Effortless Currant Cake

Featured in Sweet Treats from My Kitchen.

A breezy sponge cake stacked with light quark and cream, finished off with berry jelly. Ideal for sunny weather.

Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Thu, 29 May 2025 14:54:25 GMT
A fruity cream cake covered in berry jelly and currants, missing a slice. Pin it
A fruity cream cake covered in berry jelly and currants, missing a slice. | magichouserecipes.com

My kitchen's filled with summer scents today as I whip up a stunning currant cake. I'm in love with its soft sponge, velvety quark-cream filling, and that bright red fruit glaze on top. It's my favorite summer treat and I'm happy to share this little piece of joy with you.

Airy and tangy

What I adore about this cake is how everything balances out perfectly. The tangy currants and fluffy cream work so well together. Nothing beats a slice of this refreshing cake when the weather gets hot.

My sponge ingredients

  • Eggs: Three fresh free-range ones.
  • Sugar: 100g for sweetness.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to round out flavors.
  • Flour: 80g of fine pastry type.
  • Baking powder: One spoon for fluffiness.

Getting the perfect sponge

The batter
Start by whipping eggs, sugar and salt until the mixture turns pale and creamy.
The baking
Pop it into a preheated oven at 180 degrees and wait patiently for 35 minutes.

Berries make the difference

300g fresh currants are the little jewels of my cake. I carefully pluck them from their stems to create the heart of my filling. Their tart flavor makes this cake truly special.

My dreamy filling

  • Low-fat quark: 300g for freshness.
  • Sour cream: 200g adds extra creaminess.
  • Sugar: 80g sweetens just right.
  • Cream: 400g whipped until stiff.
  • Gelatin: Two packets for structure.

Creating the cream layer

I first mix quark, sour cream and sugar together. Then I gently fold in the stiff cream while sprinkling in the gelatin. The berries go in last. This cream is my pride and joy.

Assembling the layers

I cut the sponge down the middle. The first half gets three-quarters of the cream, then comes the second layer topped with the remaining cream. My summer hit comes together one layer at a time.

A delicious cake with layers of cream and redcurrants, topped with red jelly and decorated with fresh red currants. Pin it
A delicious cake with layers of cream and redcurrants, topped with red jelly and decorated with fresh red currants. | magichouserecipes.com

Chilling time

I let the cake rest in the fridge for ninety minutes. The cream firms up and the flavors mingle together. Trust me, patience really pays off here.

The grand finale

  • Currants: 100g for decoration.
  • Cake glaze: One packet of red.
  • Sugar: Two spoons to sweeten the glaze.
  • Juice: 200ml from currants.

The glossy topping

I boil the glaze with sugar and juice, then pour it over the cake. I place fresh berries directly into the hot glaze. After an hour of cooling, the cake shines like a gem.

Final touches

A few currant stems finish the cake beautifully. The deep red berries and the glossy surface make it a true showstopper on my coffee table.

For memorable occasions

This cake steals the show at summer parties and birthdays. It turns any coffee gathering into something special and wraps up fancy dinners perfectly.

My berry variations

Sometimes I swap currants for raspberries or use a mix of berries. The basic recipe stays the same, just the fruits change. Each version has its own charm.

Keeping it fresh

The cake stays good for two days in the fridge in my cake container. The cream stays firm and the glaze keeps its shine. If it lasts that long - usually it's gone pretty quick.

Everyone's favorite

Kids and adults alike love this cake. The balance between sweet and fruity makes it a crowd-pleaser. A slice always brings smiles to faces.

A juicy cake with red jelly and currants, with one slice removed. Pin it
A juicy cake with red jelly and currants, with one slice removed. | magichouserecipes.com

My summer fantasy

This cake captures summer for me. It's light, creamy, fruity - everything a perfect cake needs. I love baking this recipe again and again.

Choosing your berries

I grab fresh currants from the market in summer. In winter, frozen ones work just as well. This way I can bake this cake all year round.

The centerpiece dessert

With its shine and bright color, my cake catches everyone's attention. It's always the eye-catcher at garden parties or coffee gatherings. A real showstopper.

Different base options

Instead of sponge, I sometimes make a shortcrust or butter cake base. The creamy filling works with all versions. This keeps the cake exciting every time.

My spice additions

A bit of vanilla or lemon zest in the cream gives the cake a special touch. Sometimes I add a splash of liqueur too. These little extras make it even more interesting.

Bite-sized treats

I often turn this recipe into small tartlets. They're great for buffets or as individual servings. Tiny masterpieces that taste just as good as the full-sized version.

Summer-proof trick

On hot days, I add a bit more gelatin to the cream. This helps the cake hold its shape even in summer heat. A small trick with big results.

Fancy finish

After a special dinner, this cake makes the perfect dessert. It's light enough not to feel heavy but fancy enough for special occasions.

Simple pleasures

A small slice of this cake sweetens any day for me. Its lightness and flavor are just perfect for a quick treat. A little happiness on a plate.

A layered cake with red currant jelly, cream filling and fresh currants on top, with one slice cut out. Pin it
A layered cake with red currant jelly, cream filling and fresh currants on top, with one slice cut out. | magichouserecipes.com

Creative canvas

This basic recipe can be changed up wonderfully. Try different juices for the glaze or edible flowers for decoration. Your imagination's the only limit. It's a cake that brings joy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yep, you can get it ready up to 2 days before you need it. Just keep it chilled and leave the decorating for later.

→ Could I swap in other berries?

Absolutely! Try with raspberries or any berry mix. Just match your glaze color to whatever berries you use.

→ Why flip the sponge cake right away?

Turning it over fast keeps it fluffy. Otherwise, moisture can make it a bit dense.

→ Tips for a good berry glaze?

Wait until your cream layer is cold before adding the glaze. Pour it on while it’s hot, but not boiling over.

→ How do I cut the cake best?

Dip your knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and clean the blade after each slice for smooth cuts every time.

Effortless Currant Cake

Classic summer currant cake with soft sponge, creamy filling, and glossy berry topping. So refreshing on warm days.

Prep Time
55 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: German

Yield: 12 Servings (1 cake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 3 fresh medium eggs
02 100g white sugar for the batter
03 A pinch of fine sea salt
04 80g all-purpose flour (type 405)
05 1 teaspoon baking powder
06 300g fresh currants for the filling
07 300g low-fat quark
08 200g sour cream
09 80g white sugar for the filling
10 400g whipping cream
11 2 packs instant gelatin
12 100g fresh currants for topping
13 1 pack red cake glaze
14 2 tablespoons white sugar for glaze
15 200ml currant juice

Instructions

Step 01

Heat up the cake glaze with juice and sugar till it's boiling. Pour it all over the cake. Toss on the currants. Chill for an hour.

Step 02

Spread three-quarters of the cream over the bottom layer, then set the top half on and slather with the rest. Pop it in the fridge for an hour and a half.

Step 03

Blend the quark, sour cream, and sugar till smooth. Whip the cream with the gelatin until it's stiff. Gently fold the cream into the quark mix and stir in the berries.

Step 04

Let the baked sponge cool off completely, then slice it in half horizontally. Rinse the currants and pull off the stems.

Step 05

Crank the oven to 180°C. Whip up eggs, sugar, and salt till they're fluffy. Carefully fold in the flour and baking powder. Pour into a 26cm springform pan and bake for 35 minutes.

Notes

  1. Stays good in the fridge for two days.
  2. Makes 12 slices.

Tools You'll Need

  • 26cm springform pan
  • Cake ring
  • Electric hand mixer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Gluten
  • Dairy
  • Eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 8 g