Strawberry or Raspberry Kuchen: Easy, Southern, and Delicious Recipe

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Learn how to prepare kuchen with this easy recipe, a traditional dessert that adapts perfectly to fillings with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a combination of all.

How to Prepare Berry Kuchen?

Kuchen, whether with raspberries or other berries, is a simple recipe with fabulous results, as the trick lies in choosing fresh fruits that enhance its aroma and flavor.

Strawberry or Raspberry Kuchen Recipe

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Calories: 400 kcal
Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

1. Kuchen Dough

• 280 g wheat flour
• 140 g butter
• 100 g sugar
• 2 eggs
• Baking powder

2. Kuchen Filling

• 720 ml milk
• 400 g mixed berries
• 360 ml fresh cream
• 250 g wheat flour
• 150 g sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (302°F) and butter a 25 cm diameter springform pan. In a large bowl, add the butter and sugar, and beat until creamy. Incorporate the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Sift the flour and baking powder, and mix until you obtain a smooth, homogeneous dough.

2. Spread the dough into the buttered pan and bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges pull away from the pan. Remove from the oven and let cool. In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, and half of the milk. Whisk until you get a homogeneous mixture.

3. In a large pot, add the remaining milk and the cinnamon stick. Heat over medium heat, then add the flour mixture, whisking constantly until you get a thick, lump-free cream. Transfer the mixture back to a bowl, remove the cinnamon stick, and let it cool. Add the beaten egg yolks and vanilla extract, and set aside.

4. In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, whip the cream until thick. Fold half of the whipped cream into the filling, then gently fold in the egg whites, and finally, fold in the remaining cream. Pour one cup of the filling over the baked dough in the pan and distribute the berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries, or a mix) on top.

5. Cover with the remaining filling and smooth the surface with a spoon or spatula. Bake in the preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 40 minutes or until the surface is lightly golden and firm to the touch. Let cool and unmold. Alternatively, mix condensed milk with yogurt and pour over the dough, adding the fruits.

Origin of Strawberries

The modern strawberry is a hybrid of two species: Fragaria virginiana, native to North America, and Fragaria chiloensis, from Chile. This hybrid, known as Fragaria × ananassa, was created in France and quickly became the dominant variety due to its larger size and better flavor.

Nutritional Porperties

Berry kuchen is a source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, promoting immune and digestive health. Additionally, it provides calcium and protein from the milk and eggs, essential for bone health and muscle development.

What Does Kuchen Mean?

“Kuchen,” which means “cake” in German, is a dessert popularized in southern Chile by German settlers, traditionally made with apples, strawberries, or murta berries.