There has been a growing interest in culinary tourism, where people seek out unique and innovative food experiences. Cafes, especially those with a focus on artisanal coffee and creative desserts, become destinations for locals and tourists. People often share Instagrammable pictures of their food and dining experiences, creating a trend of sharing aesthetically pleasing and enticing images of coffee and desserts.
Some popular Austrian desserts, such as Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel, have gained global popularity and are enjoyed worldwide. So on your visit, make sure to try one of these delightful desserts and pastries on our lists.
1. Sachertorte
Does it look yummy? The entire cake is coated in a smooth and glossy chocolate glaze, giving it a polished and elegant appearance. The glaze not only adds to the visual appeal but also enhances the overall chocolatey experience. It is considered a symbol of Austrian culinary tradition and is often associated with Vienna’s coffeehouse culture. It has become a symbol of high-quality Austrian desserts and is enjoyed both locally and internationally. Sachertorte is often presented with the word “Sacher” written in chocolate on top, creating a distinctive and elegant appearance.
2. Apfelstrudel
The star of Apfelstrudel is its apple-filling. The apples are thinly sliced and mixed with sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes raisins or nuts. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors creates a well-balanced and comforting taste. it is wrapped in thin layers of flaky pastry dough. The thin layers create a delicate, crispy texture that contrasts with the soft filling and is often served with accompaniments such as vanilla sauce, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These additions enhance the overall experience by providing a creamy and indulgent element.
3. Linzer Torte
One of the defining characteristics of Linzer Torte is its nutty crust. Typically made with ground almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts, the crust adds a rich and nutty flavor to the dessert. The nuts also contribute to the crumbly texture of the crust. Strips of the nutty dough are arranged in a crisscross pattern, creating an attractive and intricate lattice that not only adds to the visual appeal but also allows the filling to peek through. Traditionally, Linzer Torte is filled with red currant jam. The tartness of the red currants balances the sweetness of the crust, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.
4. Kaiserschmarrn (Scrambled Pancake)
Kaiserschmarrn is essentially a shredded or torn pancake. The pancake batter is cooked until it forms a large, fluffy pancake, which is then torn into smaller, irregular pieces during the cooking process. The torn pancake pieces are often caramelized to achieve a golden-brown exterior. This caramelization adds a delightful sweetness and a slightly crispy texture to the dish. It is frequently studded with raisins and, in some variations, chopped nuts. The final touch is a generous dusting of powdered sugar. This not only adds a sweet finish but also contributes to the dessert’s visual appeal.
5. Topfenstrudel (Curd/ Cheese Strudel)
The key ingredient that sets Topfenstrudel apart is the filling made with Topfen. Topfen is a type of quark or curd cheese, similar to cottage cheese or cream cheese. While Topfen itself has a tangy quality, the filling is sweetened with sugar and often enhanced with vanilla or lemon zest. Like other strudels, Topfenstrudel is enveloped in a thin and flaky pastry dough. The dough is typically stretched or rolled thin to achieve a delicate and light texture, providing a perfect complement to the creamy filling. Some variations of Topfenstrudel may include raisins or chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts.
