Kaiserschmarrn, often referred to as the Emperor's Mess in the English speaking world, is one of Austria’s most cherished desserts. This 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 Originally made for Emperor Franz Joseph I, various legends surround its origin.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’s for sure, Austria continues to love its 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.
Best Kaiserschmarrn Restaurants 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. Cafe Pavillon
Cafe pavillon is located near the stunning Schönbrunn Palace, and a must-visit for Kaiserschmarren lovers. They serve their iconic dish with plum compote and a fine Viennese Melange, a perfect combination. You can customise it with or without raisins, and the optional toppings like apple sauce or whipped cream to elevate the experience. For more information, visit their website
Location: Schönbrunn Palace park, 1130 Vienna
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Sat–Sun: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bookings: Book Here
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
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 Serving
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 the Story Behind Kaiserschmarrn Dessert Origin?
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.
A Dish for All Seasons
Whether in a Viennese café 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 is a treat that captures the essence of Austrian culture. Remember that Kaiserschmarrn isn’t just a delightful dessert—it’s a bite of history that brings the grandeur of imperial Vienna right into your kitchen. Whether you prefer a classic version drizzled with powdered sugar or a creative spin garnished with fresh fruit, enjoying a plate of this sweet ‘Emperor’s Mess’ is sure to make any occasion feel special. So, take your skillet, whisk those eggs, and let Vienna’s old-world charm inspire every delicious spoonful.