Recipe for Dresden Eierschecke (Dresden Egg Custard Cake)

The name "Schecke" dates back to a brightly patterned garment from the 14th century. The golden-yellow top layer, with its darker patches created during baking, is reminiscent of this historical men's clothing. A particularly beautiful declaration of love for the cake comes from the writer Erich Kästner. He is said to have remarked that Eierschecke is a type of cake "which, to the detriment of humanity, has remained unknown to the rest of the globe."

And as they like to say in Saxony: "Nu, ä Stück Eierschecke gehd immer" (Well, a piece of Eierschecke always goes down well). A sentiment that many locals would surely agree with immediately.

Ingredients

For a springform tin (Ø 26 cm)

1. The yeast dough base:

170 g plain flour
½ cube fresh yeast or 1 sachet fast-action dried yeast (7g)
60 ml lukewarm milk
30 g softened butter
30 g caster sugar
1 medium egg
1 pinch of salt

2. The quark filling (middle):

500 g low-fat quark (If you don’t find quark at your local supermarket, try your nearest deli or an international supermarket such as Eastern European supermarkets)
1 sachet custard powder (standard 40g pack for cooking)
100 g caster sugar
100 g softened butter
2 medium eggs
Finely grated zest of ½ organic lemon

3. The topping (top layer):

100 g softened butter
100 g icing sugar
4 medium eggs, separated into yolks and whites
1 sachet custard powder (standard 40g pack)
400 ml milk
1 pinch of salt

Where to Eat Eierschecke in Dresden?
In the Historic Old Town
Dresdner Kaffeestübchen: This tiny, incredibly cosy café near the Frauenkirche is considered by many locals and visitors to be the undisputed number one for Eierschecke. Owner Ralf Müller bakes it according to an old family recipe from his grandmother. It is often available here in creative variations with poppy seeds or fruit, as well as a homemade Eierschecke liqueur.
Address: Salzgasse 8, 01067 Dresden
Kreutzkamm: The traditional café of the former purveyor to the royal court is located right at the entrance of the Altmarkt-Galerie. Here, you can enjoy your Eierschecke served in a very classic, nostalgic coffee-house atmosphere.
Address: Altmarkt 25, 01067 Dresden
Café Milchmädchen: A modern, highly popular, and vibrant breakfast café located slightly outside the main tourist hub, which offers excellent traditional Saxon cakes alongside modern food trends.
Address: Grunaer Str. 27, 01069 Dresden
Café Caféklatsch: A beautiful, small café in the Baroque quarter of the New Town (Neustadt). All cakes and tarts are baked fresh on the premises daily
Address: Königstraße 8, 01097 Dresden

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