national-sacher-torte-day-december-5

National Sacher Torte Day December 5

In the heart of Vienna, amidst whispers of aristocracy and the clinking of fine porcelain, a dessert was born that would etch its name into the annals of culinary history. Sacher Torte, a masterpiece of chocolate, whispers tales of its creation in 1832 by Franz Sacher, a name now synonymous with decadence. Designed to impress Prince Wenzel von Metternich, this cake quickly transcended its initial audience, capturing the hearts and palates of the European elite. With its moist base, apple, raisin, and marzipan filling, topped with apricot jam and a chocolate glaze, it's no wonder this dessert became a symbol of Austrian indulgence. Yet, beyond its layers and flavors, the Sacher Torte stands as a testament to Vienna's rich cultural and culinary heritage, celebrated annually on National Sacher Torte Day. How did a simple cake become an international sensation, and why does it continue to captivate dessert lovers around the globe?

Key Takeaway

Sacher Torte is a famous Austrian chocolate cake created in 1832 by Franz Sacher for Prince Wenzel von Metternich. It has a moist base made of apples, raisins, and marzipan, topped with apricot jam and chocolate glaze.
National Sacher Torte Day is celebrated on December 5 in Austria and other countries with Austrian influences. The cake gained international fame when it was served during a state visit of Emperor Franz Joseph I to Paris in 1877 and became a favorite among the Parisian elite. The original recipe is closely guarded by the Sacher Hotel in Vienna.

Timeline

1832
Invention of the Sacher-Torte
Franz Sacher, an Austrian apprentice chef, invented the Sacher-Torte for Prince Wenzel von Metternich in Austria.
1876
Establishment of Demel bakery
The Demel bakery and confectionery, which later became famous for its Sacher-Torte, was established in Vienna, Austria.
1938
Legal dispute over the name
The Sacher family and the Demel bakery had a legal dispute over the right to use the name ‘Original Sacher-Torte’.
1965
Settlement of the legal dispute
The legal dispute was settled, and the Hotel Sacher was granted the exclusive right to use the name ‘Original Sacher-Torte’.
2015
National Sacher Torte Day
December 5 was declared as National Sacher Torte Day in the United States.

Day Activities

  1. Baking Bonanza: Kick off National Sacher Torte Day with a kitchen adventure, whipping up your own version of this decadent dessert. Don't worry if you're not a pastry chef; half the fun is in the attempt. Gather friends or family for a bake-off and see who comes closest to the original, or at least to creating something deliciously edible. Sharing slices of your creations adds a sweet touch to the celebration.

  2. Cafe Crawl: For those who'd rather savor than stir, a cafe crawl is the perfect way to mark the day. Many establishments roll out the red carpet for Sacher Torte enthusiasts, offering special deals or even a free cup of coffee with every slice purchased. It's a splendid excuse to hop from one cafe to another, tasting different versions of the cake and soaking in the cozy ambiance each cafe offers.

  3. Cultural Quest: Dive deeper into the rich tapestry of Austrian culture by pairing your Sacher Torte celebration with a bit of historical exploration. Many museums and cultural centers host events or exhibits around this time, highlighting not just the culinary but also the artistic and historical significance of Austria. It's a fantastic way to walk off those cake calories while enriching your mind and soul with beautiful art and fascinating history.

Interesting Facts

1. Created in 1832

Franz Sacher whipped up the first Sacher Torte for a prince, starting a sweet tradition.

2. Parisian Approval

In 1877, Emperor Franz Joseph I's visit made the cake a hit among France's high society.

3. Secret Recipe

Only the Sacher Hotel in Vienna knows the original recipe, keeping it under wraps since the start.

4. Global Celebration

National Sacher Torte Day is enjoyed not just in Austria but in countries with Austrian ties too.

5. Bake and Share

Folks celebrate by baking this iconic cake at home, spreading joy and Austria's culinary legacy.

Why We Love This Day

  • Celebrating Austrian Culinary Heritage

Who doesn't love a slice of history with their dessert? National Sacher Torte Day isn't just about indulging in chocolatey goodness; it's a nod to Austria's rich culinary traditions. Back in 1832, Franz Sacher didn't just bake a cake; he whipped up a piece of history that's still celebrated worldwide. So, when December 5 rolls around, it's not just about the cake, but honoring a tradition that has sweetened the world for nearly two centuries.

  • A Cake That Tells a Story

Imagine a cake so special it gets its own day! The Sacher Torte isn't your run-of-the-mill dessert. Its creation for Prince Wenzel von Metternich has tales of culinary intrigue and excellence woven into its layers. This isn't just about satisfying sweet tooths; it's about reliving a moment in 1832 that set the stage for this dessert to become a global sensation. Celebrating National Sacher Torte Day lets us all take a bite out of history.

  • International Fame and Secret Recipes

There's something thrilling about a secret recipe, especially when it's for a cake as famous as the Sacher Torte. This dessert didn't just win over the hearts of Austrians; it charmed the French and, eventually, dessert lovers around the globe. The fact that the original recipe is still a closely guarded secret adds an air of mystery and exclusivity to the celebration. On National Sacher Torte Day, we're not just enjoying a slice of cake; we're partaking in a worldwide culinary mystery that continues to fascinate and delight.

Past & Future Dates

Month Day Year
DECEMBER 5 2022
DECEMBER 5 2023
DECEMBER 5 2024
DECEMBER 5 2025
DECEMBER 5 2026
DECEMBER 5 2027
DECEMBER 5 2028

FAQ

What is December 5th, national day?

It's National Communicate with Your Kids Day, National AFL-CIO Day, National Blue Jeans Day, Krampusnacht, World Soil Day… and much more!

Why is it called a Sachertorte?

Sachertorte (UK: /ˈzæxərtɔːrtə/ ZAKH-ər-tor-tə, US: /ˈsɑːkərtɔːrt/ SAH-kər-tort; German: [ˈzaxɐˌtɔʁtə]) is a chocolate cake, or torte, of Austrian origin, invented by Franz Sacher, supposedly in 1832 for Prince Metternich in Vienna. It is one of the most famous Viennese culinary specialties.

Why is the Sachertorte so famous?

A Slice of Vienna History The court of Prince Metternich had requested a dessert for a special occasion, but the chef was ill at the time, so 16-year-old apprentice Franz Sacher filled in. The cake he created could not have been more delicious.

How long does Sachertorte keep?

The average shelf life of a Demel's Sachertorte is approx. 7 days.