Kaiserschmarrn – Emperor’s Torn Pancakes

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links—at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us continue creating delicious recipes and sharing our love of German cuisine.

Kaiserschmarrn: A Sweet and Simple Delight

Kaiserschmarrn is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a classic Austrian dessert that’s simple to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for any time of day. I’ve always loved the rustic charm of Kaiserschmarrn—the way it’s torn into pieces and served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a variety of delicious toppings. It’s the kind of dish that feels cozy and indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare at home.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

My Love for Kaiserschmarrn

I first encountered Kaiserschmarrn during my travels in Germany and Austria, and I was instantly hooked – and I’m not even a big dessert person! There’s something so comforting about the combination of fluffy, slightly caramelized pancake pieces and sweet toppings. It quickly became one of my favorite treats, and I would make it at home whenever I wanted something special but not too complicated. I think it isn’t overly sweet – even though it sounds like it might be, and that is also one of the things I’ve always loved about German and Austrian desserts. Many American desserts are much too sweet for me. A dessert like this relies on the quality of the ingredients more than the amount of sugar.

Despite its popularity in Austria and Germany, Kaiserschmarrn was never a dish I served in any of the restaurants where I worked. It’s one of those homey, nostalgic dishes that’s best enjoyed in a relaxed setting—whether you’re in a cozy mountain cabin or simply in your own kitchen. That’s one of the things I love most about it: Kaiserschmarrn is easy to make, and you don’t need any special ingredients or equipment to enjoy this delicious treat.

The Versatility of Kaiserschmarrn

One of the great things about Kaiserschmarrn is its versatility. While it’s traditionally served as a dessert, it can also be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or even as a light dinner. In Austria and Germany, it’s not uncommon to see people enjoying Kaiserschmarrn with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet treat in the afternoon.

The dish itself is made from a simple batter, similar to pancake batter, which is cooked in a skillet until golden brown. The key difference is that instead of flipping the pancake whole, you tear it into bite-sized pieces while it’s still in the pan. This creates a mix of textures, with some pieces being soft and fluffy, while others are crispy and caramelized.

Another reason Kaiserschmarrn is so beloved is the variety of toppings you can pair with it. Traditionally, it’s served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of plum compote, but you can get creative with your toppings. Fresh berries, applesauce, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce are all fantastic options. The possibilities are endless, and you can easily tailor the dish to your personal taste.

Making Kaiserschmarrn at Home

If you’ve never made Kaiserschmarrn before, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require much time or effort. The ingredients are simple—eggs, flour, milk, sugar, and butter—but the result is something truly special. The batter comes together quickly, and the cooking process is fun and easy.

Here’s how to make Kaiserschmarrn at home, just like I do.

Ingredients:

Eggs: 4 large, separated
Granulated Sugar: 2 tbsp
All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup/120 g
Milk: 1 cup/240 ml
Vanilla Extract: 1 tsp
Salt: ¼ tsp
Butter: 3 tbsp (for cooking)
Powdered Sugar: For dusting
Optional Toppings: Plum compote, applesauce, fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce

Instructions:

Prepare the Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
Gradually add the flour and milk, alternating between the two, and whisk until you have a smooth batter. Stir in the salt.

Beat the Egg Whites:

In a separate, clean bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This step is important for giving the Kaiserschmarrn its light and fluffy texture.
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter, being careful not to deflate them. The batter should be light and airy.

Cook the Kaiserschmarrn:

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, pour in half of the batter, spreading it evenly in the pan.
Cook the batter for about 4-5 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and the top is starting to set. You can lift the edge slightly with a spatula to check the color.
Using two spatulas or forks, tear the pancake into bite-sized pieces. Add another tablespoon of butter to the pan, and continue to cook the pieces, tossing them gently, until they are golden brown on all sides. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Serve:

Transfer the cooked Kaiserschmarrn pieces to a serving plate and dust generously with powdered sugar.
Serve immediately with your choice of toppings, such as plum compote, applesauce, fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce. Enjoy while warm.

Popular Toppings for Kaiserschmarrn

While Kaiserschmarrn is delicious on its own, the toppings you choose can elevate the dish to a whole new level. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

Plum Compote: The traditional pairing, plum compote adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the rich, buttery pancake pieces. You can make your own by simmering fresh or dried plums with a bit of sugar and water until soft.
Applesauce: A classic choice, applesauce provides a mild sweetness that complements the flavor of the Kaiserschmarrn without overpowering it.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries—whatever is in season works beautifully. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the pancake.
Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a creamy richness to the dish. For an extra indulgent touch, you can flavor the whipped cream with a bit of vanilla or cinnamon.
Chocolate Sauce: If you’re a chocolate lover, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over your Kaiserschmarrn is pure heaven. It’s a bit more decadent, but worth it for a special treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make Kaiserschmarrn ahead of time?

Kaiserschmarrn is best enjoyed fresh, right after it’s cooked. The texture is at its best when it’s warm and crispy. However, if you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two. To reheat, warm the pieces in a skillet over low heat until heated through and slightly crispy again.

2. What other toppings can I use?

Kaiserschmarrn is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with your toppings. Some other popular options include a dusting of cinnamon sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

3. Can I make Kaiserschmarrn gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to use a blend that’s suitable for baking, as this will give you the best texture.

4. What’s the origin of Kaiserschmarrn?

Kaiserschmarrn has its roots in Austria, where it’s believed to have been created for Emperor Franz Joseph I, hence the name “Kaiser” (meaning emperor) and “Schmarrn” (meaning a mess or scramble). It’s a beloved dish in both Austria and Germany and is often enjoyed as a dessert or a hearty snack.

5. Is Kaiserschmarrn only a dessert?

While Kaiserschmarrn is traditionally served as a dessert, it’s also commonly eaten for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon snack. Its light, fluffy texture and sweet flavor make it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day.