National Sacher Torte Day on December 5 celebrates Austria’s most famous dessert: a dense chocolate cake filled with apricot jam and covered in a smooth chocolate glaze.
The recipe dates back to 1832, when apprentice chef Franz Sacher created it for Austrian statesman Klemens von Metternich. The commission led to a dessert that later became a defining part of Viennese pastry culture, especially after Sacher’s son Eduard refined the recipe and introduced it at the Hotel Sacher.
Today, the “Original Sacher-Torte” remains a protected name, produced only by the Hotel Sacher and the Demel pastry shop, and continues to represent an important piece of Austria’s culinary heritage.
When Is National Sacher Torte Day Celebrated?
National Sacher Torte Day is observed each year on December 5. The date remains fixed, making it easy for bakeries, home cooks, and dessert enthusiasts to plan their celebrations. Below are the upcoming observances through 2030.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | December 5, Friday |
| 2026 | December 5, Saturday |
| 2027 | December 5, Sunday |
| 2028 | December 5, Tuesday |
| 2029 | December 5, Wednesday |
| 2030 | December 5, Thursday |
➡️ If you love Sacher cake, you might also enjoy other sweet celebrations like National Cake Day, National Chocolate Cake Day, World Chocolate Day or National Apricot Day.
The Story Behind the Sacher Torte
The Sacher Torte originated in 1832 in Vienna, Austria, during preparations for an important dinner hosted by Austrian State Chancellor Prince Metternich. When the court’s head chef became ill, the task of creating the dessert was given to 16-year-old apprentice Franz Sacher. Working with limited time and ingredients, he prepared a firm chocolate cake filled with apricot jam and finished with a smooth chocolate glaze. The dessert was well received, and the recipe became closely associated with Sacher’s name.
Franz Sacher’s son, Eduard, later refined the recipe while training at the Demel bakery. He eventually brought this improved version to the Hotel Sacher, which opened in 1876. The cake’s growing popularity set the stage for a dispute in the 20th century, when both Hotel Sacher and Demel claimed rights to the “original” recipe. This disagreement led to a lengthy legal case, often referred to as the “Cake War,” which lasted seven years.
The conflict concluded in 1963 with a formal agreement: Hotel Sacher received the exclusive right to market its cake as the Original Sacher-Torte, while Demel continued to produce its own version under a different name.
Today, the Original Sacher Torte is still handmade in Hotel Sacher’s kitchen, following the closely guarded recipe passed down through generations. Each cake is marked with a chocolate seal, confirming its authenticity.
How to Celebrate National Sacher Torte Day
There are many simple ways to take part in National Sacher Torte Day, whether you want to enjoy the dessert itself or learn more about its cultural background.
- Enjoy a Slice from a Local Bakery. Check if a café or bakery near you offers Sacher Torte or a similar chocolate–apricot cake. It’s an easy way to take part without baking.
- Bake Your Own Sacher Torte. Trying the recipe at home gives you a better sense of why the cake is structured the way it is. The process—making the glaze, preparing the jam layer, and assembling the cake—is manageable for most home bakers.
- Pair the Cake with Something Traditional. In Vienna, Sacher Torte is often served with unsweetened whipped cream. Re-creating this detail helps you experience the dessert the way it is enjoyed in Austria.
- Learn the History Behind the Recipe. Read about Franz and Eduard Sacher, the opening of Hotel Sacher, and the “Cake War” between Hotel Sacher and Demel. Understanding these events adds depth to the celebration.
- Visit (or Virtually Explore) Hotel Sacher. If you’re not in Vienna, many travel sites and videos offer virtual tours of the hotel and its café. It’s a simple way to connect the dessert to its original setting.
- Try an Austrian Beverage Pairing. Pair your slice with Viennese coffee, such as a mélange (similar to a latte) or strong black coffee, which balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Share Your Experience Online. Share your slice, baking process, or a historical fact using #NationalSacherTorteDay for others interested in the observance.
