Tracking down the origins of some European desserts can be tricky. Since the countries are so close, you might spot the same sweet treats in different places. For instance, Linzer tortes and apricot dumplings pop up all over the continent.

1.Apple Strudel Recipe

To keep things authentic, it all starts with the right dough–and we’re not talking about just any pastry dough.

This dough is closer to bread dough, and the trick is to stretch it until it’s almost see-through.

When you roll it up like a burrito, you create all those beautiful layers that give it that signature flaky texture.

2.Cremeschnitten (Austrian Cream Slices)

This dessert goes by many names – mille-feuille in France, vanilla or custard slices in Britain, and Napoleon cakes in Russia.

No matter what you call it, the combination of a thick, creamy vanilla custard layered between flaky, crumbly pastry and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar is absolute perfection.

For the best results, skip the boxed pudding mix. While it might save time, it just won’t deliver the same rich, homemade flavor.

Trust us, the extra effort of making this from scratch is totally worth it. Get ready to impress with this classic, crowd-pleasing dessert!

3.Vanillekipferl (Austrian Vanilla Crescent Cookies)

These charming vanilla cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and simple. Made with an enriched shortbread dough, they include eggs for richness and ground nuts for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Best of all?

They’re a breeze to whip up, making them a delightful treat any time of day.

4.Kaiserschmarrn (Scrambled Pancake)

Torn Pancake (Emperor’s Pancake) This fun and quirky recipe is a blast to make with the kids! Once your pancake is cooked, grab two wooden spatulas and gently tear it into pieces.

Then comes the best part: add a pat of butter and a sprinkle of sugar, and fry those pieces until they’re golden and perfectly caramelized.

It’s a tasty, hands-on treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

5.Austrian Polsterzipf with Topfen Dough

Flaky, sweet, and utterly irresistible, these little fried pastries are the perfect breakfast treat. Filled with yummy fruit jam and fried until golden brown, they’re just the thing to start your day off right.

While homemade pastry dough gives the best flavor, feel free to use store-bought if you’re short on time–it’s all about convenience!

6.Krapfen (Austrian Jam Filled Donuts)

These donuts are the life of the party, especially during Mardi Gras celebrations! While they’re traditionally served with apricot jam, don’t be afraid to get creative.

Fill them with your favorite jam, or try them on their own with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet treat that’s sure to please.

7.Topfenknödel (Austrian Topfen Dumplings)

These cheesecake bites are so irresistible, you might just find yourself finishing half a batch in one sitting–yes, they’re that good!

Here’s a fun twist: in Austria and Germany, cream cheese isn’t typically used for cheesecakes. Instead, they rely on cheese curds or quark for that perfect texture.

If you can’t track down cheese curds or quark, don’t worry–silken tofu works beautifully as a substitute. These little bites are a delicious blend of tradition and convenience.

Give them a try and see why they’re so hard to resist!

8.Traditional Gugelhupf (Kugelhopf)

This bundt cake may look simple at first glance, but it’s actually a yeast dough masterpiece. It’s more like bread than cake, requiring about 3 hours of proofing to give it that light, airy texture.

Imagine a cinnamon roll rolled up and wrapped around a bundt pan–when you slice it, the layers create a beautiful, delicate pattern inside.

9.Dampfnudeln / Germknödel (Sweet Dumplings)

Dampfnudlen is a treat that’s a little hard to put into words, but trust us–it’s worth trying! These sweet dumplings use yeast but skip the proofing step, making them a breeze to prepare.

Typically filled with plum jam and steamed to perfection, they’re best enjoyed with a side of warm vanilla custard. It’s a delightful combination of sweet and cozy that’s sure to become a new favorite!

10.Topfenstrudel (Quark Strudel or Cheese Strudel)

Meet this cheese strudel, a delightful twist on the traditional Yorkshire curd tart that captured my heart years ago.

Imagine a sweet, fruity treat packed with fun textures, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Instead of a pastry case, this strudel keeps things cozy by tucking the filling inside.

With creamy cheese curds, juicy raisins, and layers of buttery pastry, this dessert is a must-try treat.

11.Linzer Torte Recipe

Hailing from Linz, Austria, this Linzer Torte is as authentic as it gets. Just like Linzer cookies, it’s packed with that nutty, buttery flavor and loaded with sweet and tart raspberry jam. The catch?

Unlike a fruit tart, this one doesn’t use a ton of filling. So, nailing the dough is a must–otherwise, it might end up a bit dry.

Get the dough just right, and you’re in for a treat!

12.Palatschinken (Austrian Crêpes)

These pancakes strike the perfect balance–they’re not too thick and not too thin, making them a delightful middle ground in the pancake universe.

Imagine a treat that’s as wide as a French crêpe but with a heartier, more satisfying texture.

Top them with anything from fruity jam to rich caramel, and you’ve got a breakfast that’s simply irresistible.

13.Sacher Torte

The Sacher torte is a legendary chocolate cake that’s won hearts worldwide.

This iconic dessert was first crafted by a 16-year-old pastry apprentice for Austria’s State Chancellor, and it’s been a chocolate lover’s dream ever since.

Rich, decadent, and packed with deep chocolate flavor, it’s the kind of treat where a small slice goes a long way.

Traditionally, it’s paired with a dollop of whipped cream to balance its velvety, indulgent goodness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just satisfying your sweet tooth, the Sacher torte is pure perfection.

14.Salzburger Nockerl

Imagine a dessert that’s like an Austrian fruit cobbler. Picture a layer of sweet berry jam at the bottom, topped with a light and airy faux-angel food cake mix.

This mix is more meringue-like but still has flour, giving it a spongy texture that’s just right. It’s a delightful twist on a classic dessert, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

15.Kletzenbrot Recipe (Christmas Fruit Bread)

Looking for a Christmas showstopper? This lightly spiced rye bread is packed with nuts and dried fruits, making it a standout for the holiday season.

Perfectly balanced with warm spices, it’s sure to steal the show at any gathering.

16.Homemade Mozartkugeln

This fun little dessert is a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen. The hardest part? Melting the chocolate–everything else is a breeze!

Once the chocolate is ready, let the kids take over and have a blast shaping the marzipan into all sorts of fun creations.

It’s a sweet way to spend time together and make some tasty memories.

17.Marillenkuchen (Austrian Apricot Cake)

There’s something special about European desserts–they often feature fresh fruits and skip the overly sweet, heavy frostings we see in so many desserts.

But here’s a tip: before you go tossing halved apricots into your favorite vanilla cake, take a pause. The secret to this cake is that it doesn’t use baking powder or baking soda.

Instead, it relies on eggs to give it a light, airy texture. This slow rise keeps the fruit suspended evenly throughout the cake, so every bite is as perfect as the first.

18.Austrian Buchteln (Sweet Yeast Rolls)

At first glance, these rolls might look like your average dinner rolls, especially without that dusting of powdered sugar. But trust me, they’re so much more than that!

Imagine a soft, fluffy roll filled with the sweetness of apricot – it’s a delightful surprise.

While they pair perfectly with a savory chicken dish, the real magic happens when you drizzle them with creamy vanilla sauce. It’s like a match made in heaven!

So whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory, these rolls deliver.

19.Marillenknödel (Austrian Apricot Dumplings)

Apricots hold a special place in Austria, much like peaches in Georgia. Grown in the southern regions, they’re a staple in many local recipes.

When fresh, these apricots are vibrant and sweet, offering a burst of juicy flavor. To preserve their natural sweetness and texture, they’re kept almost whole in these dumplings.

Instead of a mushy texture, each bite gives you the perfect balance of fruity goodness and a delightful chew. It’s a taste of Austrian tradition that’s both simple and satisfying.

20.Classic Austrian Linzer Cookies

Linzer cookies are the ultimate treat! Imagine a buttery dough filled with a vibrant burst of fresh raspberry jam–it’s a match made in heaven.

The classic touch is the cut-out in the center, which adds a lovely visual flair and doesn’t take much time to do.

That said, if you’re short on time or just want to keep it simple, you can skip the cut-out and sandwich two cookies together–they’ll still be absolutely delicious.

Either way, you’ll end up with a cookie that’s both elegant and irresistible!