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Holidays are for relaxing - not for cooking for hours on end. Things can be uncomplicated in the vacation apartment: few ingredients, quick preparation and no kitchen chaos.

Claudia S.
Affiliate & Social Media Manager
at ALPS RESORTS

Quick vacation cooking: Kaiserschmarrn - golden yellow, fluffy, irresistible

Why Kaiserschmarrn is simply a must on the mountain pasture

You're in your vacation home, you're hungry but don't feel like cooking? Don't worry - we have the solution that tastes like vacation, alpine pastures and pure happiness: Kaiserschmarrn. Lightly crispy on the outside, fluffy as a cloud on the inside, it guarantees one of those moments when everyone at the table falls silent for a moment.

Whether on the mountain pasture, in a hut after a hike or barefoot in the kitchen of a vacation home, this dish always works. No kitchen stress, no professional equipment, no excuses. Let's schmarrn!

Fluffy Kaiserschmarrn: Sweet enough for dessert, hearty enough for lunch.

Kaiserschmarrn is not a classic "either-or" dish. It can be a main course, dessert and comforting at the same time. It works just as well in the rain as it does after a summit tour, makes children happy and adults suspiciously quiet.

Yes, there are many Kaiserschmarrn recipes, but this one is just right for vacation kitchens: uncomplicated, sure-fire success and no kitchen chaos.

  • Classic quick vacation dish, ready in under 20 minutes
  • Few ingredients, maximum wow factor
  • Perfect for the vacation home
  • Tastes just like in a mountain hut

Ingredients for the classic Kaiserschmarrn on the mountain pasture (4 people)

Shopping list for a quick vacation dish at the vacation home:

  • 4 eggs (separately)
  • 250 ml milk
  • 150 g flour
  • 1 pinch of salt

 

  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Butter for frying
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Optional: raisins (soak briefly beforehand)

Preparation:

Step by step to fluffy Kaiserschmarrn

  1. Whisk the egg yolk, milk, flour, sugar and salt in a bowl until smooth - no lumps, please.
  2. Beat the egg whites until stiff and fold in carefully. Don't stir like crazy - we want air, not concrete.
  3. Melt the butter in a large pan over a medium heat.
  4. Pour in the batter, swirl the pan briefly and allow to set for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Quarter or turn the Kaiserschmarrn, fry for a further 2 minutes.
  6. Tear with two spatulas, add a little butter and fry until golden brown.
  7. Dust with powdered sugar, take a deep breath and enjoy.
Fluffy Kaiserschmarrn topped with jam and powdered sugar
Woman pouring milk into a glass while preparing Kaiserschmarrn batter
Fresh chicken eggs as an essential ingredient for traditional Kaiserschmarrn
White granulated sugar used to sweeten homemade Kaiserschmarrn
Wheat flour as a base ingredient for light and fluffy Kaiserschmarrn batter
Powdered sugar sprinkled over freshly cooked Kaiserschmarrn
Raisins prepared as a classic ingredient for Austrian Kaiserschmarrn

Vegan Kaiserschmarrn (without egg)

Ingredients Recipe for 4 people

  • 400 g flour (wheat or spelt)
  • 600 ml plant milk (oat or soy = particularly fluffy)
  • 4 tablespoons of sugar
  • 2 sachets of vanilla sugar
  • 2 pinches of salt
  • 4 tablespoons cornflour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • Vegan butter or neutral oil for frying
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Optional:

  • 80-100 g raisins (preferably in rum or apple juice)
  • 4 tablespoons mineral water for extra airiness

The best egg substitute options for vegan Kaiserschmarrn

  • Applesauce: Applesauce makes the Kaiserschmarrn moist and slightly sweet. About 2-3 tablespoons replace an egg and provide a soft, pleasant texture.
  • Banana (mashed): Half a ripe banana replaces an egg and makes the batter particularly fluffy. It adds a subtle fruity note.
  • Soy flour or chickpea flour: One tablespoon of flour with two tablespoons of water replaces one egg. This variant is neutral in taste and comes very close to the classic consistency.
  • Food starch and baking powder: The combination of food starch and baking powder makes the dough fluffy and stable and is ideal for an airy Kaiserschmarrn.

Insider tips & Kaiserschmarrn variations

This is where things get creative - Kaiserschmarrn loves variety:

  • Vanilla sugar instead of normal sugar creates a cottage vibe
  • Banana slices directly into the dough
  • Fold in raspberries, blueberries or apple pieces
  • Serve with Nutella (yes, we're not judging)
  • With vanilla ice cream - summer upgrade deluxe
  • Cinnamon & sugar instead of powdered sugar for extra soulfood

In short: Kaiserschmarrn is the playground of vacation cooking. If you like it just as quick, easy and delicious, you should also try our Wild Blueberry Fritters recipe.

2 plates with blueberry fritters and vanilla ice cream

Quick vacation cooking: Pinzgauer Wild Blueberry Fritters recipe

A simple favorite dish with superfood power: Pinzgauer Wild Blueberry Fritters are quick to make, super tasty and on the table in just a few minutes.

Plate full of Tyrolean Gröstl with fried egg and beef

Quick vacation cooking: Tiroler Gröstl recipe

Ideally uncomplicated, prepared in a flash, perfect for the vacation apartment and a real mountain hut classic in Austria.

Tyrolean Bretzel soup

Quick vacation cooking: Tyrolean pretzel soup

This Tyrolean pretzel soup is quick to make and doesn't require any complicated equipment. A perfect example of quick vacation cooking.

Vacation on the fork

Kaiserschmarrn is not a dish. It is a feeling. A little chaos, lots of butter and maximum enjoyment. This is exactly what quick vacation cuisine should taste like.

 

Small professional tips:

  • Don't fry too hot - patience brings fluff
  • Butter instead of oil - anything else is sacrifice
  • Use a large pan, otherwise you'll end up with pancakes rather than Schmarrn

FAQs: Frequently asked questions about Kaiserschmarrn

How do you get Kaiserschmarrn fluffy?

Whisk in stiff egg whites (or mineral water for the vegan version) and fold in gently.

How long do you have to fry Kaiserschmarrn?

In total about 10-12 minutes over a medium heat.

Why is Kaiserschmarrn at the hut so expensive?

Because the view, altitude and butter simply cost more in the mountains. It tastes just as good at home in your vacation home - only cheaper.

What is the difference between Kaiserschmarrn and pancakes?

The main difference lies in the consistency and preparation. Kaiserschmarrn is baked thicker, then torn and is particularly fluffy on the inside. Pancakes are baked thinly, remain whole and are much more compact.

Copyright © Freepik, ALPS RESORTS, iStock

Claudia S.

Affiliate & Social Media Manager at ALPS RESORTS

Always hungry - for good food, new favorite places and fresh ideas. Shares recipes, travel tips and vacation inspiration for everyone who loves mountains, indulgence and relaxing time out.
Would you like to find out more about ALPS RESORTS? Please use our contact form or send us a no-obligation inquiry.

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