From Kaiserschmarren to macarons: the magic of traditional desserts

12 December 2024

Pastry art is a unique symbol of Europe’s cultural heritage. Every dessert tells a story of traditions, territories, and connections to a country’s roots. From the refinement of French pâtisserie to the timeless simplicity of Scandinavian sweets, every recipe is a journey through different cultures, united by the universal language of sweetness. And Italy, of course, plays a leading role: Italian classics like Sicilian cannoli, Neapolitan pastiera, and Milanese panettone are true cultural ambassadors. Each region preserves the secret of its recipes, passed down from generation to generation.
But what are some of the most well-known and iconic desserts from European countries? Here are five, famous and loved in their countries of origin, but increasingly finding new markets and reaching international consumers thanks to packaging innovations.

Austria: Kaiserschmarren, an imperial story

Kaiserschmarren was born at the court of Emperor Franz Joseph I, from whom it takes its name (literally “the emperor’s pancake”). According to legend, the dessert was the result of a kitchen mistake: a ruined pancake, broken into pieces and caramelized, which was still served to the emperor, who liked it so much that it became a royal dish. Perhaps less known than the Sachertorte, it is a soft and light shredded pancake, dusted with powdered sugar and often served with plum or raspberry jam. Thanks to modern packaging technologies, this dessert can now preserve its soft texture and inviting aroma, making it ideal for the international market.

Portugal: Pastéis de Nata, a timeless icon

Pastéis de Nata, also known as “Pastéis de Belém,” are among Portugal’s most iconic desserts. Originating in the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, near Lisbon, they were created by monks in the 18th century as a way to use leftover egg yolks from wine production and starching linens. These are small puff pastry shells filled with a custard made of egg yolks, sugar, and cream, baked until they have a slightly caramelized surface. Perfect both warm and cold, their packaging requires specific techniques to preserve the flakiness of the pastry and the creaminess of the filling.

France: Macarons, jewels of sweetness

Macarons are small masterpieces of French pâtisserie, recognizable by their bright colors and creamy fillings. Made with a base of almonds, egg whites, and sugar, they are filled with ganache, jams, or buttercreams in a variety of flavors, such as vanilla, raspberry, or pistachio. Although their origins date back to the Middle Ages, their modern form was perfected by Parisian pastry chefs in the 19th century. Due to their delicate nature, packaging requires special care to preserve both their texture and appearance. Over the past few years, they have increasingly captured the attention of consumers across the continent.

Sweden: Kanelbullar, the warmth of tradition

Kanelbullar, or cinnamon rolls, are a yeasted pastry that embodies the welcoming spirit of Swedish culture. Their popularity is closely linked to “fika,” the traditional Swedish coffee break, during which coffee and pastries are shared in good company. Their recipe includes cinnamon and cardamom, typical Scandinavian spices that give the rolls their enveloping aroma. Proper packaging ensures that their spiced fragrance remains intact.

Germany: Baumkuchen, the tree of sweetness

Baumkuchen is a masterpiece of pastry craftsmanship, often called “the king of cakes.” Its preparation involves layering thin coats of batter onto a rotating spit, requiring great skill and patience. This cake is typically glazed with sugar or chocolate and served on special occasions, such as weddings or ceremonies. Its packaging must be extremely precise to maintain freshness and the layered structure, making it ideal for export. Interestingly, Japan is one of the largest markets for Baumkuchen outside Europe.

Behind every dessert lies a story of care and passion, often rooted in the history of its country of origin. Packaging plays a key role in ensuring these creations reach consumers around the world in perfect condition. Tenco’s bottling, dosing, and packaging systems, designed for all types of consistencies, guarantee the highest yield of raw materials, enhancing the flavor of Europe’s traditional desserts while preserving their fragrance, texture, and appearance.