
- If the filling is not setting, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- If the caramel sauce is too thick, add a little more heavy cream.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the caramel sauce to the correct temperature to prevent burns.
Food history:
Eierschecke is a traditional German dessert that originated in the Saxony region. It is typically made with a quark-based filling and a shortcrust pastry crust.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy from the cream cheese filling. The caramel sauce adds a rich and buttery flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a dessert or as a sweet brunch item.
Related Categories
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Region: German
Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Caramelized, Rich, Buttery