Austrian pastry tradition is closely tied to the Habsburg Empire, which from the 16th through early 20th centuries controlled a vast territory spanning Central Europe. Vienna functioned as the imperial capital, and its culinary culture drew from Hungarian, Czech, Italian, and Bohemian influences, producing a pastry tradition more diverse and technically complex than any single national style.

The Viennese coffeehouse — Kaffeehaus — is a UNESCO-recognized cultural institution. Established in the 17th century, coffeehouses became central to Viennese intellectual and social life, and the custom of serving pastry alongside coffee formalized a pairing that remains standard today. Sachertorte, a dense chocolate cake with apricot jam and chocolate glaze, was created at the Hotel Sacher in 1832 and remains one of the most recognizable Austrian exports. Linzer torte, made with a nut-based shortcrust and redcurrant jam, is considered one of the oldest named cakes in the world, with recipes documented from the early 18th century.

Apple strudel — Apfelstrudel — uses a paper-thin hand-stretched dough filled with apples, cinnamon, breadcrumbs, and raisins. The technique of stretching strudel dough is considered a distinct skill and is taught formally in Austrian culinary training. Kaiserschmarrn, a shredded sweet pancake served with plum compote, originated as a dish associated with Emperor Franz Joseph I and remains a staple across Austria and Bavaria.

Poppy seeds, walnuts, apricots, and sour cherries are the most common fruit and nut ingredients in Austrian baking. Gugelhupf — a yeasted or leavened ring cake — is common across Austria, Germany, and Alsace, with regional variations in each area.