Quark Cheese Fritters (Quarkballchen): How to Make Them Soft and Delicious!

Some recipes are fancy, others are trendy, but then there are those that are simply timeless. Quark Cheese Fritters are light, golden snacks, with just the right amount of sweetness. With just flour, eggs, sugar, and creamy quark cheese, anyone can easily make this dish. No need to knead or wait for dough to rise, just mix, pipe, fry, and coat in sugar.

If you love easy, fuss-free recipes that deliver big on flavor, quark cheese fritters are about to become your new go-to.

What is Quark Cheese Fritters?

Quark cheese has long been a staple in European kitchens, especially in Germany, Poland, and Russia, where dairy-based pastries and fried treats are part of everyday life. These fritters, also known as quarkbällchen or syrniki, have been a beloved delicacy for generations, often appearing at festive gatherings or as a comforting homemade snack.

Quark itself is a soft, fresh cheese with a slightly tangy taste, making it the perfect ingredient for fluffy fritters. Unlike heavy cream cheeses, quark keeps the fritters light and airy while adding a subtle depth of flavor. The addition of vanilla sugar gives them a warm, fragrant note, making them even more irresistible.

Pro Tips for the Best Quark Cheese Fritters

• Use full-fat quark as the extra creaminess ensures soft and tender fritters.
• Don't overmix the batter. A quick mix keeps them light and fluffy instead of dense.
• Cut the batter directly into the oil. This method creates small, round fritters with an even cook.
• Fry in small batches, because overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and make the fritters greasy.

Can I Make Quark Cheese Fritters Without a Piping Bag?

If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use two spoons to scoop and drop the batter into the hot oil. It won’t be as uniform, but the taste will be just as amazing.

What Can I Use Instead of Quark?

If quark is hard to find, you can substitute it with ricotta or Greek yogurt. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid to keep the batter from getting too wet.

Can I Bake Quark Fritters Instead of Frying?

While frying gives them their signature crispy texture, you can bake them at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes. They won’t be as golden but will still taste delicious.

What Sugar Should I Use For Coating?

Regular granulated sugar works well, but you can also mix in cinnamon for extra flavor.

Why Did My Fritters Turn Out Greasy?

This usually happens when the oil temperature is too low. Always heat your oil properly before frying.

How to Store Quark Cheese Fritters

To store quark cheese fritters, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain their crispness, reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—just thaw and reheat before serving.

How to Make Quark Cheese Fritters

Step 1

Step 1

In a large bowl, beat the eggs, quark, sugar, and vanilla sugar until smooth.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs, quark, sugar, and vanilla sugar until smooth.

Step 2

Step 2

Add flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Use a hand mixer to combine until a thick, homogeneous batter forms.

Add flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Use a hand mixer to combine until a thick, homogeneous batter forms.

Step 3

Step 3

Transfer the batter into a piping bag for easy portioning. Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat over medium. To test if it’s ready, insert a wooden chopstick, if bubbles form, you’re good to go.

Transfer the batter into a piping bag for easy portioning. Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat over medium. To test if it’s ready, insert a wooden chopstick, if bubbles form, you’re good to go.

Step 4

Step 4

Hold the piping bag over the hot oil and snip off small 1.5-2 cm pieces of batter, dropping them directly into the oil. Fry 4-5 at a time for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.

Hold the piping bag over the hot oil and snip off small 1.5-2 cm pieces of batter, dropping them directly into the oil. Fry 4-5 at a time for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.

Step 5

Step 5

Remove fritters and place them on a paper towel to absorb any extra oil. While still warm, roll the fritters in sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.

Remove fritters and place them on a paper towel to absorb any extra oil. While still warm, roll the fritters in sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.