{Kaiserschmarren} Austrian Pancakes Recipe — Salt & Wind Travel (2024)

  • BY Hilary Merzbacher
  • PublishedFebruary 1, 2016
  • Updated April 21, 2023

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When it comes to Austrian sweets, you probably think of elaborate strudel-wrapped pastries, precious marzipan confections, or the iconic Sachertorte, which originated in Vienna’s most exclusive hotel. But when I moved to Vienna last January, these elaborate treats weren’t exactly the ones I craved. To ease my transition into my life abroad, and to counteract the incredibly chilly, gray weather, I wanted something warm, unfussy, and most of all, über-comforting.

It turns out that Kaiserschmarren — essentially a fluffy, shredded pancake — was just the ticket. And although I was first introduced to this classic recipe at the famous Cafe Landtmann, it’s easy to recreate at home. The light batter, studded with rum-soaked raisins, comes together quickly and is baked into a single, jumbo-sized pancake.

Then, comes the game changer — the whole thing is torn into bite-sized, pillowy pieces and sautéed until the rough edges are caramelized and ready to accept a generous dusting of confectioners’ sugar. Often served directly in the pan, with a side of applesauce, Kaiserschmarren is comfort food at is finest — it’s warm, just indulgent enough, and can be whipped up from simple pantry ingredients whenever a craving strikes.

Gostock up on all your cooking essentialsthen head into the kitchen, make this, and share it with us bytagging@saltandwindand#swsocietyon social!

{Kaiserschmarren} Austrian Pancakes Recipe — Salt & Wind Travel (1)

{Kaiserschmarren} Austrian Pancakes Recipe — Salt & Wind Travel (2)

{Kaiserschmarren} Austrian Rum-Raisin Shredded Pancake Recipe

Kaiserschmarren essentially is a fluffy, shredded pancake made with rum, raisin, and goodness.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Austrian

Diet Vegetarian

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 385 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 2 tablespoons aged rum
  • 5 large eggs separated
  • 1 cup milk (can use almond milk)
  • 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
  • Pinch kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanila bean paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Confectioners' sugar plus apple sauce, jam, stewed fruit, or fresh fruit, for serving

Instructions

  • Make The Custard:Heat the oven to 400ºF and arrange a rack in the middle. Combine the raisins and rum in a small bowl and set aside.

    Whisk the egg yolks, milk, flour, salt, vanilla and lemon zest together in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth then set aside to stand for 10 minutes.

  • Whip The Egg Whites:In a second bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on medium-low speed until frothy, about 2 minutes. Add the sugar, increase the mixer to medium and beat until glossy, soft peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes more.

    Stir one-third of the egg whites into the yolk mixture until fully combined. Then gently fold the remaining egg whites into the yolk mixture until fully incorporated.

  • Bake The Pancake:In a 12-inch ovenproof frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat until foam subsides. Swirl the pan to distribute the butter, then pour in the batter and sprinkle the raisins and any remaining rum over the surface. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until top is puffed, and both sides are golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes.

  • Cut Up The Pancake And Serve:Remove the pan from the oven and divide the pancake into rough 1 to 2-inch pieces using spatula or two forks. Return the pan to the stove and cook the Kaiserschmarren over medium heat, tossing frequently until the torn edges are caramelized, about 5 minutes more.

    Remove the pan from the heat and dust generously with confectioners’ sugar. Serve with applesauce, jam or fruit, as desired.

PERSONAL NOTES

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Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 13gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 255mgSodium: 116mgPotassium: 290mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 611IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Classic Austrian dessert

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About The Author

{Kaiserschmarren} Austrian Pancakes Recipe — Salt & Wind Travel (9)

Hilary Merzbacher

Hilary is a former New York City food editor who recently made the leap across the pond to join her winemaker husband in Vienna, Austria. When she's not busy working at the familywinery, you’ll find her in the kitchen, trying to master yet another classic Austrian recipe.

Posts By This Author →

{Kaiserschmarren} Austrian Pancakes Recipe — Salt & Wind Travel (10)

Hilary Merzbacher

Hilary is a former New York City food editor who recently made the leap across the pond to join her winemaker husband in Vienna, Austria. When she's not busy working at the familywinery, you’ll find her in the kitchen, trying to master yet another classic Austrian recipe.

View Posts By This Author →

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{Kaiserschmarren} Austrian Pancakes Recipe — Salt & Wind Travel (2024)

FAQs

What is Kaiserschmarrn made of? ›

Kaiserschmarren is a light, caramelized pancake made from a sweet batter using flour, eggs, sugar, salt, and milk, fried in butter.

Do you cook Kaiserschmarrn in the oven or pan? ›

You can prepare Kaiserschmarrn in the oven as well. Use a skillet or oven-proof pan. In that case, cook the Kaiserschmarrn in the oven for about 10 - 15 minutes at 180 °C / 350 °F. Using a spatula or a fork tear the pancake into bite-sized pieces and finish the recipe on the stove.

When was Kaiserschmarrn invented? ›

There are many legends on the origins of Kaiserschmarrn. Wikipedia provides the most fanciful legend surrounding its creation by the Austro-Hungarian monarchy in the days of the Empire. It is generally agreed that the dish was first prepared for the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I (1830–1916).

How to make homemade pancakes Paula Deen? ›

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and baking powder. Stir in the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Pour ¼ cup of pancake batter for each pancake onto the griddle. Cook until the edges start to set and the pancakes are golden-brown underneath.

What does the name Kaiserschmarrn mean? ›

The name means “imperial mess” in German. The story goes that a frazzled farmer created the dish in a tizzy when Austria's Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife showed up hungry at his home.

How long should pancakes be on the stove? ›

Cook, until bubbles break the surface of the pancakes, and the undersides are golden brown, about 2 minutes. Flip with a spatula and cook about 1 minute more on the second side. Serve immediately or transfer to a platter and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Who invented German pancakes? ›

More About the Origin

This was a family-run restaurant that belonged to Victor Manca and was situated in Seattle, Washington. And although these pancakes are typically obtained from the German pancake dish, it's believed that one of Victor Manca's daughters coined the name Dutch baby.

Who ate the first pancake? ›

600 BC - The first recorded mention of pancakes dates back to ancient Greece and comes from a poet who described warm pancakes in one of his writings. 1100 AD – Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day) becomes a traditional way to use up dairy products before lent – the pancake breakfast is born.

What were pancakes originally called? ›

People began using the word “pancake” during the 15th century, and the word became standard in 19th century America. Previously, people referred to them as Indian cakes, hoe cakes, johnnycakes, journey cakes, buckwheat cakes, griddle cakes, and flapjacks. Early American pancakes were made with buckwheat or cornmeal.

Why do you put milk instead of water in pancakes? ›

Can I Use Water Instead of Milk in Pancakes? Milk adds both flavor and texture to pancake batter, so if you are looking to make pancakes without milk, a simple swap to water doesn't always do the trick. For pancakes made without milk, you'll want to add some flavor through melted butter and vanilla extract.

What is Japanese pancake made of? ›

At their base okonomiyaki consist of flour, water, egg, and shredded cabbage which is mixed into a batter and cooked similar to a pancakes on a grill until both sides are golden brown, crispy and good! They are so easy to make!

What is a Dutch baby pancake made of? ›

Eggs and milk: This light and fluffy Dutch baby recipe starts with two eggs whisked with milk. Flour: All-purpose flour lends structure and helps hold the batter together. Seasonings: These sweet Dutch babies are flavored with nutmeg and a pinch of salt.

What is Swedish pancakes made of? ›

The batter for Swedish pancakes contains a higher ratio of milk, butter, and eggs to flour, resulting in something that's lighter and fluffier than crêpes. Swedish pancakes are also traditionally served with jam (lingonberry or strawberry) and whipped cream, although these days, anything goes.

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