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Sachertorte

Sachertorte is a Viennese chocolate torte made with chocolate sponge cake, a thin layer of apricot jam, and a dark chocolate glaze.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Sachertorte is a Viennese chocolate torte made with chocolate sponge cake, a thin layer of apricot jam, and a dark chocolate glaze. It was created in Vienna in 1832 by Franz Sacher and is widely associated with Austrian cuisine and coffeehouse culture.

Origin

Sachertorte originated in Vienna in 1832, when Franz Sacher prepared a special chocolate dessert for Prince Klemens Wenzel von Metternich. The story is central to the cake’s identity and is repeated in Hotel Sacher’s historical account.

Composition

The classic cake consists of chocolate sponge or torte layers with a thin layer of apricot jam and a chocolate glaze on top and often on the sides. Many descriptions also note that it is not overly sweet and is commonly paired with whipped cream.

Cultural significance

Sachertorte is one of the best-known desserts linked to Vienna and is widely treated as a symbol of Austrian pastry tradition. Sources describe it as a staple in Viennese cafés and a major tourist-oriented speciality.

Original Sacher-Torte

Hotel Sacher in Vienna markets the Original Sacher-Torte and presents it as the authentic version of the cake. The recipe is described as a closely guarded secret, and the hotel also connects the dessert to its historical branding.

Key facts

  • Sachertorte is a chocolate cake layered with apricot jam and coated in chocolate glaze.
  • It was created by Franz Sacher in Vienna in 1832.
  • The cake is strongly associated with Viennese café culture and Austrian cuisine.
  • The Original Sacher-Torte is sold through Hotel Sacher, which promotes it as its signature cake.
  • Traditional versions are often served with unsweetened whipped cream.
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Canadian context

Sachertorte appears in Canadian bakery, café, and fine-dining contexts as a classic European dessert, especially in cities with strong Austrian, German, and Central European food traditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sachertorte?
Sachertorte is a Viennese chocolate torte made with chocolate sponge cake, apricot jam, and a chocolate glaze.
Who invented Sachertorte?
It is traditionally credited to Franz Sacher, who created it in Vienna in 1832.
What does Sachertorte contain?
The standard version uses chocolate sponge, a thin apricot jam filling, and a dark chocolate coating.
How is Sachertorte usually served?
It is often served with unsweetened whipped cream.
Why is Sachertorte famous?
It is one of Vienna’s best-known culinary specialties and is widely regarded as a symbol of Austrian dessert culture.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sachertorte
    Supports: Basic definition, ingredients, and invention by Franz Sacher in the 19th century.
  2. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sachertorte
    Supports: Viennese origin, 1832 date, and structure of the cake.
  3. Hotel Sacher — https://www.sacher.com/en/original-sacher-torte/
    Supports: Historical account of the cake’s origin and Hotel Sacher’s association with the Original Sacher-Torte.
  4. Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sachertorte
    Supports: Description of the cake as a Viennese specialty with apricot jam and chocolate glaze.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Austria/Selected_article/3
    Supports: Traditional serving with whipped cream and description as a Viennese specialty.
  6. Visiting Vienna — https://www.visitingvienna.com/eatingdrinking/food/the-sachertorte/
    Supports: Sachertorte as a staple of Viennese café culture and the “original” version sold by Hotel Sacher.