Franz Sacher

Franz Sacher

Franz Sacher (19 December 1816 – 11 March 1907) was an Austrian confectioner best known for inventing the Sachertorte, a chocolate cake with apricot jam that has become a world-renowned Viennese culinary specialty.

Early Life

Franz Sacher was born in Vienna, Austria, into a Jewish family. Little is known about his early life before he became an apprentice at the court of Prince Metternich of Austria. It was here, in 1832, that the young Sacher, then only 16 years old, created the Sachertorte. According to popular legend, he was asked to create a special dessert for the prince and his guests after the head chef fell ill. The cake he devised, consisting of dense chocolate layers separated by apricot jam and coated with a smooth chocolate glaze, was an immediate success.

Career

After his initial success, Franz Sacher went on to establish his own delicatessen and wine business in Vienna. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to expand his business, but it was his son, Eduard Sacher, who capitalized on the fame of the Sachertorte. Eduard perfected his father's recipe and founded the Hotel Sacher in 1876, where the Sachertorte became a signature dish. The hotel and its famous cake have since become synonymous with Vienna's culinary heritage.

Legacy

Franz Sacher's contribution to Austrian cuisine goes beyond the creation of a single dessert. The Sachertorte has become an integral part of Vienna's identity, celebrated annually on December 5th, National Sachertorte Day. Moreover, the cake has inspired numerous variations and is served in cafes and bakeries around the world.

The Hotel Sacher continues to be a family-run establishment, maintaining the tradition and quality associated with Franz Sacher's name. The original recipe for the Sachertorte is a closely guarded secret, with only the Sacher family and a select few pastry chefs privy to its exact ingredients and method.

Controversy

The Sachertorte has been the subject of a long-standing legal dispute between the Hotel Sacher and the Demel bakery, another Viennese institution claiming to have the original recipe. The "cake war" was eventually settled in favor of the Hotel Sacher, granting them the right to label their cake as the "Original Sachertorte."

In Popular Culture

Franz Sacher's invention has transcended its culinary origins to become a symbol of Viennese culture and hospitality. The Sachertorte has been featured in numerous films, books, and television shows, often serving as a metaphor for the city's blend of tradition and innovation.

See Also

• Viennese cuisine
• Austrian cuisine
• Desserts