Strawberry sponge naked cake with quark

Strawberry sponge naked cake with quark, made with eggs, low-fat quark, ground blanched almonds and fresh strawberries – light, creamy and fruity from simple ingredients.

At a glance

• Serves 2
• Prep time: 25 min
• Cooking time: 20 min
• Total time: 45 min
• Calories: 280 kcal per serving
• Protein: 14 g
• Fat: 19 g
• Carbs: 6 g

Ingredients

• 4 organic eggs (separated into egg whites and egg yolks)
• 300 g small strawberries
• 250 g low-fat quark
• 100 g ground blanched almonds
• 1 tsp baking powder

Method

You’ll need: oven · chopping board · knife

1. Separate the eggs and whisk the egg whites until stiff. Beat the egg yolks until creamy, then stir in the finely ground blanched almonds and baking powder.
2. Carefully fold the whisked egg whites into the egg yolk and almond mixture so the sponge stays light. Pour the batter into a prepared tin and bake at 175 °C (155 °C fan) for 18–20 min until golden.
3. Leave the sponge to cool completely, then slice it in half horizontally. Wash the strawberries, pat them dry and cut some of them into small pieces.
4. Stir the low-fat quark until smooth and spread it over the bottom layer. Scatter the strawberry pieces on top, place the second layer on top and spread with a little more quark.
5. Arrange the remaining strawberries on top of the cake and deliberately leave the sides bare for the typical naked cake look.
6. Cut into slices and serve well chilled.

Good to know

This cake is simple yet special. Light sponge, fresh cream and sweet strawberries make it wonderfully summery.

Swaps

Low-fat quark → 10% fat Greek yoghurt (creamier, more filling, less processed) Blanched almonds → ground hazelnuts (more aromatic, natural fats, no seed oil) Baking powder → bicarbonate of soda + a little lemon juice (simpler ingredient list) Small dark red strawberries → raspberries or blueberries (less fruit sugar depending on the variety, more variety)

Allergens

Contains egg, milk and almonds as allergens. Usually good for children as long as they're fine with nuts and egg, and no concern during pregnancy if the eggs are fully baked and the dairy is pasteurised.

Frequently asked questions

Which nutrients are in strawberries?

Strawberries mainly provide vitamin C, plus folate and smaller amounts of potassium. They also contain polyphenols, plant compounds that contribute to their colour.

Why do almonds work well in this sponge?

Blanched almonds bring vitamin E, magnesium and unsaturated fats. They also make the batter a little moister than flour alone.

Does low-fat quark suit everyone?

Low-fat quark provides lots of protein and calcium. If you're sensitive to lactose, though, it can cause discomfort, depending on how much you tolerate.

What do eggs provide besides protein?

Eggs contain not only protein but also choline, vitamin B12, selenium and some vitamin D. Much of this sits in the yolk.

Do strawberries always suit sensitive people?

Not necessarily: some people with histamine sensitivity or a sensitive lining of the mouth react to strawberries. That's individual. If unsure, try a small amount.