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1-Ingredient Vegan Quark (+ Step-by-step PHOTOS!)

Vegan quark (lactose-free and dairy-free) with nice swirls, close-up.
3 minutes, vegan yogurt, and a thin cloth are all you need to make Vegan Quark at home. A no-fail recipe that is a much cheaper alternative than buying store-bought quark!
Jem @ The Fruity Jem
Prep Time 3 minutes
Waiting Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 3 minutes
Serving Size 400 grams

Equipment

  • Tall jar or cup
  • Cheesecloth, linen cloth, or a thin cotton cloth (A quick test is that you should be able to see through the cloth when you pull it apart, so that water can drip through it)
  • Kitchen elastic (optional)

Ingredients

  • 500 g plant-based yogurt 18oz, any variety except coconut yogurt (see notes if you only have coconut yogurt on hand)
  • 1-2 teaspoon(s) vinegar of choice (OPTIONAL) only if you would like your quark to be more tart, see notes below

Instructions

  • Line a tall jar or cup with your cloth, making sure that there is some gap between the cloth and the bottom of the jar so the water can be collected.
  • Pour your yogurt into the cloth inside the jar.
  • (Optional) Tie an elastic around the jar and the cloth to keep the cloth from falling down.
    If the yogurt is not heavy enough that the cloth falls down to the bottom of the jar, you don’t have to do this. Just make sure that there are quite some gap between the bottom of the jar and the cloth.
  • Cover the top with a lid or a small plate, then let it sit in the fridge overnight, or for 6-8 hours. The water will be collected at the bottom and the yogurt will thicken into the consistency of a quark.
  • (Optional) If you think that the quark should be more sour/tart, you can stir in your vinegar of choice. I personally don't think this is needed but just taste and see for yourself!

Notes

Top Tips:
  • Be sure that you have the correct type of cloth.
    • Again, if you hold the cloth with both hands and pull it apart slightly, you should be able to see some space in between the threads. 
  • Timing matters.
    • The longer you let it strain, the thicker the consistency will be. Adjust the time based on your preference, with 6-8 hours being a good range to start with.
  • I think the tartness of the quark is good enough but if you would like your quark to be more tart, feel free to add 1-2 teaspoon(s) of vinegar!
    • Most vinegar would work such as apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, and lemon.
Ingredients Notes:
  • Coconut yogurt does not strain as easily as other yogurt varieties.
    • If you only have coconut yogurt on hand, this recipe will still work but you would need a nut milk bag, or any other cloth that is even thinner such that water can drip through it!
    • If you don't see any water dripping after 1 minute, the cloth is probably too thick for your yogurt.
Storage and Freezing Notes:
  • Store the prepared quark in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can typically be stored for up to 5-7 days. This of course will also depend on the freshness of the yogurt that you use.
  • I do not recommend freezing quark since its texture might then change.
    • But if you insist, place the quark in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. When you're ready to use it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. After thawing, give it a good stir before enjoying. Frozen quark is best used in recipes like smoothies or baked goods rather than for direct consumption.