We have made this strawberry smoothie for years because it is ready in a minute and the quark makes it creamy rather than watery. That is what sets it apart from fruit-only smoothies.
Quark softens the fruit’s acidity and supplies protein. Without quark, the smoothie is thin and separates into juice and pulp after 10 minutes. With quark, it stays evenly blended and keeps you full for longer.
Why low-fat quark works better than full-fat quark
We use low-fat quark with 10 % fat in dry matter because full-fat quark with 40 % fat in dry matter makes the smoothie too heavy. It also masks the strawberry flavour and creates a claggy texture. Low-fat quark provides enough body without overwhelming the fruit.
The ratio that works for us is 250 g quark to 500 g strawberries. More quark makes the smoothie yoghurt-like, while less does not provide enough body.
Speed 10 for 1 minute, not less
A full 1 minute at speed 10 is the minimum for a completely smooth drink. After 30 seconds, small pieces of quark and fruit remain. Even 45 seconds is borderline; at 60 seconds the mixture is consistently creamy.
Halve the strawberries first. Whole berries take longer to purée and can leave fibrous pieces behind. Halved strawberries blend completely after 1 minute at speed 10.
Leave out the sugar or replace it with dates
The 80 g sugar in the recipe is optional. Fully ripe strawberries may not need any sugar at all, while underripe or tart berries need some sweetness to avoid a flat flavour.
Dates work well as a substitute. Blend 4 to 5 pitted dates, around 60 g, with the remaining ingredients. They add a malty sweetness rather than the clean sweetness of sugar and make the smoothie even thicker.
Use frozen strawberries straight from the freezer
Frozen strawberries work just as well and do not need to be thawed. Add them straight to the mixing bowl and blend as usual. The smoothie will be colder and thicker, almost like soft-serve. If it is too firm, add 50 g more water.
Frozen strawberries may need 10 to 15 seconds longer at speed 10. Check the texture after 1 minute. If you can still see pieces of ice, blend for another 15 seconds at speed 10.
Drink immediately; do not store
The smoothie oxidises quickly. After 2 hours in the fridge, its colour turns brown and the flavour becomes flat. If you need to prepare it ahead, fill sealable glasses right to the top and press out the air to slow oxidation. Freshly blended and served immediately is still best.
Freezing does not work. Quark separates as it thaws, leaving the smoothie grainy and watery.
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Quick Strawberry Quark Smoothie with the Thermomix®
Ingredients 0 / 4 ✓
- 500 g strawberries
- 80 g sugar
- 250 g Low-fat quark (10 % fat in dry matter)
- 100 g water
Instructions 0 / 3
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1
Prepare the strawberries.
Wash, hull and halve the strawberries, then place them in the mixing bowl.
- 500 g strawberries
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2
Blend the smoothie.
Add the remaining ingredients and blend for 1 minute / speed 10.
- 80 g sugar
- 250 g Low-fat quark (10 % fat in dry matter)
- 100 g water
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3
Serve the strawberry smoothie.
Pour into glasses and serve.
Tip: Use dates instead of sugar to sweeten the smoothie.
Video
Recipe equipment Affiliate
Nutrition per serving
More Thermomix® drinks: Thermomix® strawberry liqueur, banana milk and iced chocolate.
