German Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. 
Serving
Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Kaiserschmarrn (Shredded Sugared Pancake)
A fluffy shredded pancake dusted with powdered sugar and studded with golden raisins, torn into rustic pieces and served with stewed fruit compote.
Contains common allergens
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Good to know
- Crispy
- Ready in under 30 minutes
Matched from this dish's own ingredients and timing. Browse more: crispy recipes30-minute meals
Instructions
7 steps- 1
Whisk egg yolks, flour, milk, sugar, and salt together until a smooth batter forms.
- 2
In a separate bowl, beat egg whites to stiff peaks, then gently fold into the batter along with the soaked raisins.
- 3
Melt half the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and pour in the batter.
- 4
Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden, then flip in sections and continue cooking the other side.
- 5
Using two forks, tear the pancake into bite-sized irregular pieces directly in the pan, adding the remaining butter.
- 6
Continue cooking, tossing gently, until all pieces are golden and slightly crisp.
- 7
Dust generously with powdered sugar and serve hot with applesauce or plum compote.
Images are for illustrative purposes only, may be inaccurate, and do not guarantee the presence or absence of specific ingredients. Listahan Family Score™
70/100
Good fit for most families
Score reflects how well this recipe fits a typical busy household. In the app, your Family Score is personalized to your household's allergens, kids, and pantry.
Nutrition
per serving485
Calories
14 g
Protein
65 g
Carbs
19 g
Fat
Estimated per serving. Actual values depend on the brands and portions you use.
Listahan cooking guide
Chef notes & practical guide
Technique notes, ingredient swaps, serve-alongside ideas, storage guidance, and equipment for this recipe.
Cultural context
Kaiserschmarrn, or emperor's mess, is an Austrian dish long associated with the imperial court of Emperor Franz Joseph I, and it's widely enjoyed across southern Germany and Austria alike. Unlike a folded crepe, the pancake is deliberately torn into ragged pieces and caramelized in the pan, which is exactly what schmarrn, meaning mess or scraps, describes.
Listahan note
This version separates the eggs and folds in whipped whites, a step that gives the torn pieces a lighter, airier texture than a dense, all-in-one batter.
Technique cues
- Fold the whipped egg whites in gently rather than stirring, since deflating them results in a flatter, denser pancake instead of a light, puffed one.
- Let the bottom set fully golden before flipping in sections; flipping too early tears the pancake apart before it has structure.
- Tear the pancake with two forks directly in the pan rather than a spatula, which is what gives Kaiserschmarrn its signature irregular, craggy pieces.
Kitchen flow
- Parallel prep
- Soak the raisins in rum while you separate and whip the eggs, so both are ready when the batter comes together.
- Make-ahead
- Kaiserschmarrn is best made fresh right before serving; the batter itself can be mixed a short time ahead but should be cooked just before eating.
- Leftover move
- Reheat leftover pieces in a hot buttered skillet rather than the microwave to bring back some of the caramelized crispness.
- Cleanup rhythm
- Use a nonstick skillet to keep the torn, caramelized pieces from sticking and to make wiping the pan afterward easier.
Ingredient brief
Role, handling, and swap guidance for each key ingredient.
Eggs, separated
Structure and lift
Purpose: Separating and whipping the whites gives the pancake a lighter, souffle-like rise before it's torn apart.
Handling: Beat the whites to stiff peaks in a clean, dry bowl so they hold volume when folded in.
Adaptation: Whole eggs, beaten together without separating, work for a simpler but denser version.
Raisins soaked in rum
Sweet pockets of flavor
Purpose: Rum-soaked raisins add bursts of sweetness and a subtle boozy note throughout the torn pancake.
Handling: Soak for at least 15 minutes so the raisins plump and absorb the rum.
Adaptation: Soak the raisins in warm apple juice instead of rum for an alcohol-free version.
All-purpose flour
Batter base
Purpose: Flour gives the batter enough body to set into a pancake that can still be torn into substantial pieces.
Handling: Whisk with the yolks and milk until just smooth, avoiding overmixing.
Adaptation: A gluten-free all-purpose blend can work, though the texture will be slightly less elastic.
Butter
Cooking fat and caramelization
Purpose: Butter both cooks the pancake and helps the torn pieces caramelize into golden, slightly crisp edges in the final tossing step.
Handling: Add the butter in two additions, the second when tearing and tossing the pieces.
Adaptation: A neutral oil can replace some of the butter, though the flavor and browning will be less rich.
Applesauce or plum compote
Traditional accompaniment
Purpose: A tart fruit sauce on the side balances the sweetness of the sugared, caramelized pancake pieces.
Handling: Warm slightly before serving alongside the hot pancake.
Adaptation: Stewed cherries or a simple berry compote both work as a traditional-style fruit side.
Technique notes
- Use a large nonstick skillet with enough surface area; a crowded pan steams the pancake instead of letting it develop a golden crust.
- Don't rush the tearing and tossing step at the end; this is what caramelizes the sugar on the torn edges and gives the dish its texture.
- Serve immediately while hot and freshly dusted with powdered sugar, since Kaiserschmarrn loses its light texture as it sits.
Ingredient swaps
- Alcohol-free direction
- Soak the raisins in warm apple juice or water instead of rum for a version safe for kids and anyone avoiding alcohol.
- Gluten-free direction
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of wheat flour; the batter may need a touch more milk to loosen it.
- Dairy-free direction
- Use plant-based milk and butter throughout; the caramelized edges will be slightly less rich but still work well.
Serve alongside
- Warm applesauce
- Plum compote
- Fresh berries
- Filterkaffee (German drip coffee)
- Hot chocolate
- Sparkling water with lemon
Serving suggestions only — check pairings for your household's allergens.
Storage & reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a buttered skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave to restore some crispness.
- Freezing is not recommended; the torn pieces turn soggy and lose their texture on thawing.
Equipment
- Large nonstick skillet
- Two forks for tearing
- Mixing bowls for separating eggs
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