Sweets and desserts in Salzburg
When traveling, many of us want to discover new things and get a true sense of the place we’re visiting. One of the best ways to do this is through the local cuisine. For those with a sweet tooth, We’ve put together a list of the top five most delicious desserts in Salzburg. All of treats mentioned here have originated from Austria, and some even specifically from Salzburg.
Salzburger Nockerl
Salzburger Nockerl is one of the lesser-known desserts on this list, but it’s a traditional Salzburg treat. Although it’s now especially popular with tourists, you can only find it in a few places outside of Salzburg. The Nockerl is a fluffy and light dessert, somewhere between a dumpling and a soufflé. It’s typically dusted with powdered sugar and served with a fruit compote on the side. It was invented in the 17th century as an ode to the city. The airy dumpling mixture is shaped into three peaks, representing the three mountains that surround Salzburg. If you plan on trying this dessert, be ready for a large portion, perfect for sharing.
Sachertorte
Sachertorte is one of the most famous cakes in the world. It was created in 1832 in Vienna when Austrian Chancellor Prince Klemens Wenzel requested an extraordinary dessert. At the time, Franz Sacher was only 16 years old and still an apprentice chef, but as the head chef was absent, he was given the opportunity to create something special—and thus the Sachertorte was born. Not only did it impress the chancellor and his guests, but it also became a favorite at the imperial court. Today, Sachertorte remains one of the most well-known desserts, and many visitors flock to Hotel Sacher in Salzburg to try the original.
Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel)
Apple Strudel is well-known throughout the German-speaking world, and it’s also frequently served outside Austria. For many, it might not be something new, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying this dessert in its country of origin. And really, who can say no to a fresh slice straight from the oven? Fun fact: Apple Strudel is also known abroad, especially in English-speaking countries, thanks in part to The Sound of Music, which was filmed in Salzburg. In the movie, Maria sings about her favorite things—and, of course, apple strudel is one of them.
Linzer Torte
While Sachertorte is one of the most famous cakes, Linzer Torte is considered the oldest. The earliest known recipe dates back to 1653, making it a prime example of Baroque cuisine. But that doesn’t mean it’s out of style—Linzer Torte still has plenty of fans. It’s made with a nutty shortcrust pastry and filled with currant jam. The cake is named after the city of Linz, and to balance the dry shortcrust, it’s typically served with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Kaiserschmarrn
Kaiserschmarrn is a dessert with many legends surrounding its name and origin. Some say it was created for Emperor Franz Joseph I, hence the name “Kaiser” (Emperor). Others believe “Kaiser” might derive from the word “Casa,” meaning “house,” referring to a home-style dessert. Regardless of the story, one thing is certain—Kaiserschmarrn is one of the most delicious desserts. It’s essentially a thick, fluffy pancake made by separating the eggs and folding whipped egg whites into the batter. The pancake is then torn into pieces while cooking, dusted with powdered sugar, and served with fruit compote.
Where to Find These Sweet Treats in Salzburg
If you’re wondering where you can find these delicious desserts, the answer is simple: nearly every restaurant and café in Salzburg offers them. Salzburg has a long-standing café culture, so visiting one of the small cafés is worth it not just for the desserts, but also to soak in the atmosphere while enjoying a coffee and cake.
If you’re eager to explore all of Austrian cuisine, consider joining one of our Food Tours in Salzburg. On the tour, you’ll learn all about the city’s culinary history and discover what the locals really eat.
For those who prefer to cook themselves, the Strudel Workshop is the perfect choice. You’ll learn how to make this classic dessert and bring the knowledge back home, so you can bake your own strudel anytime and bring a piece of Austria into your kitchen.
