Sacher-Torte Day
Indulging in a decadent dessert that harmoniously blends rich chocolate and a hint of fruity sweetness, creating a symphony of flavors.
Forget your diet on Sacher-Torte Day! Such is its ability to alleviate woes, create good vibes, impart feelings of luxurious decadence and make special occasions special, that it should have an entire week/month dedicated to it.
Yes, Sachertorte deserves more than just a day! Look at it, say it: the word itself is magic: Sachertorte!
Close your eyes as you take that first bite: turn-of-the-century Vienna pervades the senses, you can almost hear a Strauss waltz… Long live Sacher-Torte Day!
How to Celebrate Sacher-Torte Day
Enjoy Eating Sacher-Torte
How could we possibly celebrate Sachertorte Day? By having some, of course!
Just writing it on a shopping list is a prelude to festivity, indulgence and culinary delight. Admire and desire its dark wanton voluptuousness as it poses seductively on the plate beckoning you to enter its world of dedadence. Impossible to resist!
This is hardcore temptation at its most muscular level.
Try Making Sacher-Torte at Home
And if you have the time and enjoy culinary challenges, perhaps you’d like to try your hand at making your very own Sachertorte from scratch?
It is not as difficult as one might think. In fact, the hardest part is attempting to let it sit for a day or two without eating it, allowing all of the flavors to soak into each other.
Visit the Home of Sacher-Torte
For those who feel ready to jump in fully, perhaps this would be a great time to plan a visit to Vienna, the place of its origins.
While there, be sure to take some tours of the local sites and, of course, pop into a cafe for a taste of the original Sacher-Torte!
History of Sacher-Torte Day
This world-famous chocolate cake owes its origins to apprentice chef Franz Sacher, who created it for the guests of Austrian Chancellor Klemens von Metternich in 1832.
Sacher was in fact filling in for the head chef, who had fallen ill, when he had this stroke of genius.
When it was served up, the guests loved it, and the Chancellor himself was impressed. Still, it took years for Sachertorte to become one of the most famous and beloved desserts on the planet.
Sacher eventually settled in his hoemtown of Vienna and continued his culinary endavours there. A well-deserved danke, Herr Sacher!
Bonus: Sacher-Torte Recipe
Ingredients:
150g dark chocolate
150g unsalted butter, softened
120g white sugar
1/2 teaspoon real vanilla extract
5 eggs, separated
90g finely ground almonds
60g all-purpose flour
For the topping and the icing:
6 tablespoons apricot jam, strained
150g dark chocolate
200ml double cream
30g milk chocolate
Preheat the oven to 180C. Grease and flour deep 23cm/9in round cake tin. Melt the chocolate gently in a double-boiler, stirring from time to time, then cool. Beat the butter in a bowl until soft, then slowly add the sugar until the mixture is fluffy.
Add the cooled chocolate and the vanilla extract and beat again to create a smooth mixture. Add the egg yolks, the ground almonds and the flour. Whisk the egg whites in another bowl until stiff. Add about a third of them to the chocolate mixture and mix in energetically. Then, gently fold in the remaining egg whites.
Pour your batter into the prepared cake pan and bake in the oven for about 45-50 minutes. Leave the cake to cool in the pan before removing.
To make the topping, heat the apricot jam in a small pan and then brush evenly over the top and sides of the cooled cake. Set aside.
Lastly, make the icing by breaking the dark chocolate into pieces. In a small saucepan, heat the cream until hot (taking care not to burn it), and then remove from the heat and add the chocolate. Stir until the chocolate has melted, then cool till the mixture achieves a coating consistency.
Pour this icing on to the
Bon appetite!
Sacher-Torte Day FAQs
Did Franz Sacher invent the Sachertorte entirely on his own?
No, he likely drew on existing dessert traditions. Many Austrian cakes already combined chocolate and jam, but Sacher’s layering technique was unique. This innovation set his creation apart.
What is the most expensive Sachertorte ever sold?
A specialty Sachertorte was auctioned for charity in Vienna, fetching thousands of euros. It featured edible gold and custom decorations.
Why is Sachertorte particularly popular in Japan?
Japanese patisseries embraced Sachertorte during the late 20th century as part of a European dessert craze. Many bakeries offer versions with matcha or other regional flavors.
Is the Sachertorte always made with apricot jam?
No, some regional adaptations use raspberry or plum jam. These variations are particularly common in Eastern Europe.
How is Sachertorte celebrated in Vienna today?
In Vienna, some bakeries offer limited-edition flavors on Sacher-Torte Day. Special events include live chocolate-making demonstrations at Hotel Sacher.
Is it true that the Sachertorte almost disappeared during World War II?
Yes, rationing made luxury ingredients like chocolate and butter scarce. Post-war, Hotel Sacher played a key role in reviving its production.
What role does the Sachertorte play in Viennese coffee house culture?
It’s a staple of traditional Viennese coffeehouses. Locals often pair it with a Melange, a type of coffee with milk similar to a cappuccino.
Are there any humorous legends about the Sachertorte?
Some Viennese joke that Franz Sacher accidentally created the dessert when he spilled apricot jam on chocolate cake. While untrue, this playful tale highlights its cultural importance.
Why does the Sachertorte have a shiny glaze?
The glossy chocolate icing is a hallmark of Austrian desserts. It’s achieved by carefully tempering the chocolate to the perfect consistency.
What is the most unusual Sachertorte variation?
In Iceland, some bakers incorporate licorice flavors into the glaze. This surprising twist reflects the country’s love for licorice candies.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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