Uncover the truth behind the famous Sacher Torte and discover the real roots of this delicacy. A bittersweet balance of origin and authenticity, this dessert has a story sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and curiosity.
Read on to learn about the history of the Sacher Torte and the ongoing debate about its origins, and to explore different perspectives on the authenticity of this famous Viennese dessert.
What Is Sacher Torte?
Sacher Torte is a rich chocolate cake made with layers of chocolate sponge cake, apricot jam filling, and a chocolate glaze. With a cup of coffee and a dollop of whipped cream or
In Vienna, it is hard to resist the allure of a heavenly slice of Sacher Torte. This decadent chocolate delicacy, recognized as an iconic symbol of Austrian cuisine, has been widely imitated by pastry shops worldwide. Yet its original recipe remains fiercely protected in the city of its birth.
A true Viennese treat, a slice of the authentic Sacher Torte is a required indulgence for any chocolate lover visiting the city.
The Birth of the Sacher Torte
The Sacher Torte was created in 1832 by a 16-year-old apprentice named Franz Sacher. He was working in a Viennese hotel when the request came in to prepare a dessert for Prince Wenzel von Metternich. The official pastry chef had become ill, so it fell on Sacher to make something unique. The resulting chocolate cake with apricot jam filling was a hit.
It’s worth noting that the origins of many dishes and culinary creations are lost and unknown. The Sacher Torte was created in Vienna by an apprentice and became a staple in Viennese cuisine, and the “Original Sacher Torte” is protected by legal rights.
Father of Sacher Torte Franz Sacher
The creation of the famous Sacher Torte was not a coincidence, as Franz Sacher came from a family with a rich history in catering and hospitality. After completing his apprenticeship in the kitchen of Prince Metternich, he went on to work as a cook in Bratislava.
Following his dreams, he continued working on a ferry boat between Vienna and Budapest and in a prestigious casino in Pest. Later, he opened a high-end delicatessen in Vienna.
Sacher went on to further open the Hotel Sacher in 1876, where the Sacher Torte is served to this day. The hotel claims that its version of the Sacher Torte is the “original” and that they have the legal rights to the name.
The Rival Claim
However, another Viennese establishment, the Demel Bakery, also claims to have created the Sacher Torte.
Eduard, the son of Franz Sacher, continued his legacy by refining the recipe for the Sacher Torte while working at Demel, a renowned bakery in Vienna. Demel, at the time, started selling the exact cake called “Eduard Sacher Torte.”
Yet another story says that in 1965 for an unknown reason, Franz Sacher Jr., the son of Eduard and his wife Anna and the grandson of the original creator, sold the recipe to Demel’s, a high-end coffee café. This allowed them to produce a rival version of the Sacher Torte.
The Hotel Sacher and the Demel Patisserie both claimed to have created the “original” Sacher Torte. This led to a prolonged legal dispute between the two renowned institutions, which the Hotel Sacher, one of the places to visit when in Vienna, ultimately won.
Difference Between the Original Sacher Torte and the Demel Version
The traditional Sacher Torte recipe includes two layers of apricot jam between a chocolate icing outer layer and a sponge base.
In contrast, Demel’s version, known as the “Eduard-Sacher-Torte,” has only one layer of apricot jam with a denser and smoother texture.
The Hotel Sacher has taken several measures to differentiate its “Original” Sacher Torte from other variations. They use a wooden box with four golden corners, a wood engraving of the Hotel Sacher Wien, and “Das Original” and “Hotel Sacher Wien” written inside the lid, as well as Bordeaux red wrapping paper with a Biedermeier design.
The Cultural Significance
Despite the debate over its origins, the Sacher Torte has become a beloved and iconic dessert in Vienna. It is a staple in traditional Viennese cafes and bakeries and is often enjoyed with a cup of coffee. Many visitors to Vienna make a point to try the Sacher Torte, and it has become a symbol of the city’s rich culinary heritage.
The Viennese people have embraced the Sacher Torte as a symbol of their city. Many locals still take great pride in the desert and its history.
The Evolution
Over time, the recipe for the Sacher Torte has evolved, and different bakers have created variations of the cake. Even though the Hotel Sacher’s version is considered the most traditional, variations with different types of chocolate, fillings, and toppings can be found in bakeries and cafes across Vienna.
Sacher Torte Around the World
The Sacher Torte has not only become a beloved dessert in Vienna, but it has also gained popularity around the world. Many bakeries and cafes in other countries offer their version of the Sacher Torte with an additional twist.
Zuzana is the creative force behind her websites Lowcarb-nocarb and Best Clean Eating. As a content creator, food recipe developer, blogger, and photographer, Zuzana brings diverse skills to the table with a dedication to sharing delicious, healthy recipes and helpful tips with the readers. Get her Best Keto Recipes Book for free.