Kaiserschmarrn, often referred to as the Emperor's Mess in the English speaking world, is one of Austria’s most cherished desserts. The fluffy and caramelized shredded pancake comes with powdered sugar and a side of fruit compote, typically plum. Originally made for Emperor Franz Joseph I, various legends surround its origin.
What is Kaiserschmarrn?
What is Kaiserschmarrn?Kaiserschmarrn, or Kaiserschmarren, combines the words “Kaiser” (meaning emperor) and “Schmarrn” (meaning mess in Bavarian and Austrian dialects). The dish is essentially a light and fluffy pancake torn into bite-sized pieces. It is topped with powdered sugar and often garnished with rum-soaked raisins, plum compote or powidl (Austrian plum preserve). While typically served as a dessert, it’s also enjoyed as a satisfying lunch or dinner in Alpine inns, and is often found on restaurant menus across Austria, Bavaria, and the former Austro-Hungarian regions.
Is Kaiserschmarrn Austrian or German?
Kaiserschmarrn is distinctly Austrian, originating in the mid-19th century at the court of Emperor Franz Joseph I in Vienna. While it’s also popular in southern Germany and the Alps, its roots and name (“Emperor’s Schmarrn”) are tied directly to Austrian imperial cuisine. In short — Germany adopted it, but Austria invented it.
Learn To Prepare Kaiserschmarren When In Vienna![]()
Next door to the Johann Strauss Museum chef Thomas Edlinger is on a mission: Passing on his Kaiserschmarren expertise to the next generation of independent travellers. In his family run restaurant he regularly teaches a handful of participants how to create a real 'schmarrn' (aka mess). I remember my own futile attempts at making a truly fluffy Kaiserschmarren. Hence why I recommend to steepen your learning curve by looking over Thomas' shoulder. And then enjoy your Kaiserschmarren in his lovely green restaurant courtyard. Find out more.
Where To Get Kaiserschmarrn in Vienna
If you're craving fluffy pancakes, I have listed my favourite spots that I have tried with my friends and family. They may come up if you google kaiserschmarrn in meiner nähe (kaiserschmarrn near me) in Vienna.
1. Demel
Demel excels at preparing Kaiserschmarrn because it combines traditional Viennese pastry craftsmanship with premium ingredients and meticulous techniques, resulting in a fluffy, caramelized texture. The historic patisserie has served the dish since the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, when it catered to the imperial court. Demel’s culinary technique for Kaiserschmarrn follows the classic Viennese method but with refined pastry skills: they beat the egg whites separately until stiff and fold them gently into the yolk–flour–milk batter for extra airiness. The mixture is cooked slowly in plenty of butter until set, then torn into irregular pieces and caramelized in the pan with sugar. Finally, they serve it warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar and traditional accompaniments like Zwetschkenröster (plum compote).
Location: Kohlmarkt 14, 1010 Vienna (in July and August they tend to run a stall at the Film and Food Festival in front of the City Hall)
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: daily, 10 am to 7 pm
2. Cafe Central
Just beneath the eyes of Emperor Franz Joseph’s oil painting, Café Central offers a refined take on this dessert in its historic, opulent surroundings. It is one of Vienna’s most famous coffeehouses. Their version is served with traditional accompaniments and is perfect for enjoying the classic atmosphere of a Viennese café. Café Central is operated by Palais Events and located inside Palais Ferstel, a palatial mansion house inspired by Venetian Trecento-era architecture.
Location: Herrengasse/Strauchgasse, 1010 Vienna
Opening Hours: MON–SUN: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
3. Heindl’s Schmarren & Palatschinkenkuchl
Vienna’s family-run confectioner empire Heindl boasts several types of this dish in its central dessert restaurant. Focussing on Schmarren and Palatschinken (crepes), the Original Wiener Kaiserschmarrn takes center stage. Following traditional recipes and using ingredients sourced 100% from Austria the Heindls truly hit it off. A worthy temptation, this dessert at Heindl’s embodies the authentic taste of Austria’s … shall we call it ingenuity? :-)
Location: Köllnerhofgasse 4, 1010 Vienna
Opening Hours: Daily 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
4. Ramasuri
With their "Karamellisiertes Kaos" Ramasuri offers a unique twist on the traditional Kaiserschmarren. Imagine a caramel-drizzled abstraction of a pancake with a nutty finish and a side of seasonal fruit. While it may not be the typical Schmarren you’re used to, its creative spin is definitely worth a try for those looking to explore new variations of this classic dessert.
Location: Praterstraße 19, 1020 Vienna
Opening Hours: MON–SAT: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, SUN & Public Holidays: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
5. 15 Süße Minuten
A local favourite, 15 Süße Minuten serves up a classic Kaiserschmarrn that is the best cure for a hangover. It’s generously dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by a choice of stewed plums, apricot jam, or apple sauce. Recently on Thursday 12/12/2024 they have celebrated their 12th Birthday.
Location: Favoritenstraße 45, 1040 Vienna
Opening Hours: MON–FRI: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm; SAT & SUN: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
For Online Orders: +4369915181960
For reservations for the Bistro Favoritenstraße: 0664 390 41 53
Kaiserschmarrn Rezept
For a classic Kaiserschmarrn recipe follow the steps below.
1. Ingredients
For the Kaiserschmarren, the required ingredients are;
- 6 eggs
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar
- 200 g flour / 1⅓ cup
- 350 ml milk / 1½ cups
- 2 tbsp raisins (depending on your choice)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar for the topping
- a dash rum
- about 50 g butter for frying / 1.7 oz
- some grated lemon rind
- pinch salt
- 1 tbsp butter shavings and crystal sugar for caramelising
- icing sugar and cinnamon for dusting
2. Recipe
Here is an authentic recipe, or Kaiserschmarrn Rezept original that you can try at home. This version serves 4 and takes about 45 minutes to prepare.
- Soak the raisins in rum for about 15 minutes to enhance their flavor.
- In a mixing bowl, combine egg yolks, milk, flour, grated lemon rind, and vanilla sugar, stirring until smooth.
- Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and crystal sugar until they form stiff peaks, then gently fold them into the batter.
- Melt the butter in a large, oven-proof frying pan over medium heat. Pour in the batter and sprinkle the soaked raisins over the top. Cook the bottom of the pancake until light brown.
- Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) and bake for about 6-8 minutes until the top turns golden brown.
- Using two forks, tear the pancake into small pieces. Sprinkle with granulated sugar and caramelize under the oven’s grill for a few moments until lightly crisped.
- Arrange the Kaiserschmarren on plates, dust with powdered sugar, and add a side of fruit compote or jam, such as plum or berry.
Toppings and Servings
For a classic presentation, serve Kaiserschmarrn Vienna on a large plate dusted with powdered sugar, along with a side of Zwetschgenröster (plum compote). Other popular accompaniments include applesauce, lingonberry jam, and berry compote, which add a tangy contrast to the pancake’s sweetness. Some modern twists even include chocolate shavings or almond slivers for added texture, elevating both flavor and appearance. For an extra indulgent touch, a drizzle of warm caramel or a splash of rum in the fruit compote can add a subtle richness. The result is a versatile dish that works just as well for a comforting brunch treat as it does for a sweet finale to any Viennese meal.
What Is A Fun Fact Behind Kaiserschmarrn?
There are many colourful stories about the origins of kaiserschmarrn wien, all linking it to Emperor Franz Joseph I (1830–1916). One popular tale tells of a time when the Emperor’s wife, Empress Sissi, asked the royal chef to prepare only light dishes for her. When presented with this dish, she found it too rich and refused to eat it. The Emperor, however, sampled the dish and enjoyed it so much that he finished his portion and even hers! Thus, the “Emperor’s Mess” was born. Another tale suggests that a flustered cook accidentally botched a pancake while cooking for the Emperor. To salvage the dish, he tore it up, added butter and sugar, and presented it to the Kaiser, who reportedly loved it. True or not, these stories have cemented its connection to the Austrian Imperial court and its popularity as a staple of Austrian cuisine.
Why Try Kaiserschmarrn?
Whether in Thomas Edlinger's courtyard or at home, biting into Kaiserschmarren offers a taste of Austria’s Imperial history and its enduring love for simple, hearty, and delicious food. With its fluffy texture, crispy edges, and a touch of sweetness, it captures the essence of Austrian culture. Remember that Kaiserschmarrn isn’t just a delightful dessert. Just like Guglhupf, Kaiserschmarrn offers bite of history that brings the grandeur of imperial Vienna right into your kitchen.
