Fresh Cherry and Quark Casserole for Toddlers

Perfect for the summer cherry harvest, this recipe combines pitted sweet cherries with creamy quark. The casserole is fluffy, easy to chew, and completely free of refined sugar. It makes eating together at the family table a true joy.

Ingredients

• 250 g low-fat quark (organic preferred)
• 150 g fresh sweet cherries (pitted)
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp soft wheat semolina
• 1 tsp honey (or a dash of agave syrup)
• 1 tsp soft butter (for the baking dish)
• A pinch of ground vanilla

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (top and bottom heat). Grease your baking dish with the soft butter.
2. Wash the cherries, pit them thoroughly, and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
3. Separate the eggs. Beat the egg whites in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the quark, egg yolks, semolina, vanilla, and honey until you have a smooth, creamy batter.
5. Gently fold the egg whites and the cherry pieces into the quark mixture using a spoon.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, until the top turns golden brown.
7. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool down well before serving. Always do a temperature test before your child takes the first bite.

Variations & Tips

• Swap the fruit: Outside of cherry season, this bake tastes fantastic with grated apples or soft pear chunks.
• Storage: Leftovers keep for up to two days in the fridge when covered. Freezing is possible but slightly changes the texture of the quark.
• Adjust the texture: For children who are still practicing chewing, you can puree the cherries beforehand and serve them as a fruit sauce over the plain quark bake.
• For the whole family: Adults can sprinkle a little powdered sugar, cinnamon, or toasted sliced almonds over their portion at the table.

Allergy and Safety Information

This recipe contains eggs, dairy (quark, butter), and gluten (semolina), which are major allergens. Always introduce new ingredients one at a time and in small amounts.

Caution with honey: Children under 12 months must not eat honey due to the risk of infant botulism. Simply omit the honey for younger kids. If adding nuts or seeds for the family, only offer them finely ground to your toddler to avoid a choking hazard.

If you have any concerns about introducing solid foods or your child's diet, please consult your pediatrician.

Nutritional Information

Thanks to the quark, this casserole provides valuable protein and calcium, which support bone growth. The fresh cherries bring a good portion of vitamin C and dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion. Eggs are also an excellent source of iron and essential vitamins.