Discover the rich history of the world’s most famous chocolate cake, crafted for royalty and celebrated across the globe
The Sacher Torte, with its glossy chocolate glaze, decadent layers, and hint of apricot, is a dessert steeped in history and flavour. Created in 1832 by young pastry chef Franz Sacher in Vienna, this cake was born of a simple request from Austrian statesman Prince Klemens von Metternich. When the court’s chief pastry chef fell ill, Metternich turned to the eager 16-year-old Sacher, asking him to prepare a special dessert for his distinguished guests. Sacher’s response was an innovative, dense chocolate cake, layered with apricot jam and finished with a rich chocolate glaze. Legend has it that Metternich was thrilled with the first bite, marking the beginning of the Sacher Torte’s enduring legacy.
After its creation, the Sacher Torte quickly gained acclaim beyond Vienna, spreading throughout Austria and eventually worldwide. The recipe remained a closely guarded family secret, and today, it is protected by trademark, with the original version available exclusively from the Sacher Hotel in Vienna. Here, over 270,000 Sacher Tortes are produced annually, each cake topped with a signature chocolate seal that certifies its authenticity. The Hotel Sacher even ships these cakes worldwide, allowing fans from all corners of the globe to indulge in this Viennese delicacy.
Sacher Torte: Austria’s famed chocolate cake, made of dense chocolate layers, apricot jam, and a smooth chocolate glaze
The authentic Sacher Torte is available not only at the Sacher Hotel in Vienna but also at the Sacher Hotel in Salzburg, as well as Sacher Cafés in Innsbruck and Graz. If you’re passing through Vienna Airport, you can even pick up this iconic cake at the duty-free shop, bringing a taste of Vienna back home with you. Interestingly, Italy’s Bolzano is the only other location where you can buy an official Sacher Torte outside Austria. Here, the Sacher Shop offers visitors a variety of Sacher-inspired treats, bringing this beloved Austrian dessert to Italian chocolate aficionados.
From the ornate cafés of Vienna to homes worldwide, the Sacher Torte remains a symbol of classic European elegance and an embodiment of Austria’s rich culinary tradition. Franz Sacher’s cake, crafted in a moment of inspiration and necessity, continues to enchant generations with its rich layers and timeless flavour, proving that true culinary masterpieces never go out of style.