The History Behind Sachertorte, One of Europe’s Most Finest Baking Inventions!

Raise your hand if you haven't heard of Sachertorte—the cake that defines Austrian dessert culture, loved around the world but still fiercely protected in its homeland. For most, it’s the symbol of a sweet, chocolatey indulgence. But there's more than meets the eye: a fascinating history of creativity, rivalry, and legal battles that has turned this delicious treat into an iconic and often imitated dessert. So, what makes Sachertorte so special, and why do we still care about its origins today? Let’s find out.

The Birth of Sachertorte

It all began in 1832 when Austrian Chancellor Klemens von Metternich tasked his kitchen with creating a new dessert for a high-society banquet. With the head pastry chef ill, the responsibility fell on 16-year-old Franz Sacher, an ambitious and resourceful apprentice. In an inspired burst of chocolate-loving creativity, Sacher devised a simple yet stunning cake—two layers of soft sponge cake with a thin layer of apricot jam and a glossy dark chocolate glaze. It was a hit at the banquet, and before long, Franz's Sachertorte became the talk of Vienna.

However, it wasn’t just the creation of the cake that would make the Sachertorte famous—it was the controversy that followed. A dispute over authorship between Sacher and the Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter, the inventor of milk chocolate, stretched into the 1870s. In the end, the court ruled in favor of the Sacher family, cementing their legacy as the creators of the most famous chocolate cake in the world.

The Sacher vs. Demel Rivalry: Who Owns the Recipe?

Now, let’s talk about the "real" Sachertorte. If you’ve been to Vienna, you've likely encountered two pastry giants: the Hotel Sacher and Demel. While both serve up versions of Sachertorte, only the Hotel Sacher is legally allowed to claim the title of Die Original Sachertorte. But how did this iconic rivalry come about?

After Franz Sacher's initial creation, it was his son Eduard who refined the cake, ensuring it became the star of the family’s new venture, the Hotel Sacher. However, due to financial troubles, Eduard eventually took his skills—and the Sachertorte recipe—with him to the Demel pastry shop. What followed was a bitter and public dispute between the two establishments, with each claiming to serve the authentic recipe.

This pastry battle raged on for decades, but in 1962, the Austrian Supreme Court finally weighed in, ruling that only the Hotel Sacher could call its Sachertorte "original." The Demel version, while still delicious, was relegated to being an imitation. Despite the court ruling, the rivalry remains a sweet part of Austrian dessert lore.

Where to Find the Original Sachertorte Today

If you're seeking the authentic Sachertorte, there’s no question about where to go: it’s the Hotel Sacher. The flagship location in Vienna offers the cake in its original form, served alongside a rich cup of coffee or a dollop of whipped cream—a tradition that's been going strong for over a century. But Sacher lovers can also visit the Hotel Sacher in Salzburg or one of the Sacher Cafés in Innsbruck or Graz.

For those who can't make it to Austria, don’t fret. You can order the famous cake online, or if you happen to be passing through Vienna International Airport, pick up a slice at the duty-free shop. It's the perfect souvenir—one that comes with a generous helping of sweetness.

And, for those lucky enough to be in Italy, the Sacher legacy stretches beyond Austria's borders. The only Sacher Shop outside of Austria is in Bolzano, Italy, where the cake is served just as it should be—alongside a rich coffee and a swirl of whipped cream. In a way, the Sachertorte has become a symbol of Austrian culture and culinary precision, transcending national borders and solidifying its place as one of the world’s most iconic desserts.