- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease it lightly with butter.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and the zest if you’re using it.
- Gently fold in the quark cheese until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the muffins are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days. They’re perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or with a cup of tea or coffee. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. Enjoy your Grandma’s Quark Muffins!