Classic Austrian Desserts To Try When You’re In Vienna

If you’ve ever met an Austrian, you’ll know that they take dessert time very seriously. The reason is clear, Austrian desserts have been around for centuries and have become a point of pride for the country. Many of these desserts have become widely known even outside of Austria, and you might have even heard of them already. While you’re visiting Vienna, you absolutely must sample these desserts, and also explore others on your own.

Linzer Torte

This dessert is named for the city of Linz and it made of a buttery, butty crust that is full of delicious tart raspberry jam. The shortbread crust is topped with the preserves and then topped with a lattice pattern on top. What makes the crust outstandingly delicious is the use of lemon zest, cinnamon, lemon juice, and nuts. While it is often eaten at Christmastime, it can be enjoyed year round.

Sachertorte

Sachertorte is a chocolate cake that was originally invented in 1832 by Franz Sacher in honor of Prince Metternich. It is comprised of a rich chocolate cake with a layer of apricot jam in the middle. The cake is then covered in dark chocolate icing and is served alongside whipped cream. Cafe Sacher, located in Sacher Hotel in Vienna claims that only they have the original Sachertorte. Meanwhile, rival cake makers Demel’s variation features the layer of jam on top, not in the middle of the cake. The cake at Demel is also denser. We recommend visiting both and deciding for yourself.

Apfelstrudel

Apfelstrudel is the traditional strudel that originated in Vienna but is also popular in Bavaria, Czech Republic, Northern Italy, Slovenia, and other countries that were once a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The pastry is made of a pastry jacket that is filled with apples, sugar, cinnamon, and often bread crumbs. It is frequently served with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, vanilla sauce, or custard. It’s also often enjoyed along with a coffee.

Marillenkuchen

Marillenkuchen is simple yet absolutely delicious. It is made up of a vanilla sponge cake that is made with eggs and thanks to a lack of baking powder and soda, it rises more slowly. This is necessary because then apricot halves are added, and it prevents the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the pan. The resulting cake features deliciously baked apricot in the center. It’s finished off with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Kaiserschmarrn

Kaiserschmarrn is a dish that was created for Austrian Kaiser (meaning Emperor) Franz Joseph I. It consists of lightly sweetened fluffy pancakes that are torn up or shredded up. The dish’s name literally means “Emperor’s mess,” due to the way the pancake is served. The pancake is slightly caramelized as the sweet batter is baked in butter. Once the pancake is ready, it is shredded up and served with nuts, fruits, and/or jam. It is often served along with a plum fruit compote.