This black and white cheesecake (in German we call it Russischer Zupfkuchen) has a rich chocolate base and generous chocolate crumbles that are encased by a layer of creamy vanilla cheesecake.
BLACK AND WHITE CHEESECAKE VARIATIONS
This black and white cheesecake recipe (Russischer Zupfkuchen) is a loved German classic. Of course, you can find this cake in every bakery in all kinds of variations. Growing up in Germany, my mother made this cake a lot for us. Sometimes we added some cherries, black currants, or peaches to the base which are also very delicious.
WHY IS IT CALLED RUSSISCHER ZUPFKUCHEN?
The exact translation for "Russischer Zupfkuchen" is Russian Pluck Cake. By "Pluck" - meaning the crumbs. However, the true origin of this cake is unclear. Presumably, it comes from East Germany or the Eastern European Countries. Apparently, the name was inspired by the large chocolate crumbs, that reminded of the round spires of Russian Churches. Imagination is everything ๐
The recipe itself is super simple! All you have to do is knead the ingredients for the chocolate shortbread pastry together, then mix the cheesecake filling, fill and bake. The chocolate crumbles on top are made from the same chocolate base, you basically have to prepare only two components. In Germany, we use Quark - a kind of farmer's cheese that has a lighter consistency than cream cheese. To achieve a lighter, creamier consistency, try adding a little bit of plain greek yogurt, or sour cream to your cheesecake filling.
They are one of our favorite desserts, and they are always a hit when we take them to a potluck or dinner party. Hope you will love this cake too!
You might be interested in more German Cakes:
NO โ BAKE CHEESECAKE WITH STRAWBERRY
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Recipe
Black and white Cheese Cake (Russischer Zupfkuchen)
Ingredients
For the Base & Topping
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- pinch salt
- โ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ยพ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 10 tablespoon unsalted butter - softened
Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese - softened(I use Philadelphia Brand)
- ยฝ cup plain greek yogurt, or sour cream
- ยพ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoon vanilla pudding powder for cooking (alternatively use flour)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
- ยฝ teaspoon rum extract (optional)
- 4 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 350ยฐ F (180ยฐ C)1. Make the Dough: In a medium bowl sieve in the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. Then add the sugar and the butter. With an electric mixer blend until combined. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to fill the cake.2. Make the Filling: In another bowl combine the cream cheese, yogurt, sugar, vanilla pudding powder, vanilla extract, rum extract if you like, and the egg. Mix then add the melted butter. Blend with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.3. Fill the Cake: You can use a 9 or 10 inch round baking pan. No greasing is required. Take half of the Chocolate dough and press it into the baking form, pressing it about 1-inch ( 3 cm) up to the sides of the springform pan. That works really well with the backside of a measuring cup.Pour the cream cheese filling into the cake. Spread evenly, then crumble the leftover chocolate dough over the cheesecake. Bake for about 55-60 minutes. Once you take the cake out of the oven, let it cool in the pan. The cake will set beautifully. Enjoy!
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