Desserts

Emperor's shredded pancake

⏱ 20 min🍳 8 min👤 2 pp★☆☆☆☆

Known as Kaiserschmarren locally, this shredded pancake is a very popular dessert in the Dolomites in South Tyrol, where it is also known as Smorrn. Its origin, however, is Austrian. The name literally means "emperor's shredded pancake", the emperor in question being Franz Joseph I of Austria, who many of you may know through the famous film The Princess Sissi with Romy Schneider. As often happens, the most famous recipes are frequently the result of some chef's mistake, and this case is no exception. It seems that one night the emperor had asked for a crèpe, but the chef accidentally burnt and broke it up. He then decided to add a little sugar to make it appear caramelized on purpose. It was the birth of the Kaiserschmarren.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 380 kcal / serving

Protein
8g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
12g
Fiber
1g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Total time
8 minutes Active time
Serves 2 persons
★☆☆☆☆ Easy

Preparation

Put the raisins to soak in warm water. Meanwhile, prepare a batter by beating together the egg yolks, milk and flour. Separately, beat the egg whites with the sugar until stiff. Incorporate the egg whites into the batter, stirring gently. Melt a knob of butter in a pan. Drain the raisins and add them to the pan. Pour in the batter. First cook the pancake for a few minutes, then turn it over roughly, breaking it into pieces with the spatula. Move the pieces of pancake around the pan until cooked. Serve warm, sprinkled with berries and dusted with plenty of icing sugar.

Tips
The berries give a lovely acidic contrast to this sweet pancake. However, if you love unadulteratedly sweet puddings, replace the berries with pieces of apple and cinnamon, maybe adding them to the pan during cooking.
Trivia
'Kaiserschmarren' literally means 'the Emperor's shredded pancake'.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Kaiserschmarren with Berries

A delicious variant of Kaiserschmarren includes the addition of berries, which bring a touch of freshness and an explosion of flavors. To prepare this version, simply incorporate fresh berries into the batter before pouring it into the pan. Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries combine perfectly with the sweetness of sugar and the softness of the pancake. This variant not only enriches the dish visually, making it even more inviting, but also adds a tangy note that balances the sweetness of the dessert. Served with a dusting of powdered sugar, Kaiserschmarren with berries becomes a perfect dessert for any occasion, from Sunday lunch to a romantic dinner.

Kaiserschmarren from Trentino

Kaiserschmarren is a typical dessert of Austrian tradition, but in Trentino Alto Adige, it has found its unique interpretation. Here, the dish is often served with a generous dose of currant or blueberry jam, which enhances the flavor of the sweet pancake. Additionally, the people of Trentino love to add a splash of liquor, such as grappa, to give it an extra character. The preparation remains similar, but the use of local ingredients makes this Kaiserschmarren a true homage to the culinary culture of the region. Enjoying it in a mountain hut, surrounded by nature, makes the experience even more authentic and memorable, bringing with it the aromas and flavors of the Trentino mountains.

Light Kaiserschmarren without Butter

For those who desire a lighter version of Kaiserschmarren, it can be prepared without butter, replacing it with a bit of seed oil or simply using a non-stick pan. Whole milk can also be substituted with skimmed or plant-based milk, while still maintaining a soft and fluffy consistency. This light version is perfect for those following a balanced diet but who do not want to give up flavor. Raisins can be used in smaller quantities, while spices like cinnamon or vanilla can be added to enhance the flavor without adding calories. Served with a dusting of powdered sugar, light Kaiserschmarren becomes a perfect sweet treat for any time of day, from brunch to dessert after dinner.

Benefits of Kaiserschmarren: Eggs and Milk

Kaiserschmarren, thanks to its main ingredients like eggs and milk, offers several nutritional benefits. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and contain essential vitamins such as vitamin D and vitamin B12. Milk, on the other hand, is rich in calcium, which is fundamental for bone and dental health. A serving of Kaiserschmarren provides about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and portion sizes. It is a dessert that, when consumed in moderation, can be a tasty and nutritious addition to one’s diet, especially when accompanied by fresh fruit, which enriches its nutritional profile.

Can Kaiserschmarren be Frozen?

A common question is whether Kaiserschmarren can be frozen. The answer is yes, it can be frozen, but there are some precautions to follow. It is advisable to let the dessert cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or wrapping it well in plastic wrap. When you want to consume it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it in a pan or microwave, possibly adding a bit of butter to restore its softness. However, it is important to note that the texture may not be exactly the same as when it is fresh, but the flavor will still be delicious. This practice is useful to avoid waste and to have a dessert ready to use at any time.