Oma's Kaiserschmarrn: Austrian Pancake Recipe – German Torn Pancakes (2024)

  1. Home
  2. Breakfast
  3. Kaiserschmarrn

Oma's Kaiserschmarrn: Austrian Pancake Recipe – German Torn Pancakes (1)

by: Gerhild Fulson / Cookbook Author, Blogger, German Oma!

This post may contain affiliate links, whichmeans I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extracost to you. Please readfull disclosurefor more information.

Kaiserschmarrn, aka Torn or Scrambled Pancakes, are among those homemade pancake recipes that will remind you of Oma's kitchen. This is actually an Austrian dessert, but it's become a traditional German pancake dish. Many serve it as a dessert, while many also enjoy it for Sunday brunch.

It isn't hard to find Kaiserschmarrn around Germany, especially in Bavaria where it is most popular. Look for it particularly at the outdoor vendors during Oktoberfest, but you'll also find it served in restaurants.

Oma's Kaiserschmarrn: Austrian Pancake Recipe – German Torn Pancakes (4)

Above are the Kaiserschmarrn my granddaughter, Lydia, made as she was staying over for a sleepover ... many, many years ago. We had so much fun making these. Watching her creatively decorate them with fresh fruit and teaching her how to dust them with powdered sugar (using a sieve) was almost as much fun as we had devouring them. Precious memories.

More Schmarrn ...

  • There's one made with bread called "Semmelschmarrn"
  • One made with Cream of Wheat called "Grießschmarrn"
  • Being German, of course there's one made with potatoes called "Kartoffelschmarrn"

All these Schmarrn are true comfort food! So perfect for imperfect times, such as these.

Kaiserschmarrn Fun Facts

Schmarrn is a 16th century German word meaning "to smear" or "to pain". Now-a-days, it means "rubbish". It's difficult to figure out the connection of those meanings with this delectable treat! And "Kaiser" means "emperor". So, the name Kaiserschmarrn means, "Emperor's _?_ ". :)

Kaiserschmarrn first made an appearance during the time just before the 20th century. Another name for this is The dessert of the Emperor. It is also called Emperor’s Mess! I guess one could say it looks like a mess with all those small pieces of pancakes. But, such a delicious mess!

It seems we have a great imperial chef to thank for inventing such a spectacular treat! It was first made and served to the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I. I'll bet his royal chef had no idea this sweet fluffy pancake would become such a hit across his country, and then the world!

Need that “all’s good with the world” feeling? Comfort food will do that. Get your copy of Oma's German favorites in herComfort Foods e-Cookbook.

Oma's Kaiserschmarrn: Austrian Pancake Recipe – German Torn Pancakes (5)

Take a peek at all Oma's eCookbooks. They make sharing your German heritage a delicious adventure!

How I discovered Kaiserschmarrn

Since my Mutti was from northern Germany, this dish was unknown to us. Several years ago, one of our readers, Roger, was looking for a recipe forCrostedi. I was finally able to track it down as Kratzeti which is the Austrian name for these pancakes.

Lydia Remembers...

I have so many Wunderbar memories in the kitchen with my Oma, and have had MANY of her most popular and traditional recipes, like this kaiserschmarrn!

Kaiserschmarrn has by far become one of my favorite recipes I've made with Oma, and is one that I certainly don't make enough.

I remember making this recipe for the first time with Oma at one of our sleepovers, and my favorite part was getting to tear it up, of course. There aren't many recipes where you get to rip it apart into smaller pieces after you make it. It's always, "Don't play with your food, Lydia.".... Well, that's the best part about kaiserschmarrn!

Seeing as I'm not much of a morning person, it's got to be a pretty Wunderbar recipe for me to want to cook so early. ;) This recipe is sooo worth it! Between this one and theGerman apple pancake,even the not so early-birds will love this breakfast recipe! But the great thing about kaiserschmarrn is that it can be served anytime! Breakfast, lunch, or dinner! I've certainly had it for all three.

Dusted with a little confectioners' sugar on top of the kaiserschmarrn and my favorite fruits on the side...YUM! You can serve it with whichever fruit you'd like! Or try it with syrup, even whipped cream, and make it a dessert!

With a recipe so versatile, there are no rights and wrongs, just have fun!

Learn a little bit about me,Lydia, and my kitchen adventures with Oma!

What to serve with Kaiserschmarrn

The traditional side for this is a plum compote. Alternatively, baked plums or plum jam would be delicious. Apple sauce is also often served with this or a side of fruit compote.

I think a scoop of vanilla ice cream would be awesome as well, after all, this isn't just a regular pancake.

Ready to make Kaiserschmarrn?

Is the recipe below locked?Here'swhy.

Oma's Kaiserschmarrn: Austrian Pancake Recipe – German Torn Pancakes (7)

Oma's Kaiserschmarrn: Austrian Pancake Recipe – German Torn Pancakes

Kaiserschmarrn, aka Torn or Scrambled Pancakes, are among those homemade pancakes recipes that will remind you of Oma's kitchen. Served at breakfast, lunch, or a light supper, you'll find it a reminder of Oma's kitchen. Yummy, yummy!

This is real traditional German pancake dish that actually stems from Austria, but ... shhhh ... we won't tell.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Servings:

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 4 large eggs, separated
  • ¾cup (98 grams) all purpose flour
  • ½cup (120 milliliter) milk
  • pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon (4 grams) baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons (26 grams) granulated sugar
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) raisins
  • 4 tablespoons(56 grams) butter, divided
  • powdered sugar to sprinkle over pancakes

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix together egg yolks, flour, milk, salt, baking powder and sugar till well mixed. Let batter stand for 10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, beat egg whites to stiff peaks.
  3. Gently fold the stiff egg whites into batter.
  4. Gently fold in raisins.
  5. In a large frying pan, melt 2 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Pour in the pancake batter into the hot pan and fry until golden brown on the bottom.
  6. Flip pancake, adding 2 tablespoons of butter, and continue to cook on other side until browned.
  7. Using two forks, tear pancake into bite-size pieces and continue cooking briefly.
  8. Serve, dusted with powdered sugar. Tastes great served with fruit or fruit sauce.

Notes/Hints:

  • You can omit the raisins
  • Or, you can soak those raisins in rum first, then add the drained raisins to the batter.
  • Add 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, if desired
  • Another perfect "pancake" dish for breakfast, lunch, buffets and supper is the German apple pancake that's made in the oven. So goood as well!

* * * * *

Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

10.07.2021 revision update

You might like these

  • Easy German Potato Pancakes Recipe – Oma’s Kartoffelpuffer

    Traditional Kartoffelpuffer made with this easy potato pancake recipe will bring back memories of Oma’s kitchen, for sure! Crispy and delicious, just they way they should be.

  • Oma's Jelly Donut Recipe: Berliner Pfannkuchen or Krapfen

    This easy and delicious German jelly donut recipe, aka Berliner Pfannkuchen or Krapfen (among many other names!) is made with a simple yeast dough and a simple hack.

  • Best Potato Kugel Recipe – Oma's Baked Potato Pancake (Dibbelabbes)

    Making this potato kugel recipe is so easy and makes the most delicious traditional Dibbelabbes dish, a type of baked potato pancake. But easier! This is for potato pancake LOVERS!

Follow Oma on Social Media:

Oma's Kaiserschmarrn: Austrian Pancake Recipe – German Torn Pancakes (11)

Leave a comment about this recipe or ask a question?

Pop right over to my private Facebook group, the Kaffeeklatschers. You'll find thousands of German foodies, all eager to help and to talk about all things German, especially these yummy foods.

Meet with us around Oma's table, pull up a chair, grab a coffee and a piece of Apfelstrudel, and enjoy the visit.

Newest Recipes

Oma's Kaiserschmarrn: Austrian Pancake Recipe – German Torn Pancakes (12)

  1. How to Make German Schnitzel Recipe: Oma's Classic Schweineschnitzel

    Discover the ultimate German schnitzel recipe with Oma's quick and easy method - perfect for any occasion! Taste the authentic flavors of Germany today.

    Go to Recipe

  2. Oma's Favorite Finds offer a range of Oma’s favorite German-inspired must-have items that make cooking and entertaining more enjoyable, yummy, and efficient.

    Go to Recipe

  3. Discover the Easter traditions in Germany that will engage your senses and uplift your spirit. Ostern is a cultural celebration filled with delight, wonder, and yummy food.

    Go to Recipe

* * * * *

PIN to SAVE this recipe to your Pinterest board!

And let’s be friends on Pinterest!

Oma's Kaiserschmarrn: Austrian Pancake Recipe – German Torn Pancakes (19)

Kaiserschmarrn - German Pancake Recipe made Just like Oma

By Oma Gerhild Fulson
Oma's Kaiserschmarrn: Austrian Pancake Recipe – German Torn Pancakes (20)
Kaiserschmarrn are among those homemade pancake recipes that will remind you of Oma's kitchen. A traditional Austrian & German light and fluffy shredded pancake.

Ingredients: eggs,all-purpose flour,baking powder,milk,salt,sugar,raisins,butter,powdered sugar,

For the full recipe, scroll up ...

Words to the Wise

"Don't waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice."

Proverbs 23:9 (NLT)

Top of Kaiserschmarrn

Oma's Kaiserschmarrn: Austrian Pancake Recipe – German Torn Pancakes (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Geoffrey Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 6756

Rating: 5 / 5 (60 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Geoffrey Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1997-03-23

Address: 74183 Thomas Course, Port Micheal, OK 55446-1529

Phone: +13408645881558

Job: Global Representative

Hobby: Sailing, Vehicle restoration, Rowing, Ghost hunting, Scrapbooking, Rugby, Board sports

Introduction: My name is Geoffrey Lueilwitz, I am a zealous, encouraging, sparkling, enchanting, graceful, faithful, nice person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.