Authentic Austrian Topfenknödel Recipe: Creamy Cheese Dumplings with a Fruity Twist

Ingredients

250g of quark cheese
60g of unsalted butter
2 large eggs
120g of semolina
1 pinch of salt
1 tablespoon of lemon zest
80g of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
100g of breadcrumbs
40g of powdered sugar
2 tablespoons of melted butter for garnish
80g of plum jam or any other fruit jam for serving

Steps and instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the quark cheese, butter, eggs, semolina, salt, lemon zest, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
While the dough is resting, prepare a large pot of boiling water and a bowl of cold water.
Once the dough is rested, shape it into small round dumplings using your hands. You can wet your hands with cold water to prevent the dough from sticking.
Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Let them cook for about 15 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
While the dumplings are cooking, toast the breadcrumbs in a pan with some melted butter until they are golden brown.
Once the dumplings are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to the pan with the breadcrumbs. Roll the dumplings in the breadcrumbs until they are evenly coated.
Serve the Topfenknödel dusted with powdered sugar and a side of plum jam or any other fruit jam.

Tools for making

Mixing bowl - A large bowl to combine the ingredients and mix the dough.
Pot - A large pot to boil the water for cooking the dumplings.
Slotted spoon - A utensil with slots or holes to transfer the cooked dumplings from the boiling water to the breadcrumb pan.
Pan - A frying pan to toast the breadcrumbs.

Recipe variations

Replace semolina with breadcrumbs for a lighter texture.
Instead of plum jam, serve the Topfenknödel with strawberry or raspberry jam.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a hint of spice.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the semolina with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Create a crunchy crust by rolling the dumplings in crushed nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, instead of breadcrumbs.
Make a savory version by omitting the sugar and lemon zest, and instead adding grated cheese and herbs to the dough.
For a vegan option, replace the quark cheese with tofu or vegan cream cheese, and use plant-based butter and egg substitutes.
Experiment with different fruit fillings, such as apricot, cherry, or apple compote.
Add a spoonful of rum or rum extract to the dough for a boozy twist.
Serve the Topfenknödel with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla sauce.

Recipe overview

Topfenknödel is a traditional Austrian dessert that's loved by both kids and adults alike. These are essentially sweet dumplings made with quark cheese and semolina, then dusted with crispy breadcrumbs and powdered sugar. Their tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors are nicely balanced by the rich, buttery breadcrumbs. The finishing touch of fruit jam adds another layer of taste, making this dish irresistibly delicious. This recipe takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to make, but the end result is truly worth the effort. Enjoy these delightful Topfenknödel as a dessert or a sweet main course.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of quark cheese? No, quark cheese is a key ingredient in this recipe and provides the unique texture and flavor of the Topfenknödel. It is not recommended to substitute it with another type of cheese.
Can I use margarine instead of unsalted butter? While you can use margarine as a substitute for unsalted butter, it may affect the taste and texture of the dumplings. It is recommended to use unsalted butter for best results.
Can I omit the lemon zest? Yes, you can omit the lemon zest if you prefer a plain flavor or if you don't have any lemons available. However, the lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus note to the dumplings.
Can I use a different type of jam for serving? Absolutely! While plum jam is traditionally served with Topfenknödel, you can use any fruit jam of your choice, such as strawberry, raspberry, or apricot.
Can I prepare the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking the dumplings. Just make sure to cover the dough tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze the cooked dumplings? Yes, you can freeze the cooked dumplings. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, steam them or gently boil them until heated through.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing bowl - A large bowl for combining and mixing the ingredients.
Pot - A large pot for boiling the water to cook the dumplings.
Slotted spoon - A utensil with perforated holes to scoop out the cooked dumplings from the boiling water.
Pan - A frying pan for toasting the breadcrumbs.
Spatula - A kitchen tool for flipping and turning the dumplings while toasting the breadcrumbs.
Plates - Serving plates to present the Topfenknödel.
Powdered sugar shaker - A shaker or sifter to dust the powdered sugar over the dumplings.
Jam jar - A jar to hold the plum jam or any other fruit jam for serving.

Origin stories

Topfenknödel is a beloved traditional Austrian dessert that hails from the humble kitchens of Alpine farmers. In the olden days, dairy farmers would often have an abundance of quark cheese, a byproduct of milk production. Resourceful as they were, these farmers invented various recipes to use up their surplus. One of these creations was Topfenknödel, a simple yet delicious sweet dumpling made from quark cheese. Through generations, the recipe has been passed down and perfected, transforming from a mere dairy surplus solution into a cherished comfort food that warms the heart of every Austrian. Today, Topfenknödel is a staple in many traditional Austrian eateries, and stands as a sweet testament to the culinary ingenuity of Austria's alpine ancestors.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.