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Oma's Kaiserschmarrn: Austrian Pancake – German Torn Pancakes

Kaiserschmarrn, or “Emperor’s Mess,” is a fluffy, caramelized pancake torn into pieces and dusted with sugar—a royally delicious treat!

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs, separated
• ¾ cup (98 grams) all purpose flour
• ½ cup (120 milliliter) milk
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon (4 grams) baking powder
• 2 tablespoons (26 grams) granulated sugar
• 4 ounces (113 grams) raisins
• 4 tablespoons (56 grams) butter, divided
• powdered sugar to sprinkle over pancakes

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, add the egg yolks, flour, milk, salt, baking powder, and sugar, and mix well. Let the batter stand for 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the stiff egg whites into the batter.
4. Gently fold in raisins.
5. In a large frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of the butter over medium heat. Pour the pancake batter into the hot pan and fry until golden brown on the bottom.
6. Flip the pancake, adding the remaining butter, and continue to cook the other side until browned.
7. Using two forks, tear the pancake into bite-size pieces and continue cooking briefly.
8. Serve, dusted with powdered sugar.

Notes/Hints:

• You can omit the raisins
• Or, you can soak those raisins in rum first, then add the drained raisins to the batter.
• Add 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, if desired
• Another perfect "pancake" dish for breakfast, lunch, buffets and supper is the German apple pancake that's made in the oven. So goood as well!

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Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

Updated on January 19, 2026