Topfenstrudel is a traditional Austrian dessert that consists of a sweet, creamy filling made from quark cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla, wrapped in a delicate pastry dough and baked until golden brown. It is typically served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Topfenstrudel is a beloved dessert in Austria, and its origins can be traced back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The word "Topfen" refers to the quark cheese used in the filling, which is a soft, tangy cheese similar to ricotta but with a lower fat content.

The quark cheese filling is made by combining the cheese with sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. The result is a creamy, slightly sweet mixture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy, flaky pastry dough. Some recipes also call for the addition of raisins or chopped nuts, which add a nice crunch and texture to the filling.

Overall, Topfenstrudel is a dessert that requires a bit of time and effort to make, but the end result is well worth it. It's a true culinary treasure from Austria, and it's sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Here is a step-by-step recipe for making Topfenstrudel at home:

Ingredients:

1- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

3- ½ cup lukewarm water

4- 1 pinch salt

5- 1 egg yolk

6- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

7- 1 tablespoon bread crumbs

8- 1 pound quark cheese

9- ¼ cup granulated sugar

10- 2 eggs

11- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

12- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

13- Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, salt, egg yolk, and lukewarm water. Mix everything together until it forms a smooth dough.

3- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and pliable.

4- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

5- In a separate bowl, mix together the quark cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until it forms a smooth and creamy mixture.

6- Lightly dust a clean kitchen towel with bread crumbs and roll out the dough on top of the towel until it's very thin and almost translucent.

7- Carefully spread the quark cheese mixture over the rolled-out dough, leaving about an inch of space around the edges.

8- Use the towel to roll up the dough tightly, tucking in the edges as you go. Transfer the rolled-up strudel onto the prepared baking sheet.

9- Bake the Topfenstrudel in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until it's golden brown and crispy on the outside.

10- Let the Topfenstrudel cool for a few minutes before slicing it into pieces and dusting it with powdered sugar. Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Notes:

1- If you can't find quark cheese, you can substitute it with a mixture of ricotta and cottage cheese.

2- You can also add raisins or chopped nuts to the filling for extra flavor and texture.

3- Be sure to handle the dough gently to prevent it from tearing or breaking apart.

4- The bread crumbs on the towel help prevent the dough from sticking and tearing as you roll it up.

5- Topfenstrudel is best served warm, but you can also enjoy it cold the next day.

Nutrition Facts:

This recipe yields about 8 servings. Each serving contains approximately:

• 344 calories
• 18g fat
• 34g carbohydrates
• 13g protein
• 2g fiber
• 14g sugar
• 114mg cholesterol
• 167mg sodium

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour:

  - Calories: ~525

  - Carbs: ~110g

  - Protein: ~14g

  - Fat: ~1g

  - Sodium: ~6mg

benefits:

• Versatility: All-purpose flour is suitable for a wide range of recipes, including bread, cakes, and pastries.
• Source of Carbohydrates: It provides a source of energy for the body.
• Contains Protein: Flour contains some protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted:

  - Calories: ~200

  - Carbs: ~0g

  - Protein: ~0g

  - Fat: ~22g

  - Sodium: ~2mg

benefits:

• Rich Flavor: Butter adds a rich and creamy flavor to dishes.
• Source of Fat-Soluble Vitamins: Butter contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are important for various bodily functions.
• Enhances Texture: Melted butter helps create a tender and moist texture in baked goods

½ cup lukewarm water:

  - Calories: ~0

  - Carbs: ~0g

  - Protein: ~0g

  - Fat: ~0g

  - Sodium: ~1mg

benefits:

• Hydration: Water is essential for hydration and is necessary for the proper function of all bodily systems.
• Aids in Digestion: Drinking water helps with digestion by breaking down food and aiding in the absorption of nutrients.

1 pinch salt:

  - Calories: ~0

  - Carbs: ~0g

  - Protein: ~0g

  - Fat: ~0g

  - Sodium: Varies

• Flavor Enhancer: Salt enhances the flavor of dishes by bringing out their natural taste.
• Electrolyte Balance: It helps maintain the balance of electrolytes in the body, which is essential for proper muscle and nerve function.

benefits:

1 egg yolk:

  - Calories: ~55

  - Carbs: ~1g

  - Protein: ~3g

  - Fat: ~4g

  - Sodium: ~8mg

benefits:

• Nutrient Dense: Egg yolks are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and choline.
• Source of Protein: They contain high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Adds Moisture: Egg yolks help add moisture to baked goods and contribute to their richness and texture.

1 tablespoon vegetable oil:

  - Calories: ~120

  - Carbs: ~0g

  - Protein: ~0g

  - Fat: ~14g

  - Sodium: ~0mg

benefits:

• Heart Health: Vegetable oils, such as olive oil or canola oil, are high in unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Source of Vitamin E: Vegetable oils contain vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

1 tablespoon bread crumbs:

  - Calories: ~25

  - Carbs: ~5g

  - Protein: ~1g

  - Fat: ~0g

  - Sodium: ~33mg

benefits:

• Texture: Bread crumbs add texture and crispiness to dishes when used as a coating or topping.
• Absorbs Moisture: They help absorb excess moisture in dishes, preventing them from becoming soggy.

1 pound quark cheese:

  - Calories: ~400

  - Carbs: ~8g

  - Protein: ~64g

  - Fat: ~14g

  - Sodium: ~1,200mg

benefits:

• High in Protein: Quark cheese is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Low in Fat: It is lower in fat compared to other types of cheese, making it a lighter option.

¼ cup granulated sugar:

  - Calories: ~194

  - Carbs: ~50g

  - Protein: ~0g

  - Fat: ~0g

  - Sodium: ~0mg

benefits:

• Source of Energy: Sugar provides a quick source of energy, making it useful for a quick energy boost.
• Sweetness: It enhances the sweetness of dishes, making them more palatable.

2 eggs:

  - Calories: ~140

  - Carbs: ~1g

  - Protein: ~12g

  - Fat: ~10g

  - Sodium: ~140mg

benefits:

• Complete Protein: Eggs are a complete source of protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids required by the body.
• Vitamins and Minerals: They are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract:

  - Calories: ~12

  - Carbs: ~0g

  - Protein: ~0g

  - Fat: ~0g

  - Sodium: ~0mg

benefits:

• Flavor Enhancer: Vanilla extract adds a rich and aromatic flavor to dishes, enhancing their taste.
• Antioxidants: It contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted:

  - Calories: ~400

  - Carbs: ~0g

  - Protein: ~0g

  - Fat: ~44g

  - Sodium: ~2mg

benefits:

• Same benefits as mentioned for ingredient #2.

Powdered sugar, for dusting:

  - Calories: ~30 (for about 1 tablespoon)

  - Carbs: ~7g

  - Protein: ~0g

  - Fat: ~0g

  - Sodium: ~0mg

benefits:

• Finishing Touch: Powdered sugar is used as a garnish to add a touch of sweetness and decoration to dishes.
• Texture: It creates a light dusting on the surface of baked goods, enhancing their appearance.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities used. Additionally, the sodium content of the recipe will largely depend on the amount of salt added during preparation.