Heavenly Light & Fluffy Kaiserschmarrn Shredded Pancake Recipe

Kaiserschmarrn revamps ordinary breakfast expectations into a delightful culinary adventure.

This Austrian delicacy breaks traditional pancake boundaries with its playful, torn texture and irresistible golden-brown appearance.

Soft yet slightly crisp, the shredded pancake carries a rich, comforting essence that speaks to generations of home cooking.

Skillful preparation turns simple ingredients into a masterpiece of texture and flavor that dances between sweet and hearty.

The dish invites spontaneous sharing and creates memorable moments around the table.

Each bite promises a warm, nostalgic experience that connects you to European comfort food traditions.

Why Kaiserschmarrn Is a Shredded Pancake Dream

• Craft Delightful Texture: This Kaiserschmarrn creates an irresistibly light, cloud-like pancake with crispy edges and tender inner pieces that melt in your mouth, offering a playful eating experience.
• Master Simple European Technique: The unique Austrian method of deliberately breaking and refrying the pancake transforms an ordinary breakfast into an interactive culinary adventure, making cooking fun and engaging.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Ready in under 25 minutes, this versatile dish works perfectly for lazy weekend breakfasts, quick desserts, or spontaneous sweet cravings without requiring complex cooking skills or extensive preparation.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding raisins, fresh fruits, or different fruit compotes, allowing personal creativity while maintaining the classic fluffy texture and delicious base flavor profile.

Ingredients for Fluffy Austrian Pancake Bliss

Main Ingredients:

Eggs: Fresh eggs are the foundation of this light and fluffy dessert, providing structure and richness to the dish.

• Egg Whites: Key to creating the signature airy texture of Kaiserschmarrn.
• Egg Yolks: Adds richness and helps bind the batter together.

• Milk: Whole milk creates a smooth, creamy batter with perfect consistency.
• Flour: All-purpose flour provides the basic structure for the pancake.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the dessert.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall taste.

• Raisins: Traditional add-in that brings sweet, chewy texture to the dish.

• Clarified Butter or Oil: Ensures perfect non-stick cooking and adds rich flavor.

• Powdered Sugar: Classic topping that adds sweetness and beautiful presentation.

• Fruit Compote: Plum-based Zwetschgenröster or fresh seasonal fruits complement the dish.

How to Make Light and Fluffy Kaiserschmarrn

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 395°F (200°C) for conventional heating or 355°F (180°C) for fan ovens. Ensure the oven rack is in the middle position.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

• Egg whites
• Salt
• Of sugar

Beat the mixture until soft-to-firm peaks form, being careful not to overbeat.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• Egg yolks
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Remaining sugar

Blend until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Gradually stir flour into the wet mixture, creating a smooth consistency. Add the remaining milk slowly to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 5: Fold in Egg Whites

Gently fold one-third of the beaten egg whites into the batter. Carefully incorporate the remaining egg whites, maintaining the mixture’s volume and airiness.

Step 6: Prepare the Pan

Heat clarified butter or oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Ensure the pan is hot but not browned before adding the batter.

Step 7: Initial Cooking

Pour the batter evenly across the pan’s surface. Cook on the stovetop for about 1 minute. Optional: Sprinkle raisins on top if desired.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until puffy and golden brown. Watch carefully, as oven temperatures can vary.

Step 9: Final Stovetop Crisping

Return the pan to low heat. Using two spatulas, cut the pancake into quarters. Flip and cook the pale sides until golden brown.

Step 10: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pieces to serving plates. Dust generously with powdered sugar using a fine sieve. Accompany with seasonal fruit compotes or fresh fruits for added flavor.

Smart Tips for Sweet Pancake Scrambles

• Whip Whites Perfectly: Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume and avoid any yolk contamination during beating.
• Prevent Lumpy Batter: Sift flour before adding to eliminate clumps and create a smoother, more consistent pancake texture.
• Master Even Cooking: Use a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan to guarantee uniform heat distribution and prevent burning.
• Achieve Golden Browning: Keep heat at medium-low to develop a beautiful golden color without scorching the pancake's delicate surface.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Experiment with mix-ins like cinnamon, rum-soaked raisins, or vanilla bean to elevate the traditional Austrian recipe's taste profile.

How to Store and Reheat Kaiserschmarrn Properly

• Storing and Reheating Kaiserschmarrn Leftovers
• Refrigeration: Store leftover Kaiserschmarrn in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal completely to prevent moisture loss and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Label the container with the date to track storage time accurately.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for best texture restoration. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying and cover with a lid. Microwave works as a quick alternative, heating in 30-second intervals while stirring between each cycle.

Sweet Pairings for This Classic Dish

• Sip Smooth Austrian Wine: Pair this classic Austrian dessert with a crisp Grüner Veltliner white wine, which offers light, refreshing notes that complement the pancake's rich, buttery texture.
• Brew Warm Comfort Beverage: Enjoy a steaming cup of mild black tea or hot vanilla-infused coffee to balance the sweetness and enhance the pancake's delicate flavors.
• Serve Fresh Fruity Companions: Add vibrant berry compotes like raspberry or cherry sauce, which provide tangy brightness and cut through the pancake's richness, creating a delightful taste experience.
• Sprinkle Sweet Dessert Sidekick: Top with traditional vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to elevate the dish's creamy, indulgent profile and add a cool contrast to the warm pancake.

Flavor Variations for Kaiserschmarrn You’ll Crave

• Fruity Fusion Kaiserschmarrn: Fold fresh blueberries, diced apples, or chopped strawberries directly into the batter before baking for bursts of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Nutty Alpine Edition: Sprinkle chopped almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts into the mixture before cooking, creating a crunchy texture and rich, earthy undertones that complement the traditional recipe.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Mix cocoa powder into the batter and add chocolate chips, transforming the classic pancake into a decadent dessert-like version that chocolate enthusiasts will adore.
• Savory Herb Variation: Incorporate finely chopped chives, thyme, or rosemary into the batter, then serve with crispy bacon bits or grated cheese for a sophisticated breakfast or brunch option.

Light and Fluffy Shredded Pancake Kaiserschmarrn Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Austrian Kaiserschmarrn delights with its rustic charm and irresistible texture, combining simple ingredients into a heavenly breakfast treat. Golden-brown torn pancake pieces dance with powdered sugar, promising a delectable journey through Alpine culinary traditions you’ll savor to the last crumb.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup (4.5 oz / 125 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ + ⅓ cup (200 ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon clarified butter (ghee), neutral-tasting oil, or unsalted butter

Flavoring and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons raisins soaked in brown rum (optional)

Serving and Garnish:

• Powdered sugar
• Plum compote or any preferred compote
• Fresh fruits

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 395°F (200°C) for traditional heating or 355°F (180°C) for convection settings, ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle.
2. Separate egg whites into a clean, dry mixing bowl and add a pinch of salt; whip using an electric mixer until soft, voluminous peaks form, gradually incorporating of granulated sugar.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk egg yolks with half of the milk (approximately 120 milliliters or ½ cup), pure vanilla extract, and remaining sugar until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Sift all-purpose flour into the egg yolk mixture, stirring gradually to prevent lumps, then slowly blend in the remaining milk to create a silky, consistent batter.
5. Gently introduce one-third of the whipped egg whites into the batter, using a folding motion to maintain airiness, then carefully fold in the remaining whites without deflating the mixture.
6. Select a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan, melt clarified butter or neutral cooking oil over medium heat until it shimmers but does not brown.
7. Pour the entire batter into the pan, distributing evenly; sprinkle raisins across the surface if desired, then transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until puffy and golden.
8. Remove from oven and return to stovetop; use two spatulas to tear the pancake into irregular, rustic pieces, flipping to achieve an even golden-brown color on all sides.
9. Transfer the fragmented pancake to serving plates, generously dusting with powdered sugar through a fine-mesh sieve for a delicate, sweet finish.
10. Complement the Kaiserschmarrn with seasonal fruit compotes like traditional Austrian plum sauce (Zwetschgenröster) or fresh berries to enhance the dessert’s flavor profile.

Notes

• Baking this traditional Austrian dessert requires precision and patience to achieve its signature light, airy texture.
• Raisins add delightful sweetness and create unexpected bursts of flavor throughout the fluffy pancake pieces.
• Each step matters critically, from whisking egg whites to carefully folding ingredients without deflating the delicate mixture.
• Versatile serving options include pairing with fruit compotes, vanilla sauce, or simply dusting with powdered sugar for a classic presentation.
• Timing is crucial when cooking Kaiserschmarrn, watching carefully to prevent burning while ensuring golden-brown crispy edges.
• Home cooks can experiment with different flavor additions like cinnamon, rum-soaked raisins, or alternative fruit mix-ins for personalized variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Austrian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg