Kaiserschmarrn is Austria’s famously torn pancake dessert, with fluffy centers, golden edges, and a snowy dusting of sugar.
Whipped egg whites lighten the batter before it cooks in a skillet and is torn into irregular pieces to finish in butter.
Cook the center through before tearing; pieces from undercooked batter become gummy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with plum compote, applesauce, or stewed berries.
Recipe Notes
The compote keeps for five days. Kaiserschmarrn is best served straight from the skillet.
Austrian Kaiserschmarrn
Fluffy torn Austrian pancake pieces with powdered sugar and plum compote.
Equipment
- Two mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or whisk
- 10-inch oven-safe skillet
- Two wooden spatulas
- Fine-mesh sieve
Ingredients
Pancake
- 4 large eggs separated
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar divided
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp fine salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar for serving
Plum Compote
- 1 lb ripe plums pitted and quartered
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Make Compote:
- Combine plums, sugar, water, and cinnamon in a small saucepan. Simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until tender but still chunky. Set aside.
Mix Batter:
- Whisk the egg yolks, milk, flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Beat the egg whites with the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar to soft peaks, then fold them gently into the batter.
Cook and Tear:
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the batter and cook for 4 minutes. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the top is set and lightly browned.
- Return the skillet to low heat. Tear the pancake into irregular bite-size pieces with two spatulas, add the remaining butter, and turn for 3 minutes until varied golden edges form. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with compote.
Notes
- Fold the egg whites gently to preserve the pancake’s light texture.
- Tear rather than cut the pancake so the pieces remain irregular and tender.
Nutrition
Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 12gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 215mgSodium: 260mgFiber: 3gSugar: 31g