The Sacher Torte is more than just a dessert—it’s a rich part of Austrian culture that has been enjoyed for over a century. National Sacher Torte Day on December 5th offers chocolate lovers and pastry fans a perfect reason to savor this classic treat. Beyond its delicious taste, the Sacher Torte carries historical significance. If you’re a fan of this day, you might also enjoy other sweet celebrations like National Bavarian Cream Pie Day or National Mousse Day.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the origins of the Sacher Torte and explore some fun ways to celebrate.
The Story Behind the Sacher Torte
The origins of the Sacher Torte date back to 1832 when it was created in Vienna, Austria, under unexpected circumstances. The story begins with a prestigious dinner planned for Austrian State Chancellor Prince Metternich. At the last moment, the head chef at the court fell ill, and the responsibility for creating a spectacular dessert fell to a young 16-year-old apprentice, Franz Sacher.
With limited time and resources, Sacher improvised, crafting a dense chocolate cake layered with apricot jam and coated in a glossy chocolate glaze. The result was a huge success. Little did Sacher know that his creation would become one of the world’s most famous cakes, leading to an international sensation and symbol of Viennese culinary tradition.
After Franz Sacher’s passing, his son Eduard Sacher perfected the recipe, which then led to the opening of the world-renowned Hotel Sacher in 1876. However, the story of the Sacher Torte took a dramatic turn in the 20th century, when a legal battle over its original recipe ensued between Hotel Sacher and Demel, a famous Viennese bakery. Both claimed rights to the “original” Sacher Torte, leading to a seven-year-long court case known as the “Cake War” of the 1930s.
In 1963, an agreement was finally reached: Hotel Sacher earned the exclusive right to label their version as “Original Sacher Torte,” while Demel could continue to sell their version but under a different name. The rivalry added to the cake’s allure and mystique, making it even more coveted.
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.
When Is National Sacher Torte Day Celebrated?
Mark your calendars for December 5th! National Sacher Torte Day celebrates one of Austria’s most famous desserts. Indulge at home or enjoy a slice in Vienna, and here’s when you can savor this iconic cake in the coming years.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | December 5, Thursday |
| 2025 | December 5, Friday |
| 2026 | December 5, Saturday |
| 2027 | December 5, Sunday |
| 2028 | December 5, Tuesday |
| 2029 | December 5, Wednesday |
| 2030 | December 5, Thursday |
Three Ideas on How to Celebrate National Sacher Torte Day
Here are three fun ways to celebrate National Sacher Torte Day:
- Bake Your Own Sacher Torte: Try your hand at making this iconic dessert from scratch. Follow a traditional recipe and enjoy the process of layering rich chocolate sponge, apricot jam, and smooth dark chocolate glaze. It’s a rewarding experience for home bakers and a delicious way to celebrate.
- Visit a Café for Authentic Sacher Torte: If you’re near an Austrian bakery or café, treat yourself to an authentic slice of Sacher Torte. For those who can’t visit Vienna’s famous Hotel Sacher, many cafés offer a close version, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee.
- Host a Chocolate-Themed Dessert Party: Celebrate with friends by hosting a dessert party centered around Sacher Torte. Serve the cake alongside other chocolate treats and pair it with rich beverages like hot chocolate or espresso for a sweet evening of indulgence.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendars 2024-2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
