Westfälische Quarkspeise

Westfälische quarkspeise is a trifle dessert with layers of creamy German quark and whipped cream, tart cherries (such as morello cherries), and crumbled pumpernickel (slightly sweet dark rye bread). Typically flavored with kirsch, amaretto, or rum and vanilla sugar, the dessert is usually assembled in a glass serving dish and enjoyed chilled, and it is often enhanced with chopped or shredded semisweet chocolate. Although quick and easy to make, this cold layered dessert packs quite a punch of flavor, especially after several hours of setting, which allows for the flavors to combine. This simple sweet treat uses two traditional German ingredients - German quark and Westphalian pumpernickel - which (combined with the tart cherries and additional flavorings) contribute to the dessert’s unique blend of sweet, slightly sour, earthy, and fruity flavors.