Shredded pancakes Austrian-Bavarian style.
There are many stories about “Kaiserschmarren”, which is why it’s probably impossible to really know where it came from. Though, one thing to usually be the same in all the stories, its origin can be traced back to emperor of Austria Franz Joseph I. and his Bavarian wife Elisabeth.
One of the most often told stories state, emperor Franz Josef I. had a meal, created by his chef, which was not very much liked by the empress Elisabeth (Sissi), who was very conscious of her figure. The emperor liked the meal so much, it was soon called “Kaiserschmarren.” (Lit. translated to “emperor’s foolishness”)
How is this dish called in German?
The fluffy pancake dessert is called "Kaiserschmarren".
How to pronounce "Kaiserschmarren"?
Listen to this audio file to hear how to say "Kaiserschmarren" in German.
Kaiserschmarren (shredded fluffy pancake) is a well-known specialty out of the Bavarian and Austrian cuisine and belongs to the so-called “Süßspeisen” (swee dishes).
Kaiserschmarren is made out of pancake dough, mixed with whipped egg whites. Kaiserschmarren is baked flat, torn into little pieces, and served with powdered sugar sprinkled on top.
Authentic Kaiserschmarren Recipe
Kaiserschmarren (Shredded Pancakes)
Ingredients
- 2-4 tbsp. raisins optional to taste
- 3-4 tbsp. brown rum or apple juice depending on the amount of raisins
- 5 eggs
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp. butter plus ⅛ cup butter shavings
- 4 tbsp. powdered sugar or to taste
Instructions
- Soak raisins in rum or apple juice for about 20 minutes.
- Separate the eggs and place in two mixing bowls.
- Beat egg whites with salt until it forms a firm peak.
- Cream egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla.
- Add milk to the egg yolk mixture.
- Gradually whisk in the flour to the egg mixture and beat to a smooth batter.
- Stir in the drained raisins.
- Fold in egg whites.
- Melt butter in a large non-stick pan and pour in dough.
- Cook until light brown, then turn to the other side and fry until both sides are golden brown.
- Tear the pancake into small pieces, using two forks.
- Sprinkle butter shavings and powdered sugar on top and serve immediately.
Nutrition
How to Serve Kaiserschmarren?
Kaiserschmarren (shredded fluffy pancake) is a well-known specialty out of the Bavarian and Austrian cuisine and belongs to the so-called “Süßspeisen” (swee dishes).
Kaiserschmarren is made out of pancake dough, mixed with whipped egg whites. Kaiserschmarren is baked flat, torn into little pieces, and served with powdered sugar sprinkled on top.
