Quark Muffins with Vanilla Pudding Filling are a delightful combination of creamy, moist, and tender textures. The quark creates an incredibly soft crumb while adding richness and a subtle tang. Hidden inside is a luxurious vanilla pudding heart that melts gently into every bite. These muffins are not overly sweet, making them perfect for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a light dessert. With their soft interior, golden tops, and creamy centers, they offer a bakery-quality treat made right at home.

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Pudding Filling

1 cup (250 ml) whole milk
3 tablespoons (40 g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (8 g) cornstarch
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (15 g) unsalted butter

For the Quark Muffin Batter

1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup (250 g) quark, full-fat preferred
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional but highly recommended)

Make the Vanilla Pudding Filling

Begin by preparing a small bowl near the stove for cooling the pudding once it thickens. In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolk. Gradually whisk in the milk, pouring slowly to ensure the mixture remains smooth and lump-free.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the pudding thickens and begins to bubble. Allow it to gently boil for 30 to 60 seconds while whisking to reach a thick, stable consistency.
Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla and butter until fully melted and incorporated. Transfer the pudding to the clean bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before assembling the muffins.

Prepare the Muffin Batter

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light, fluffy, and pale in color. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Mix in the quark, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. The mixture may appear slightly curdled due to the quark, but this is completely normal.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the muffins dense—some small streaks of flour are perfectly fine.

Assemble and Bake

Divide half of the muffin batter evenly among the prepared liners, filling each about one-third full.
Stir the chilled pudding briefly to loosen it, then place a heaping teaspoon of pudding into the center of each muffin cup.
Cover the pudding centers with the remaining muffin batter, filling each liner about three-quarters full.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the muffin part (not the pudding center) comes out clean.
Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Variations

A chilled pudding ensures a neatly contained center that won’t blend into the batter during baking. Always fold the muffin batter gently to maintain a tender crumb. If quark is unavailable, full-fat Greek yogurt or Skyr can be used as substitutes, though the flavor will be slightly tangier.

Flavor Variations

Chocolate Chip Version: Fold ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter.
Berry Bliss: Add ½ cup of blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
Cinnamon Streusel Topping: Combine ¼ cup flour, 2 tablespoons cold butter, 2 tablespoons sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle on top before baking for a crunchy finish.

Final Thoughts

These Quark Muffins with Vanilla Pudding Filling offer an irresistible blend of soft, fluffy texture and creamy decadence. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and incredibly moist, they make an elegant addition to any breakfast table or afternoon treat. The hidden vanilla center adds a delightful surprise that elevates these muffins into something truly special. Enjoy the warm, cozy flavors in every bite.