Ingredients
For the Vanilla Pudding Filling:
· 1 cup (250ml) whole milk
· 3 tablespoons (40g) granulated sugar
· 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
· 1 large egg yolk
· 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
· 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter
For the Quark Muffin Batter:
· 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
· 2 teaspoons baking powder
· ½ teaspoon baking soda
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
· ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
· 2 large eggs, at room temperature
· 1 cup (250g) quark (full-fat is best for texture and flavor)
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· Zest of 1 lemon (optional, but highly recommended to brighten the flavor)
Instructions
Part 1: Make the Vanilla Pudding Filling First
Prepare: Have a small bowl ready near the stove. This will be for cooling the pudding.
Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolk. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the milk until the mixture is smooth.
Cook the Pudding: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Let it bubble for about 30-60 seconds while whisking; it should become quite thick.
Finish: Remove from the heat immediately. Whisk in the vanilla extract and butter until the butter is melted and fully incorporated.
Cool: Pour the pudding into the clean bowl. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill and set further.
Part 2: Make the Muffin Batter & Assemble
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the quark, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until just combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled—this is normal because of the quark.
Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to fold gently until the flour is just incorporated. Do not overmix! A few streaks of flour are okay.
Part 3: Assemble and Bake
Fill Muffin Cups: Divide about half of the muffin batter evenly among the 12 prepared liners, filling each about one-third full.
Add the Pudding Heart: Take the chilled pudding. Give it a quick stir. Place a heaped teaspoon (about 1-1.5 teaspoons) of the pudding right in the center of each muffin cup.
Cover the Pudding: Carefully divide the remaining muffin batter over the top of the pudding, covering it completely. The muffin cups should be about ¾ full.
Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the cake part (not the pudding center) comes out clean.
Cool: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
🌟 Success Tips & Variations
· The Quark Factor: Quark is key here. If you can’t find it, full-fat Greek yogurt or Skyr are the best substitutes, though the texture will be slightly tangier.
· Don’t Overmix! Overmixing the batter is the number one cause of tough, dense muffins. Fold until you no longer see dry flour.
· Chilled Pudding is Crucial: A well-chilled, thick pudding is much easier to handle and will stay contained in the center of the muffin instead of melting into the batter.
· Flavor Twists:
· Chocolate Chip Quark Muffins: Fold ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter.
· Berry Bliss: Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries or raspberries to the batter.
· Cinnamon Streusel Topping: Before baking, sprinkle the tops with a mix of ¼ cup flour, 2 tbsp cold butter, 2 tbsp sugar, and ½ tsp cinnamon, rubbed together until crumbly.
These muffins are a perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert. The creamy vanilla center is a delightful surprise that makes them truly special. Enjoy
Quark Muffins with Vanilla Pudding
