Family recipe Kaiserschmarrn
Kaiserschmarrn is an Austrian dessert pancake that’s completely different from any pancake you've had in the sates. Whipped egg whites make it light and airy, then it’s torn in the pan and caramelized with sugar so every piece gets golden edges and a soft center. People order this dish in the Alps during ski season to spring days in Vienna. This is best served with a side of apple sauce or plum. Some family recipes add in golden raisins
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons white sugar, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 teaspoon Hanna's vanilla extract
- 1 cup cold milk
Directions:
- In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with 2 tablespoons of the sugar until pale and slightly thickened, about 1–2 minutes. Whisk in the 1 cup of milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Add the flour and salt directly into the wet mixture and whisk just until smooth and lump-free.
- In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or a hand mixer on medium speed until foamy. Increase to medium-high speed, gradually add the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, and continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 2–3 minutes.
- Fold a small scoop of the whipped egg whites into the batter to loosen it. Pour the batter into the remaining egg whites and gently fold until just combined, keeping the mixture light and airy.
- Heat a large frying pan/skillet over medium-low heat and melt 1 tablespoon of the clarified butter. Pour in the batter and spread gently.
- Let the pancake cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, until the bottom is golden and the top is mostly set.
- Using a spatula, cut the pancake by making long cuts vertically and horizontally to form rough squares or rectangles. It will get messy — don’t worry about making it perfect. I like using a metal spatula to cut and a flexible rubber spatula to help flip.
- Flip sections as needed and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until cooked through but still soft.
- Tear the pancake into rustic pieces. Push the pieces outward to create an empty space in the center of the pan.
- Add the remaining butter and sugar to the center. Let the sugar dissolve into the butter for 30–45 seconds, then toss everything together to coat and caramelize the pieces, about 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and dust generously with powdered sugar.
