If you’ve never tried Kaiserschmarrn, you’re in for a treat—these fluffy, caramelized Austrian pancakes might just become your new breakfast obsession. Imagine all the best parts of pancakes, but with a slightly crispy exterior, tender, buttery bites, and a sweet dusting of powdered sugar. They’re a little like pancakes, but with a texture and flavor that’s hard to beat. Honestly, I might even like them more than traditional pancakes!
Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day (closely followed by dessert)! Be sure to browse all of the recipes and give my favorite buttermilk pancakes and chocolate chip pancakes a try!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Unique Twist on Breakfast: It’s a fun and unique alternative to traditional pancakes, offering a new and exciting flavor and texture.
- Easy to Make: Despite their impressive appearance, Kaiserschmarrn is surprisingly simple to whip up, making them a great choice for a weekend breakfast or brunch.
- Great for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a holiday breakfast or a special brunch, these pancakes bring a touch of elegance to the table.
If you’re tired of the same old pancakes, it’s time to meet your new breakfast BFF: Kaiserschmarrn. These fluffy, golden Austrian treats are like pancakes with a twist—light, airy, and just a little bit crispy around the edges. Imagine the comfort of a pancake, but with an extra layer of caramelized goodness that melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you’ve had a bite, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made these scrambled pancakes sooner.
So why should you whip up a batch of Kaiserschmarrn? Well, besides the fact that they’re insanely delicious, they’re also ridiculously easy to make. Perfect for those mornings when you want something special without a lot of fuss. Top them with powdered sugar, a dollop of jam, or just dive in plain—they’re that good. Plus, they’re great for sharing (or not, we won’t judge). Give them a try, and your pancake game will never be the same!
Save This Recipe!
Add your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox + you’ll receive all our newest recipes!
What is Kaiserschmarrn?
Kaiserschmarrn is a traditional Austrian dish that’s also popular in Germany, especially during festive occasions like Oktoberfest. This delicious treat is essentially a shredded, fluffy pancake that is scrambled and caramelized to perfection.
Originating in Austria, Kaiserschmarrn was supposedly named after Emperor Franz Joseph I, who had a particular fondness for this sweet, light dish. It’s not just a breakfast item—you’ll often find Kaiserschmarrn served as a dessert, especially at Oktoberfest, where it’s dusted with powdered sugar and sometimes accompanied by fruit compote.
Whether you’re enjoying it in the Alps or at a local Oktoberfest celebration, this dish is a comforting and flavorful taste of European tradition.
Ingredients You Need
- Eggs: Separate the egg whites and yolks for an extra fluffy scrambled pancakes. Whip the egg whites to soft peaks and gently fold them into the batter to add lightness and volume.
- Flour: Sift the flour before adding it to the batter to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, even consistency.
- Milk: Use whole milk for a richer, creamier batter. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with low-fat milk, but the texture may be slightly less indulgent.
- Sugar: Use granulated sugar for the batter and topping. Feel free to sprinkle a bit extra on top to create a delicious caramelized crust.
- Vanilla: Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. You can also experiment with vanilla bean paste for an extra boost of vanilla flavor.
- Salt: Don’t skip the salt! A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the dish and balances the flavors.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the dish. Melt it in the pan until it’s just starting to bubble before adding the batter, which helps create that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Powdered Sugar: Dust the powdered sugar over the finished Kaiserschmarrn right before serving for a classic touch. For an extra decorative flair, use a fine sieve to create an even layer of powdered sugar.
Variations And Serving Suggestions
Spice it Up: While the classic Kaiserschmarrn recipe is simple and delicious, you can easily add a twist by incorporating different spices into the batter. A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom can add warmth and depth to the flavor, making it perfect for cozy mornings.
Make it a Full Breakfast: To turn your Kaiserschmarrn into a complete breakfast spread, pair it with hearty dishes like the Best Breakfast Casserole or a flavorful Southwest Scramble. For an easy protein boost, serve alongside Microwave Fried Eggs.
Top it Off: The possibilities for toppings are endless! For a fruity twist, drizzle on some homemade Strawberry Sauce or add a dollop of Strawberry Whipped Cream. If you’re in the mood for something richer, a drizzle of Chocolate Sauce adds an indulgent touch. Dusting with powdered sugar is a classic choice, but feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings!
Traditional Scrambled Pancakes Recipe
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, flour, milk, 2 teaspoons of sugar, vanilla, and salt.
- Whisk Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter.
- Cook the Batter: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Pour the batter into the skillet, cover, and cook for about 3 minutes, or until the edges start to curl and bubbles form on the surface.
- Sprinkle Sugar and Flip: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar over the top of the pancake. Gently cut the pancake into 4 pieces and flip each piece over. Cook for another 3 minutes.
- Tear and Caramelize: Cut or tear the pancake into bite-sized pieces while still in the pan. Dot with the remaining butter and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of sugar. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the pieces are caramelized.
Storage And Reheating Instructions
Storage: Store any leftover Kaiserschmarrn in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. For the best texture, avoid stacking the pieces too much to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Reheating: To reheat, place the Kaiserschmarrn pieces in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed through and slightly crisp again. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, though they may not retain their crispness as well. For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a little butter to the skillet while reheating.
Recipe Notes:
Pancake Mix or Homemade: You can use pancake mix or homemade batter for Kaiserschmarrn. If you’re using a mix, follow the box instructions, and adjust for the added egg whites. For a homemade option, try this pancake batter recipe that works great.
How to Know When They’re Done: Your Kaiserschmarrn is ready when the edges start to curl, and bubbles form on top. After flipping, the pieces should be golden brown and slightly caramelized, with a fluffy, fully set interior.
Type of Pan to Use: A nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet is ideal for even cooking and easy scrambling. Use a spatula to gently cut and flip the sections, ensuring the pieces cook through evenly.
How Much Batter to Use: For a 12-inch skillet, use 1 to 1½ cups of batter to cover the bottom in an even layer. Avoid overfilling to ensure the pancake cooks evenly without becoming too thick.
Butter or Oil for Cooking: Butter is recommended for a rich, traditional flavor and perfect caramelization.
Let the Bottom Set Before Scrambling: Allow the bottom of the pancake to set and develop a slight crust before scrambling, usually around 3 minutes. Once the edges curl and bubbles appear, cut and flip the pancake for even cooking and caramelization.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can! Just follow the instructions on the pancake mix box and add the additional ingredients like egg whites for a fluffier texture. You can also use a homemade pancake batter for a more traditional taste.
Look for the edges to start curling and bubbles to form on the surface. After flipping, the pieces should be golden brown and slightly caramelized. The interior should be fluffy and fully set, not wet or runny.
A nonstick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron pan works best. These help prevent sticking and allow for even cooking when you scramble the pancake into pieces.
Yes, let the bottom of the pancake set and form a slight crust before cutting and scrambling it. This usually takes about 3 minutes and helps maintain a fluffy interior with a caramelized exterior.
You can freeze Kaiserschmarrn, though the texture may change slightly when reheated. To do so, let the pieces cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet with a little butter for the best results, or use the microwave, though the texture may be softer. While freezing is an option, Kaiserschmarrn is best enjoyed fresh.
More Easy Breakfast Recipes
Still Hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!
Scrambled Pancakes (Kaiserschmarrn)
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2/3 cup flour
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 4 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Start by separating your eggs. Place the egg yolks in a medium mixing bowl, and set the egg whites aside in a separate clean bowl.
- To the egg yolks, add the flour, milk, 2 teaspoons of sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Using a whisk, mix everything together until you have a smooth, well-combined batter.
- Now, take the egg whites you set aside and whisk them until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the egg whites should hold their shape without collapsing.
- Once stiff peaks are formed, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep as much air in the batter as possible to keep it light and fluffy.
- Place a 12-inch skillet on the stove and melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-low heat.
- Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, carefully pour the batter into the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the pancake cook for about 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when the edges start to curl up slightly and you see bubbles forming on the top of the pancake.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar evenly over the surface of the pancake.
- Next, using a spatula, gently cut the pancake into 4 pieces while it’s still in the skillet. Carefully flip each piece over to cook the other side. Let it cook for another 3 minutes until the bottom is lightly browned.
- Using your spatula or a fork, cut or tear the pancake pieces into bite-sized chunks right in the skillet.
- Dot the pieces with the remaining butter and sprinkle them with 2 teaspoons of sugar. Let the pancake pieces cook for another 3 minutes, or until they’re nicely caramelized and golden brown.
- Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy while they are warm
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram @1sweetappetite and follow pinterest for more!
Find even more recipes!
Be sure to share it in the comments below and follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram for even more delicious recipes.