A sweet tradition with a distinguished history: ever since 2009, the ZuckerBäckerball has paid tribute to a truly special personality each year with a bespoke creation known as the “Celebrity Cake”. Its presentation at midnight has since become one of the most glittering moments of the ball evening.
Numerous members of the press, television crews and distinguished guests gathered in Vienna’s city centre for the press conference hosted by “Ball-Mutti”, Vice Honorary Consul Prof. Birgit Sarata. Precisely at 11:00 a.m., the eagerly anticipated announcement was made.
The Celebrity Cake of the 123rd ZuckerBäckerball, to be held on 15 January 2026, will be presented to Lower Austrian singer and musical theatre performer Moritz Mausser. With commanding stage presence, remarkable musical versatility and expressive depth, he is regarded as one of the leading figures of Austria’s musical theatre scene.
As a special highlight of the evening, Moritz Mausser will also contribute musically to the ball’s ceremonial opening. Already at the press event, he captivated the audience with a striking rendition of Austrias Pop Icon Falco’s “Junge Römer”.
Vice Honorary Consul Prof. Birgit Sarata emphasised: “What Moritz Mausser brings to the stage is musical craftsmanship of the highest order. He carries emotion, softly and powerfully alike. Simply marvellous.”
Ball organiser Dr Kurt Schebesta added: “Moritz Mausser is an artist who enriches Vienna’s cultural life night after night. We are proud that the ZuckerBäckerball continues to cultivate its close ties with Vienna’s wonderful musical theatre scene.”
What are your expectations for the ZuckerBäckerball?
Moritz Mausser: I am certain it will be a splendid evening, filled with joie de vivre and delight. My intention is to add a touch of positivity to the occasion. As I have never before attended a Hofburg Ball in Vienna, this appearance holds a very special significance for me. To perform at the ZuckerBäckerball and experience that unique ball atmosphere I have always enjoyed at smaller events, only this time magnified many times over, is something I truly look forward to.
What makes the ZuckerBäcker Ball so special?
Moritz Mausser: Over the years, the ZuckerBäcker Ball has proven itself through remarkable consistency and enduring quality. One hears nothing but praise about it. A fine reputation, after all, speaks for itself, and that is precisely why the ball was sold out within just three days. Such success is the most convincing testament to its excellence.
Have you already given thought to which cake you would wish for?
Moritz Mausser: I have not yet made my final decision, though it will most certainly be either a chocolate mousse or an apple creation. A combination of the two is out of the question, it must be one or the other. Indeed, this may well be the most important decision I shall have to make in January.
What can you already tell us about the musical performance at the opening?
Moritz Mausser: There will be two songs by Falco. “Rock Me Amadeus” is firmly decided upon; as for the second title, I shall reserve that choice for a later moment.
PORTRAIT MORITZ MAUSSER
Moritz Mausser is among the most distinctive voices of Austria’s musical theatre and stage scene. He studied music and fine arts at the Vienna Private University, where he early on developed a keen sense for expressive performance and musical precision.
He achieved his major breakthrough in 2023 with the title role of Falco in the Ronacher production of the musical Rock Me Amadeus. His charismatic portrayal of the Austrian pop icon brought him widespread acclaim and instant recognition among a broad audience. Since 2025, Moritz Mausser has also been celebrated for his portrayal of Frederick II of Prussia in the Ronacher-produced musical Maria Theresia.
THE CELEBRITY CAKE THROUGH THE YEARS
Since 2009, the following personalities have been honoured with their own individual cake creations:
122nd ZuckerBäckerball – 2025: Maya Hakvoort (Cake by Kurkonditorei Oberlaa)
121st ZuckerBäckerball – 2024: Herbert Lippert (Nougat cake by Kurkonditorei Oberlaa, inspired by Lippert’s painting “Erkenne mich”)
120th ZuckerBäckerball – 2023: Yury Revich (Cake with “violin” décor by Konditorei Groissböck)
119th ZuckerBäckerball – 2020: Daniela Fally (Sachertorte with “Vienna State Opera” décor by Kurkonditorei Oberlaa)
118th ZuckerBäckerball – 2019: Ildikó Raimondi and Herbert Lippert (Chocolate cake by Kaffeekonditorei Hübler)
117th ZuckerBäckerball – 2018: Patrick Lindner (Giant Baumkuchen by Aida)
116th ZuckerBäckerball – 2017: Vincent Schirrmacher (Sachertorte by Hotel Sacher Vienna)
115th ZuckerBäckerball – 2016: Natalia Ushakova (Malakoff cake by K.u.K. Court Pastry Supplier L. Heiner)
114th ZuckerBäckerball – 2015: Alice Tumler (Quark and apricot cake by K.u.K. Court Pastry Supplier Demel)
113th ZuckerBäckerball – 2014: Maya Hakvoort (Nut cake by Demel)
112th ZuckerBäckerball – 2013: “Mr Life Ball” Gery Keszler (Chocolate-mango cake by Konditorei Hanauer)
111th ZuckerBäckerball – 2012: Lilian Klebow (Chocolate Dream by Konditorei Groissböck)
110th ZuckerBäckerball – 2011: Michael Konsel (Chocolate cake by Kurkonditorei Oberlaa)
109th ZuckerBäckerball – 2010: Barbara Karlich (Malakoff cake by Landtmann’s Fine Patisserie)
108th ZuckerBäckerball – 2009: Birgit Sarata (Chocolate mousse cake with strawberries by K.u.K. Court Pastry Supplier Gerstner)
Gallery of the press event and presentation of Moritz Mausser:
