Vienna without Punschkrapfen? Hard to imagine.
The small, pink cube with plenty of rum at its heart is as much a part of our city as coffee is to Melange. Originally intended to make stylish use of leftover cake, the Punschkrapfen has long since become a Classics of Viennese pastry culture - and fortunately not yet completely conquered by the tourist rush.
While many visitors pounce on Sachertorte and apple strudel, the Punschkrapfen often remains in the shadows - yet it is perfect for anyone who prefers it small and compact or craves something sweet on the go. But one thing has to be said honestly: a really good punch doughnuts is not that easy to find. Especially not if you want to avoid the crowds.
That's why we tasted our way through for you - and Five sweet places where you can get really good quality Viennese punch doughnuts. Most of them are centrally located, but charming and unagitated. Ideal for anyone who likes to enjoy Vienna but doesn't want to live in a travel guide.
1st K.u.K. Court confectioners Heiner & Gerstner - Imperial Trinity
The Wollzeile and Palais Todesco are where the hearts of Punschkrapfen fans higher. With Heiner is a classic: light and airy sponge cake, a generous portion of rum and a glaze that cracks deliciously at first bite. You can still feel the spirit of the old empire - almost as if Sisi were about to invite you to the coffee table.
Our tip: In the historic flair of Wollzeile, the punch doughnut tastes particularly good when you enjoy it with a view of the hustle and bustle outside - a touch of the imperial era with sugar icing.
But also on the Kärntnerstraße Gerstner for a special variation: melt-in-the-mouth chocolate icing envelops fruity apricot jam, while the rum in the centerpiece gently resonates. The sumptuous halls and velvet chairs lend every bite a touch of courtliness, but the guests sit relaxed and take their time - quite without the hustle and bustle of the tourist masses.
2nd Café Diglas ("Kleines Diglas") at the Fleischmarkt - inner courtyard idyll
If you are looking for a moment of peace, you will find it in the hidden inner courtyard of the Small Diglas. Between gothic vaults and soft sounds from the kitchen, you get the feeling that the world is turning a little slower. The Punch doughnuts come straight from the legendary patisserie and are so big that you almost have to share them - unless you have a sweet tooth!
The first bite reveals a velvety surface, a soft and juicy dough underneath and a rum filling that dances discreetly on the tongue. Regulars nod appreciatively as they leisurely leaf through their newspapers. If you are looking for a nostalgic Punschkrapfen Vienna Experience should take a seat here.
Our pleasure tip: If you come at lunchtime, you can treat yourself to a lunch menu first - the punch doughnut afterwards paired with a Viennese Melange is the ideal dessert.
3rd Konditorei & Bäckerei Nöbauer - Handmade classics
A real Punschkrapfen Vienna This insider tip is hidden in the Danube Canal district: Nöbauer. A trip to this patisserie & bakery is worthwhile for anyone who values traditional craftsmanship. Nöbauer has stood for creativity and quality since 1947, and in addition to the classic Punschkrapfen, the St. Nicholas punch doughnuts The secret star of the Advent season every year. Decorated with elaborate sugar patterns, it not only cuts a fine figure visually.
A real sense of family is evident in the bite: dark sponge cake meets homemade apricot jam and real rum, all hand-picked and carefully combined. The spacious store offers plenty of room for undisturbed snacking - perfect for anyone who wants to start the weekend in peace and quiet.
Insider tip: Go early! The Punschkrapfen is popular and often sold out by mid-morning - especially during the Advent season.
4th Gregor's patisserie - Transparent pleasure
Opens in the 5th district Gregor's opens its doors to a bakery that is rarely experienced so closely in Vienna: a floor-to-ceiling window separates the café area from the production facility so that you can watch the pastry chefs shaping, filling and glazing their products. Punschkrapfen in Vienna can watch.
The fresh aroma of sponge cake and apricot filling wafts across, while delicate pink icing glides over the small cubes in flowing movements. Every bite reveals the perfect combination of juicy pastry base, intense rum kick and crunchy glaze - an experience that sweet connoisseurs will appreciate. For those who not only want to snack, but also behind the scenes of Viennese baking, you should definitely stop by Gregors.
Our tip: Come straight to the opening on Saturdays - the punch doughnuts are then fresh from the bakery, often still slightly warm and particularly juicy.
5th Chez Fritz - Vegan punch doughnuts in Vienna
Anyone who believes that vegan pastries have to be compromises has Chez Fritz has not yet experienced. In the charming 9th district, the café only opens its doors a few days a week - but this location is a real Punschkrapfen Vienna insider tip for vegans.
Instead of butter, egg and cream, the makers work with aquafaba, coconut fat and creative plant-based butters, without skimping on flavor. The very first bite reveals a velvety texture and a rum note that lives up to the classic. The interior in soft pastel shades, a few vintage chairs and soft jazz sounds round off the visit and turn every punch doughnut here into a little feast for all the senses.
Our tip: Combine your visit with a walk through the Servitenviertel - one of Vienna's most charming neighborhoods with great photo spots.
Conclusion - Punschkrapfen in Vienna
They are more than just a sweet snack. They tell stories of imperial salons, hidden courtyards, family businesses, modern patisseries and courageous vegans. So sit back, look forward to your first bite and discover Vienna's sweet secrets - without the tourist crowds.
