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Imperial Pancake (Kaiserschmarrn) is a legendary Austrian dessert from the Austro-Hungarian era that conquered the world. Legend has it that Emperor Franz Joseph’s chef botched a pancake, tore it apart, added raisins and sprinkled it with powdered sugar – and thus Kaiserschmarrn was born, which we still know and love today. Lightly caramelized batter, crispy edges and a sweet dusting create an unforgettable treat that’s ideal for breakfast, brunch or dessert after a meal.
Sestavine za carski praženec (za 4 osebe)
- 4 eggs (separate yolks and whites)
- 125 g plain flour
- 125 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 100 g raisins (optional, soaked in rum)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- powdered sugar for dusting
- optional: grated lemon zest or vanilla sugar for flavour
Method
1In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar, add milk, salt, baking powder and gradually whisk in the flour. Mix until smooth. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
2Whip the egg whites into stiff peaks and gently fold into the batter. Add raisins at the end (drained if soaked in rum).
3Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan. Pour in the batter, spread evenly and cook over medium heat until golden brown on the bottom. Flip, add the remaining butter and cook the other side.
4When the pancake is cooked through, tear it into bite-sized pieces with two forks and briefly fry to crisp them up.
5Before serving, generously dust the Imperial Pancake with powdered sugar. It pairs wonderfully with fruit compote, apple purée or homemade jam.
Tips for the perfect imperial pancake
• Whip the egg whites just before folding in – more air means fluffier batter.
• Soak the raisins in rum or milk for a better flavour.
• Cook over medium heat – too high will burn the batter, too low will dry it out.
• For a richer taste, add a spoon of sour cream to the batter.
• Serve with fresh raspberries, blueberries or compote – Kaiserschmarrn is a perfect base for fruity toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes. You can prepare the batter a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. Whip the egg whites just before cooking to maintain the light texture.
What to serve with Kaiserschmarrn?
Imperial Pancake is delicious with apple purée, plum compote, homemade jam or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This creates a perfect contrast between the warm batter and the cold topping.
How do I achieve caramelized edges?
Use butter, not margarine, and allow the batter to brown well on one side before flipping. Adding a little sugar to the batter also helps with caramelization.
