Top 10 Austrian Desserts & Sweets

Heritage Web
Heritage Digest
Published in
8 min readJun 3, 2023

Indulge in the delicacies of Austria, where scrumptious desserts are a cornerstone of its renowned cuisine. From the iconic Topfenknödel to melt-in-your-mouth Linzer cookies, Austrian sweets and desserts offer something for everyone.

These treats will take you on an adventure of flavor, whether it be a tropical paradise or a creamy dreamland. No matter your preference — fruity or custard-based these — delicacies are sure to satisfy your sugary cravings!

So let’s get started and explore the delicious world of Austrian sweets and desserts.

1. Salzburger Nockerl

If you’re a fan of sweet, fluffy desserts, then you simply have to try Salzburger Nockerl! This divine Austrian specialty, dubbed after the city of Salzburg, is guaranteed to tantalize your palate and leave you wanting more! It’s a show-stopping delight that will wow all who try it.

Picture three towering peaks of cloud-like meringue served on a bed of warm raspberry sauce… Sounds amazing, right? Well, that’s exactly what you’ll see when Salzburger Nockerl is brought to your table. And don’t worry, it’s not just pretty to look at — the flavor is absolutely divine.

So, next time you’re in Austria, make sure to add Salzburger Nockerl to your culinary bucket list!

2. Topfenstrudel

There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Topfenstrudel. This delicious pastry hails from Austria and is made from a sweet dough that is wrapped around a filling of creamy quark cheese, sugar, and cinnamon. The final result is a crispy, flaky pastry that is simply heavenly.

Indulge in the deliciousness of Topfenstrudel for any event — from intimate dinner parties to self-care days, it’s sure to wow your taste buds and impress your guests! And the best part? Making Topfenstrudel is surprisingly easy, as long as you have a little bit of patience and a lot of love.

So why not give it a try?

3. Sacher Torte

Indulge in the sweet and decadent world of Sacher Torte! This beloved Austrian dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. With its rich chocolate cake layers and smooth apricot jam filling, every bite is a heavenly experience.

Legend has it that the original recipe was created by a young apprentice named Franz Sacher back in the early 1800s for Prince Wenzel von Metternich. Today, the Sacher Torte is a trademarked recipe exclusively served at the Hotel Sacher in Vienna, where it’s enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. Its popularity has even sparked numerous imitations, but nothing quite matches the luxurious taste and texture of the original.

Indulge yourself with a slice of this delectable delight and your taste buds will be immensely grateful!

4. Marillenkuchen

Craving something sweet that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than Marillenkuchen! This delightful Austrian treat is known for its light, fluffy texture and its sweet, tangy flavor.

Made with fresh apricots and a soft, buttery cake, Marillenkuchen is the perfect dessert for those hot summer afternoons. Each bite is a burst of juicy apricot flavor, mingled with the delicate sweetness of the cake.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Just whip up a quick batter, slice up some apricots, and bake it to perfection. Whether serving it at a dinner party or just indulging in a slice all by yourself, Marillenkuchen is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and happy.

So what are you waiting for? Grab some apricots and start baking today!

5. Kaiserschmarrn

If you’re tired of mundane pancakes and waffles for breakfast, it’s time to switch things up with some Kaiserschmarrn! This delightful Austrian treat is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. With its fluffy, caramelized texture and a generous helping of fruit compote, it’s guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy.

According to legend, the dish was invented by accident when Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I’s chef messed up his pancake. However it originated, we’re certainly glad it did — this dessert-like breakfast is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Whether you pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed juice, Kaiserschmarrn is sure to brighten up your morning routine.

Treat yourself to this delicious breakfast option and elevate your morning experience to a whole new level!

6. Gugelhupf

Let’s talk about the delicious and delectable dessert known as Gugelhupf. Hailing from Austria, this sweet treat is a true delight for the senses. It’s not hard to see why Gugelhupf has achieved such global acclaim — its creamy texture and succulent, buttery taste will tantalize your senses.

With its velvety texture and exquisite buttery taste, it’s understandable why Gugelhupf has become a global favorite. A classic confection crafted with a perfect blend of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, this cake is an exquisite treat that can be devoured on its own or adorned with any topping your heart desires — from juicy fruits to luscious cream or velvety chocolate sauce. The ideal way to conclude any meal!

Whether you’re hosting an event or looking for something special to enjoy alongside your afternoon tea time ritual, Gugelhupf is sure to satisfy even the most discriminating palates.

So why not take a trip to Austria or try your hand at making your own Gugelhupf at home? Your taste buds will be so happy!

7. Topfenknödel

Topfenknödel, a beloved Austrian dish, is a must-try delicacy for all food enthusiasts who crave something rich and decadent. Picture a delightfully fluffy ball of dough filled with a delightful fusion of cottage cheese and cream cheese. A gentle sprinkling of cinnamon on top and served alongside some warm vanilla sauce adds the perfect finishing touches to this indulgent treat — one bite is guaranteed to send your taste buds into pure bliss!

The beauty of Topfenknödel is that it offers an indulgent taste without overwhelming your palate. This traditional dish is an Austrian classic, brimming with love and heritage — a favorite among families throughout the country. From Vienna to Salzburg, no matter where you travel in Austria, this culinary delight will always be waiting for you!

Give your taste buds a treat and indulge in a plate of warm and delicious Topfenknödel today!

8. Austrian Linzer Cookies

Have you ever had the pleasure of tasting a Linzer cookie? If not, then you are missing out! These delightful cookies originated in Linz, Austria, and are made with a buttery dough and raspberry jam.

Their unique appearance, with a small window at the center, is what distinguishes Linzer cookies from other cookies. Not only do these treats look delightful, but they taste just as delicious. Bite into a Linzer cookie, and you’ll experience a beautiful blend of flavors and textures, with the crumbly cookie dough and tangy raspberry jam tantalizing your taste buds. Whether you’re looking to treat your friends and family or just need a fast snack, these cookies are the perfect solution.

If you haven’t experienced the deliciousness of a Linzer cookie yet, what are you waiting for? I can guarantee your taste buds will love it!

9. Austrian Buchteln

Get ready to indulge your taste buds with the decadent flavors of Austrian Buchteln! These irresistible sweet rolls will take you on a journey to Austria, where they’re a traditional treat enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Imagine warm, fluffy buns generously filled with jam or creamy custard, dusted with powdered sugar, and oozing with flavor with every bite.

Whether you’re a fan of fruity flavors or prefer the rich creaminess of custard, Buchteln caters to all your taste preferences. Whether it’s a cozy breakfast or an indulgent dessert, these delicious and comforting rolls are the ideal way to brighten up any day! Enjoy them with your morning cup of joe or as a delightful treat after dinner for some extra sweetness.

So, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and sink your teeth into the irresistible goodness of Austrian Buchteln — you won’t regret it!

10. Marillenknödel

Have you ever tasted Marillenknödel? This delightful Austrian dessert is a sweet and fragrant treat that is sure to send your taste buds into overdrive. Indulge your taste buds in the deliciousness of juicy apricots encased within a fluffy, tender dough and finished with golden-brown buttery toasted breadcrumbs. This delectable dessert is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

The aroma of these delicious dumplings baking in the oven is simply irresistible. Its gentle sweetness makes it a delightful dessert for those who don’t have an extreme sweet tooth, yet desire something special after dinner. Marillenknödel can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile choice for all seasons. Whether you’re sitting outside enjoying the sunshine or huddled up by the fire in the winter, Marillenknödel is the perfect dessert to add to your menu.

Try this delightful recipe and treat yourself to a little bit of Austria in your own home!

Wrapping It Up

From Topfenknödel to Buchteln, Austria has a delicious variety of sweets and desserts that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. No matter what your taste preferences are, Austrian desserts have something for everyone.

From the classic Linzer cookies to melt-in-your-mouth Marillenknödel, these 10 delicious Austrian sweets and desserts are sure to make any occasion extra special. Whether basking in the warmth of a summer’s day or cozying up by the fire during winter, these treats will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to an unforgettable world of flavor!

Guten appetit!

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Heritage Web
Heritage Digest

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