This is a nostalgic favorite in Central Europe (often called Fanta-Kuchen or Mirinda szelet). The combination of the bright orange soda jelly, the creamy white cottage cheese (quark), and the dark cocoa sponge makes it look as good as it tastes.
Here is how to make these Soft & Fluffy Fanta Slices with a 2026 gourmet twist.
🛒 The Ingredients
The Cocoa Sponge:
- 5 Eggs
- 150g Sugar
- 100ml Oil
- 100ml Fanta (for extra fluffiness in the base)
- 200g Flour + 2 tbsp Cocoa powder
- 1 pack Baking powder
The Cottage Cheese Filling:
- 500g Cottage cheese (smooth/pressed) or Quark
- 200g Butter (softened)
- 150g Powdered sugar
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract + zest of half a lemon
The Fanta Jelly Topping:
- 700ml Fanta Orange
- 2 packs Vanilla pudding powder (the kind you cook)
- 2 tbsp Sugar
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. The Fluffy Base
Beat the eggs and sugar for at least 5 minutes until very pale and thick. Slowly pour in the oil and 100ml Fanta. Fold in the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa, baking powder). Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes on a sheet pan. Let it cool completely.
2. The Creamy Middle
Cream the softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla until white and fluffy. Stir in the cottage cheese (if it’s chunky, press it through a sieve first for that “delicate” texture) and lemon zest. Spread this evenly over the cooled sponge. Put it in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.
3. The Signature Orange Glow
Mix the pudding powder and 2 tbsp sugar with a little bit of the Fanta until smooth. Bring the rest of the Fanta to a boil, stir in the pudding mixture, and cook until it thickens (about 1 minute). Crucial: Let the jelly cool down until it is just lukewarm but still liquid, then pour it over the cheese layer.
🌟 3 Tips for Perfection
- The Temperature Gap: Never pour hot jelly onto the cheese filling, or the butter will melt and create a mess. It should be “hand-warm.”
- The “Fizzy” Secret: Using Fanta in the cake batter itself (Step 1) acts like a leavening agent. The carbonation creates tiny air bubbles, making the sponge exceptionally soft.
- The Overnight Rest: These slices are best served the next day. The moisture from the filling and the jelly seeps slightly into the sponge, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Why this is a 2026 Classic:
It’s a “reclaimed” vintage recipe. While we are more health-conscious today, this cake remains a beloved cheat-day treat because it balances the heavy creaminess of the cheese with the refreshing, zesty citrus top.