Sachertorte: Austrian Chocolate Cake with History

Sachertorte is one of the world's most famous cakes, invented in Vienna in 1832. Dense chocolate sponge, apricot jam and chocolate glaze: a recipe behind which lies a whole courtroom battle.

History of the dish

The cake was devised by 16-year-old confectioner Franz Sacher for Prince Metternich's guests. Between 1954 and 1963, Hotel Sacher and Demel fought a lawsuit over the right to call their cake 'the original'. Hotel Sacher won.

Key ingredients

70% dark chocolate, butter, icing sugar, egg yolks, beaten egg whites, flour. Between the two sponge layers — apricot jam. Glaze: chocolate and sugar syrup.

How to cook at home

The sponge for Sachertorte must be dense (no baking powder): this is achieved by the beaten egg whites. Apply the glaze over a layer of warmed and sieved apricot jam — it spreads evenly.