National Dish Austria: Schneehaserl (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Schneehaserl, a charming little Austrian sweet that lives up to its whimsical name. Crisp, snow-white meringue is paired with a silky dark chocolate filling to create a dessert that feels both delicate and indulgent. It melts on the tongue and looks every bit as lovely as it tastes, which makes it a wonderful way to round off a festive meal or a romantic dinner. Bring a touch of Alpine elegance to your own kitchen with this timeless treat.
About Schneehaserl
Schneehaserl is a beloved Austrian dessert that enchants not only with its playful name but also with its airy, meringue-like structure. At its heart is a light, crisp meringue wrapped around a tender chocolate filling, giving you a harmonious balance of flavour and texture in every bite. Perfect for celebrations and special occasions, it showcases the traditional baking craft of Austria in its most graceful form. Serve it as the crowning finish to a dinner party and watch it disappear in moments.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 egg whites
- 100 g icing sugar
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 50 ml cream
- A pinch of salt
- Vanilla extract (optional)
Shopping for the ingredients
Choosing the right ingredients is key to the success of your Schneehaserl. Use fresh, good-quality egg whites, as they form the very foundation of the meringue. For the chocolate filling, reach for a fine dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa to guarantee an intense, rounded flavour. Don’t forget to pick up good cream too, so the filling turns out beautifully smooth and rich.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin, make sure all your ingredients are ready and within reach. Preheat the oven to 100°C and line a baking tray with baking parchment. Another important step is to clean your mixing bowl thoroughly so the egg whites whip up perfectly — even the smallest trace of fat can stop them from reaching stiff peaks. Have your tools to hand as well, especially a piping bag for shaping the meringue onto the tray later.
Step-by-step instructions
- Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt in a clean bowl until stiff.
- Add the icing sugar a little at a time, whisking continuously until the mixture is glossy and firm.
- Fill the piping bag with the meringue and pipe small mounds onto the baking parchment.
- Dry in the preheated oven for about 1.5 hours.
- Meanwhile, melt the chocolate with the cream over a bain-marie and stir until smooth.
- Let the chocolate filling cool, then spoon it onto the meringues.
- Top each with a second meringue and chill the dessert briefly in the fridge before serving.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Schneehaserl is naturally gluten-free, since meringue contains no cereals at all. For a lactose-free version, swap the cream for a plant-based alternative such as coconut or oat cream. Be sure to choose a lactose-free chocolate as well. That way you can enjoy this delicious dessert without compromising on your dietary needs, much like the naturally light Schneenockerl with Raspberry Sauce.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Although Schneehaserl is a traditional recipe, there are easy ways to make it vegan. In place of egg whites, use aquafaba — the liquid drained from a tin of chickpeas — which has similar properties and whips up to stiff peaks just like meringue. For the chocolate filling, choose vegan chocolate and a plant-based cream. The result is a delicious vegan dessert that every guest at the table can enjoy.
More tips and tricks
To get the very best from your Schneehaserl, keep a few pointers in mind. Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing, as this helps the egg whites aerate and gives you a better meringue. You can also add flavours such as cinnamon or lemon zest to give the dessert a personal touch. It adapts easily to the seasons too — try a hint of festive spices for a wintry, Christmassy version.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Schneehaserl lends itself wonderfully to variation. Instead of dark chocolate, you can use white chocolate for a sweeter filling. Nuts or dried fruit also work beautifully folded through, adding extra texture and flavour. Just keep an eye on the consistency of the chocolate filling as you adjust, so the finished dessert holds together neatly and still looks its best.
Ingredient substitutions
If you would rather not use eggs, aquafaba is an excellent and readily available alternative. For the chocolate, you can turn to vegan options to sidestep any lactose intolerance. In place of sugar, try agave syrup or stevia to tune the sweetness to your liking. Bear in mind, though, that you may need to adjust the consistency when using liquid sweeteners — a tip that comes in handy for other Austrian sweets too, from Salzburger Nockerl to Mohr im Hemd.
Drink pairing ideas
A heavenly dessert like Schneehaserl pairs beautifully with a range of drinks. A light, fruity white wine or a glass of Crémant brings out the flavours perfectly. For an alcohol-free option, fresh sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon is ideal for refreshing the palate. A mild herbal tea also makes a lovely accompaniment that won’t overpower the delicate sweetness.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation matters just as much as flavour. Serve your Schneehaserl on a pretty dessert plate and garnish it with fresh berries or a sprig of mint. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dusting of icing sugar across the plate rounds off the visual appeal. Glasses or small bowls are a clever way to show off the different layers and add an extra flourish to the dessert.
A bit of history
Schneehaserl has its roots in the Austrian baking tradition and is often linked to festive occasions. The art of making meringue goes back many centuries and appears in countless cultures, yet the Austrian version is especially prized for its feathery lightness and its wonderful chocolate flavour. Frequently served at celebrations and special feasts, it has earned its place as a favourite dessert, sitting comfortably among the classics of Austrian cuisine. With its blend of texture and taste, Schneehaserl is a timeless treat.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Schneehaserl
Schneehaserl is a heavenly dessert that captures the spirit of Austrian baking. It marries the airy lightness of meringue with a decadent chocolate filling that is sure to win over any sweet tooth. Perfect for festive occasions or as the grand finale to any dinner, this recipe lets you bring a little Alpine love into your own kitchen. Let the simplicity and elegance of this dessert charm you, and enjoy it with friends and family.
