Butter, nuts, fruit and all that sugar! Join me as we celebrate the best of Austrian baking with this list of 21 must-try desserts, perfect for cozy nights and sweet celebrations.
1. Krapfen (Austrian Jam Filled Donuts)
You will spot these donuts frequently at various celebrations. They reach peak popularity during Faschingsdienstag, which is their Mardi Gras.
Traditional versions usually contain apricot jam fillings. You can stuff them with whatever you want though. A simple dusting of powdered sugar tastes great on its own too.
2. Sacher Torte
This ranks among the most renowned chocolate cakes in existence. A teenage apprentice created it for the State Chancellor long ago. It has a massive following today.
The flavor is incredibly rich and sinful. You usually eat it with whipped cream to balance the intensity.
3. Topfenknödel (Austrian Topfen Dumplings)
Think of these as miniature cheesecake morsels. I ate half a batch recently because they are dangerous to keep around.
Recipes usually call for quark or cheese curds rather than cream cheese. Silken tofu works as a substitute if you cannot locate those ingredients.
4. Marillenkuchen (Austrian Apricot Cake)
European sweets often highlight fresh fruit instead of heavy frosting. This apricot cake is a prime example.
It uses eggs rather than baking powder for lift. That slow rise prevents the fruit chunks from dropping to the bottom.
5. Vanillekipferl (Austrian Vanilla Crescent Cookies)
You probably recognize these dainty vanilla cookies. They look familiar and are simple to bake.
The dough is an enriched shortbread style. It uses eggs and ground nuts to create a super tender texture.
6. Linzer Torte Recipe
This dish comes from the city of Linz. It is incredibly nutty and buttery. You fill it with tart raspberry jam.
The dough is crucial because there isn’t much filling volume, so a dry mix ruins the experience.
7. Apple Strudel Recipe
Authentic versions require specific dough rather than standard pastry. You must stretch this bread-like mixture until it becomes transparent.
Rolling it up burrito-style creates those signature flaky layers.
8. Cremeschnitten (Austrian Cream Slices)
People in France call this mille-feuille while Russians know it as Napoleon cake. It features thick vanilla custard between crumbly pastry sheets.
Do not use boxed pudding mix here. Scratch baking makes a huge difference in the final taste.
9. Kletzenbrot Recipe (Christmas Fruit Bread)
Consider this option for your holiday table if you want something unique. It serves as a special alternative to standard desserts.
This rye bread contains light spices. You pack it full of dried fruits and nuts.
10. Austrian Buchteln (Sweet Yeast Rolls)
These yeast rolls look like savory bread without the powdered sugar dusting. They actually taste good with chicken if you skip the sweetness.
An apricot filling transforms them completely. I love them best covered in creamy vanilla sauce.
11. Kaiserschmarrn (Scrambled Pancake)
We also call this the emperor’s pancake. Cooking it is a fun activity for children.
You tear the cooked pancake apart gently with wooden spatulas. Frying the pieces in butter and sugar creates golden caramelization.
12. Salzburger Nockerl
Imagine an Austrian version of fruit cobbler. You place a layer of berry jam at the base. A light meringue mixture goes on top.
The batter includes flour to provide a spongy consistency.
13. Topfenstrudel (Quark Strudel or Cheese Strudel)
This reminds me of a humble Yorkshire curd tart. It is sweet and fruity with interesting textures.
You wrap the filling inside the pastry casing rather than using a shell. Plump raisins and cheese curds make it unforgettable.
14. Traditional Gugelhupf (Kugelhopf)
It resembles a bundt cake externally. Cutting inside reveals a yeast dough structure similar to bread.
The preparation involves rolling and filling it like a cinnamon roll. You wrap that roll around the pan to create delicate inner layers.
15. Homemade Mozartkugeln
This treat is perfect for involving kids in the kitchen. Melting chocolate is the hardest part of the process.
Children enjoy molding the marzipan into fun shapes. It is a great family activity.
16. Palatschinken (Austrian Crêpes)
These sit comfortably in the middle of the pancake spectrum. They are not too thick or thin. You can top them with caramel or fruit jams.
They cover the entire pan bottom unlike French crêpes.
17. Classic Austrian Linzer Cookies
These buttery biscuits are absolutely fantastic. Vibrant raspberry jam fills the center. The cutout window gives them a distinct appearance.
Sandwiching two whole cookies together works if you
18. Marillenknödel (Austrian Apricot Dumplings)
Apricots are a major crop in southern Austria. You see them frequently in local recipes.
This dish uses the fruit almost whole. That preserves texture better than using mushy jam.
19. Dampfnudeln / Germknödel (Sweet Dumplings)
Describing this dish is somewhat tricky. It is a sweet dumpling made with yeast.
No proofing time is required. You fill them with plum jam and steam them before serving with custard.
20. Austrian Polsterzipf with Topfen Dough
I enjoy eating these pastries for breakfast. The flaky texture helps wake me up.
You fill them with tasty fruit jam and fry them golden brown. Premade pie dough works if you are rushing.