Authentic German Cherry Cheesecake – A traditional German cake made with sour cherries and creamy sour cream. Try this simple and delicious German baking recipe!
INGREDIENTS
For the Shortcrust Pastry:
- 230g (1 ¾ cups) flour
- 1 tsp cream of tartar baking powder
- 150g (¾ cup) cold butter, cubed
- 70g (⅓ cup) sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 egg
For the Filling:
- 450ml (scant 2 cups) milk
- 1 ½ sachets vanilla pudding powder or 60g (½ cup) cornstarch + 2 tbsp vanilla bean paste
- 1 large pinch of salt
- 120g (⅔ cup) sugar
- 675g (2 ¾ cups) sour cream
For the Topping:
- 1 jar (23 oz) sour cherries, drained (yields about 12 oz)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Line a 13×9-inch pan or a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and mix until crumbly.
- Add the egg and knead quickly into a smooth dough. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Filling:
- In a saucepan, whisk together milk, pudding powder (or cornstarch & vanilla bean paste), salt, and sugar.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Pour into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface, and let cool completely.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Roll out the chilled shortcrust pastry into a rectangle and fit it into the lined baking pan. Press the dough up the sides and trim any excess.
- Once cooled, whisk the vanilla pudding with sour cream until smooth. Pour over the crust and spread evenly.
- Distribute the drained sour cherries on top.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F), fan setting.
- Bake on the lower rack for 60–70 minutes, or until the filling is just set. Baking time may vary by oven.
- Let the cake cool completely before removing from the pan.
- Serve & Store:
- Refrigerate and bring to room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Enjoy this delightful German Cherry Cheesecake with a cup of coffee!
Would you like any modifications or extra tips?
