Heavenly Light Kaiserschmarrn: Fluffy Shredded Pancake Recipe

German cuisine brings comfort like few other culinary traditions, and this light and fluffy shredded pancake Kaiserschmarrn recipe delivers pure deliciousness in every golden, torn morsel.

Originating from Austria, this classic dish turns traditional pancake making on its head with a playful, rustic approach.

Chefs and home cooks alike adore how Kaiserschmarrn breaks all the usual pancake rules by intentionally tearing and caramelizing the batter.

Each bite promises a delightful mix of crispy edges and soft, pillowy center that melts in your mouth.

The simple ingredients come together quickly, making this a perfect breakfast or dessert for those who love unexpected textures.

Sweet and satisfying, this Kaiserschmarrn transforms an ordinary morning into a celebration of alpine comfort food.

Let’s find out this recipe and savor a taste of Austrian culinary magic.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 276 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Light and Fluffy Shredded Pancake – Kaiserschmarrn

• Eggs: Fresh eggs add richness and help create the signature fluffy texture, choose large eggs at room temperature for best results.
• Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure, select unbleached flour for better consistency and flavor.
• Milk: Whole milk brings creamy smoothness, opt for fresh dairy for optimal taste and texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine-grain salt for even distribution.

• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens and helps with caramelization, adjust according to personal preference.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth, choose pure vanilla for most authentic flavor.

• Clarified Butter: Creates crispy edges and prevents sticking, can substitute with neutral oil for lighter version.
• Raisins: Optional ingredient that adds chewy sweetness, soak in rum for extra flavor complexity.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides elegant finish and additional subtle sweetness.

• Plum Compote: Traditional Austrian accompaniment that adds fruity contrast, homemade preferred over store-bought.
• Fresh Fruits: Brightens dish and provides refreshing complement to rich pancake.

Tools You’ll Need to Make Kaiserschmarrn at Home

• Large mixing bowls: Essential for separating eggs and mixing batter ingredients.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for beating egg whites to soft peaks and creating smooth batter.
• Frying pan (large, oven-safe): Crucial for cooking the batter on stovetop and finishing in the oven.
• Two spatulas: Needed for cutting and flipping the pancake during final cooking stage.
• Sieve: Great for dusting powdered sugar evenly over the finished Kaiserschmarrn.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Oven: Required for baking the pancake to golden perfection.

Cooking Instructions for Kaiserschmarrn Pancake

• Egg White Magic

Separate egg whites and whip them with a pinch of salt until they form fluffy clouds. The goal is creating soft peaks that look like gentle mountain tops.

• Yolk Mixture Base

Blend egg yolks with milk, vanilla, and sugar until smooth. This creates the rich foundation for your delightful pancake experience.

• Batter Creation

Carefully fold flour into the yolk mixture, ensuring no lumpy surprises. Gently incorporate whipped egg whites to maintain their precious airiness.

• Cooking Surface

Warm a buttery pan over medium heat, spreading clarified butter evenly. The pan should whisper hints of golden warmth without burning.

• Baking Transformation

Pour batter into pan, then slide into a preheated oven. Watch as the mixture puffs and turns a gorgeous golden color, around 10-12 minutes.

• Playful Shredding

Return pan to stovetop and slice pancake into irregular pieces. Flip each chunk, creating crispy edges and soft interior.

• Sweet Finale

Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately. Optional fruit companions like berry compote can elevate this classic Austrian treat.

Kaiserschmarrn Tips for Fluffiness and Flavor

• Soak raisins in rum or warm apple juice for 15 minutes before adding to batter, which plumps them up and infuses extra richness into every bite.
• Always use room temperature eggs to ensure smoother mixing and better volume in your egg whites, creating an airier pancake texture.
• Resist overmixing the batter – gentle folding preserves those delicate air bubbles that make Kaiserschmarrn wonderfully light and fluffy.
• Transform this traditional Austrian dessert into a breakfast treat by topping with fresh berries, maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream for versatile enjoyment.
• For a true Austrian experience, use a cast-iron skillet which distributes heat more evenly and creates a beautifully golden-brown exterior on your Kaiserschmarrn.

How to Plate and Serve Kaiserschmarrn

• Sweet Fruit Symphony: Top the Kaiserschmarrn with vibrant seasonal berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. These colorful additions provide a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the rich, buttery pancake and add a burst of natural sweetness.
• Cozy Comfort Companion: Serve alongside warm vanilla sauce or smooth applesauce for a comforting Austrian-style dessert experience. The creamy sauce complements the light, fluffy texture of the shredded pancake, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• Winter Warming Delight: Pair with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy winter treat. The warming spice and creamy topping elevate the Kaiserschmarrn from a simple dessert to a luxurious comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.
• Breakfast Brilliance: Transform this traditional dessert into a hearty breakfast by adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch and protein. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey to create a morning meal that's both indulgent and satisfying.

Storage Advice for Leftover Kaiserschmarrn

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Kaiserschmarrn in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture loss.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual pancake portions tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place inside sealed freezer bags to maintain quality for approximately 2 months without compromising texture.
• Reheating Magic: Revive cold Kaiserschmarrn by gently warming in a skillet with minimal butter, restoring its original crispy edges and soft interior within 3-4 minutes over medium-low heat.
• Morning Meal Transformation: Repurpose remaining pancake pieces as delightful breakfast croutons by cutting into smaller cubes, toasting until crisp, and sprinkling over yogurt or morning fruit salads for added crunch and flavor.

Delightful Shredded Pancake Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Kaiserschmarrn, a classic Austrian pancake dish, delights with its rustic charm and irresistible texture. Crispy edges and tender center invite diners to savor each delectable bite, making it a perfect comfort meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup (4.5 oz / 125 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ + ⅓ cup (200 ml) milk
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp clarified butter (ghee), neutral-tasting oil, or unsalted butter
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tbsps raisins soaked in brown rum (optional)
• Powdered sugar (for serving)
• Plum compote or any preferred compote (for serving)
• Fresh fruits (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack in the middle and preheat to 395°F (200°C) for traditional or 355°F (180°C) for convection settings.
2. Egg White Technique: Whip egg whites with salt using an electric mixer until soft peaks form, gradually incorporating granulated sugar to create a voluminous meringue.
3. Batter Foundation: Combine egg yolks, half the milk, vanilla extract, and remaining sugar in a large bowl, whisking until smooth and fully integrated.
4. Flour Integration: Sift all-purpose flour into the yolk mixture, stirring to prevent lumps, then blend in remaining milk to create a silky, consistent batter.
5. Folding Method: Gently incorporate whipped egg whites into the batter using a delicate folding technique to maintain maximum airiness and volume.
6. Cooking Surface: Heat clarified butter or neutral oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, then evenly distribute the batter, optionally sprinkling raisins across the surface.
7. Oven Transformation: Bake for 10-12 minutes until puffy and golden, then return to stovetop and deconstruct the pancake into rustic, irregular pieces using two spatulas.
8. Final Presentation: Caramelize the shredded pancake to achieve an even golden-brown color, transfer to serving plates, and dust generously with powdered sugar through a fine-mesh sieve.
9. Serving Suggestion: Accompany the Kaiserschmarrn with seasonal fruit compotes like traditional Austrian plum sauce or fresh berries to elevate the dessert’s flavor complexity.

Notes

• Egg White Whipping Technique: Ensure your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry to achieve maximum volume when whipping egg whites, as any trace of fat can prevent proper aeration.
• Batter Consistency Matters: Fold egg whites gently and minimally to maintain the light, airy texture that defines this traditional Austrian dessert, preventing deflation of the delicate mixture.
• Pan Selection Crucial: Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan to guarantee even cooking and prevent sticking, which is essential for creating the signature torn, crispy texture.
• Temperature Control Key: Watch the heat carefully during stovetop finishing to achieve golden-brown pieces without burning, using medium heat and constant movement for perfect caramelization.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 276
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 186 mg