From the coffee houses of Vienna to the pastry shops of Salzburg, traditional Austrian desserts are some of the most memorable sweets in Europe. These classic recipes let you recreate those unforgettable flavors right at home, and it’s easier than you may think.
Austrian desserts are known for their rich history, elegant presentation, and comforting flavors. Many recipes date back to Roman times and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, giving them a strong connection to Viennese cuisine and Austrian baking traditions.
If you’ve ever visited Vienna and stopped to peer into the glass case of a Viennese café, you already know how seriously Austrians take their sweets. I had that experience a few years ago when I visited Vienna with Viking Cruises, and honestly, the desserts alone were worth the trip.
What struck me most was how every place seemed to have its own version of a classic. One bakery served a beautifully spiced Linzer torte, another had a perfectly golden Salzburger Nockerl, and nearly everywhere offered a slice of rich Sacher cake that tasted like it had not changed since the 19th century. These recipes are deeply woven into Austrian cuisine and have been loved for generations.
I came home wanting to recreate those same flavors, and that is exactly what inspired this roundup. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Austrian dessert to bake for a holiday, a cozy weekend project, or simply something a little different from the usual cakes and cookies, these recipes are a wonderful place to start.
Why We Love These Recipes
Many of these Austrian desserts are made with basic ingredients like egg whites, egg yolks, vanilla extract, butter, flour, and sugar, yet they turn into some of the most beautiful desserts you will ever see.
There is such a wonderful variety here, from airy Salzburger Nockerl and buttery bite-sized cookies to rich layered cakes like Sacher Torte and Linzer Torte.
One of my favorite things about these delicious desserts is how versatile they are. Some work beautifully as a dessert option after a main course, while others are perfect for lunchtime with coffee.
Let me know which of these recipes you decide to try! Many people consider Sacher Torte the most famous Austrian dessert. The original recipe was created by 16-year-old apprentice Franz Sacher while working for the court of Prince Metternich in Vienna.
I’d suggest starting with the Linzer cookies. You really can’t mess them up!
1
Raspberry Linzer Tart Cookies
These buttery Linzer tart cookies sandwich sweet raspberry filling between delicate cutout cookies for a classic Austrian dessert inspired by the famous Linzer torte.
This rich chocolate cake is layered with apricot jam and finished with glossy chocolate icing for a classic Viennese dessert. Inspired by the original Sacher-Torte served at Hotel Sacher and Café Sacher, it is one of the most famous Austrian desserts ever created.
This flaky pastry dough is filled with sweet pears, creamy cheese, and raisins for a comforting traditional Austrian dessert. It tastes like something straight from a cozy Viennese café.
These buttery crescent shape cookies are a favorite Austrian sweet during the holidays and carnival time. Made with vanilla sugar and ground nuts, they practically melt in your mouth.
This classic Austrian apple strudel features flaky pastry dough wrapped around a warmly spiced apple strudel filling. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate sweet treat.
This famous Salzburg dessert is a light and airy sweet fluffy pancake made with whipped egg whites until beautifully golden brown. Salzburger Nockerl is one of the most iconic Austrian desserts and is often served warm with fruit compote or plum compote.
This elegant Austrian cream cake layers delicate cookies with a rich creamy filling for a beautiful special dessert. It is a classic choice often found in traditional Viennese desserts and Austrian cafes.
These soft yeast dumplings are filled with jam and baked until golden brown for a cozy Austrian sweet treat. They are delicious served with vanilla sauce or fruit compote.
Linzer torte is one of the oldest and most beloved Austrian desserts. Made with buttery pastry dough, ground hazelnuts, lemon zest, and red currants, this traditional Austrian dessert has been enjoyed since the 17th century.
These chocolate covered Austrian shortbread cookies are filled with a layer of apricot jam for a rich bite-sized dessert. They are a beautiful example of classic Viennese baking tradition.
This soft marble bundt cake has beautiful swirls of vanilla and chocolate throughout every slice. It is an easy Austrian dessert perfect for serving with great coffee any time of day.
Many Austrian desserts are served with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, plum compote, fresh fruit, or a side of vanilla sauce, depending on the recipe. I always serve dessert with a cup of decaf coffee, too. I hope you enjoy this list of some of my favorite Austrian desserts.
