From the cafés of Vienna to the pastry shops of Salzburg, the traditional Austrian dessert is one of the most memorable in Europe. These classic recipes let you recreate those unforgettable flavors at home, and it's easier than you think.
Austrian desserts are known for their rich history, elegant appearance and delightful taste. Many of the recipes date back to Roman times and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, giving them strong links to Viennese cuisine and Austrian baking traditions.
If you've ever visited Vienna and stopped to look at the glass cases in a Viennese café, you'll know how serious Austrians take their sweets. I had this experience a few years ago when I was working with Viking Cruiseshonestly, the desserts alone are worth the trip.
What struck me most was that every place seemed to have its own version of the classic. One bakery offers a delicious spiced Linztorte, another a golden Salzburg Knocker and nearly all offer a slice of rich Sachertorte, the taste of which has not changed since the 19th century. These recipes are deeply ingrained in Austrian cuisine and have been enjoyed by generations.
I came home and wanted to recreate those same flavors, which is what inspired this review. Whether you're looking for a traditional Austrian dessert to bake for the holidays, a cozy weekend project, or just a little different from the usual cakes and cookies, these recipes are a great place to start.
Why we love these recipes
- Many Austrian desserts are made with basic ingredients like egg whites, egg yolks, vanilla extract, butter, flour and sugar, but they are transformed into some of the most beautiful desserts you have ever seen.
- The variety here ranges from light Salzburger Nockerl and buttery bite-sized cookies to richly layered cakes like Sacher Torte and Linzer Torte.
- One of my favorite things about these delicious desserts is how versatile they are. Some are perfect as a dessert option after a main course, while others are perfect for lunchtime with coffee.
Let me know which recipes you decide to try! Sacher Torte is considered by many to be the most famous Austrian dessert. The original recipe was invented by Franz Sacher, a 16-year-old apprentice while working at the court of Prince Metternich in Vienna.
I recommend starting with Linzer cookies. You really can't mess them up!
1
Raspberry Linzer Tart Cookies
These buttery Linz tart cookies sandwich a sweet raspberry filling between delicate hollow cookies, a classic Austrian dessert inspired by the famous Linz cake.
2
Sacher Torte Recipe
This rich chocolate cake is layered with apricot jam and finished with smooth chocolate icing for a classic Viennese dessert. Inspired by the original Sachertorte from the Sacher Hotel and Sacher Café, it is one of the most famous Austrian desserts of all time.
3
Pear cheese tart with raisins
This flaky pastry dough is filled with sweet pears, cream cheese and raisins for a comforting traditional Austrian dessert. It tastes like something straight out of a cozy Viennese café.
4
Vanier Kipfer
These buttery crescent cookies are a favorite Austrian dessert during festivals and carnival. Made with vanilla sugar and peanuts, they melt in your mouth.
5
apple pie
This classic Austrian apple pie features flaky pastry dough surrounding a spicy apple pie filling. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate sweet treat.
6
Salzburg Knocker Recipe
This famous Salzburg dessert is a light, fluffy, sweet pancake made with egg whites whipped until a beautiful golden brown. Salzburger Nockerl is one of the most iconic Austrian desserts, usually served hot with fruit preserves or plum preserves.
7
Almond Cream Cake (Malakoff Cake)
This elegant Austrian cream cake layers delicate cookies with a rich cream filling for a beautiful special dessert. This is a traditional Viennese dessert and a classic choice often found in Austrian cafes.
8
Austrian yeast sweet rolls (Sourdough Buchteln)
These soft yeast dumplings are filled with jam and baked until golden brown for a comforting Austrian dessert. Delicious with vanilla sauce or fruit preserves.
9
Linz cake
Linz cake is one of the oldest and most popular Austrian desserts. Made with buttery pastry dough, ground hazelnuts, lemon zest and red currants, this traditional Austrian dessert has been loved since the 17th century.
10
Ischler – Austrian shortbread, chocolate and apricots
These chocolate-covered Austrian shortbread cookies are filled with a layer of apricot jam for a hearty, bite-sized dessert. They are a beautiful example of the classic Viennese baking tradition.
11
Moist Austrian Vegan Marble Cake
Every slice of this soft marble bundt cake has beautiful vanilla and chocolate swirls. This is a simple Austrian dessert that's perfect to accompany a delicious cup of coffee any time of day.
Many Austrian desserts are served with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, plum preserves, fresh fruit or vanilla sauce, depending on the recipe. I also always serve dessert with a cup of decaf coffee. I hope you enjoyed this list of my favorite Austrian desserts.
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