After greater than a decade of residing in Croatia, I’ve discovered all the perfect Croatian desserts! From walnut rolls to layered desserts and Croatian doughnuts, these are the perfect desserts, sweets, and treats to strive in Croatia.
If you’re a sweet-toothed traveler, you’ll need to indulge within the quite a few mouthwatering Croatian desserts, pastries, cookies, and desserts.
Like all Balkan cuisines, Croatia focuses on all the spectrum of tastes. There are scrumptious hearty dishes, similar to stews, grilled fish, roasted veggies, and a variety of candy meals.
If you wish to delve deeper into the delicacies of Croatia, you possibly can be a part of these excursions:
The most well-liked meals excursions in Croatia:
- 🍲 Skip the vacationer lure eating places and savor an genuine style of Croatian delicacies on this tasting tour by the streets of Previous City Dubrovnik
- 🚶 Uncover Cut up’s spotlight landmarks and go on a tasting tour of the town’s in-demand eating places and eateries on this tour
- 🍫 Take pleasure in darkish chocolate studded with native herbs and fruits with a chocolatier on this tour
- 🥗 Find out about croatian delicacies with a neighborhood meals skilled in this cooking class with the Dolac Market tour
Whether or not you’d wish to discover Croatia’s delicacies in your kitchen at house or “on location” whereas touring, we strongly encourage you to strive a number of the following Croatian desserts, desserts, and different candy delights.
Skip Forward To My Recommendation Right here!
1. Kroštule (Candy Pastry Knots)
An historical recipe that dates again many centuries, kroštule is derived from the Latin “crustulum,” a mini-pancake given as a deal with to Roman troopers in the course of the conflict.
These days, it’s probably the most well-known Croatian desserts for celebratory events. They’re widespread round Christmas and Easter, particularly in the course of the carnival season.
Quite a few variations of kroštule exist all through Croatia, however the fundamentals are normally the identical. These are wonderful oil-fried pastry knots served with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It’s each a terrific candy snack and a dessert.
2. Čupavci (Chocolate Coconut Sponge Muffins)
You’ll discover these little “furry” desserts all through Croatia in the course of the holidays. Explaining what they’re is tremendous easy: they’re little cube-shaped sponge desserts dipped in chocolate sauce and sprinkled with coconut flakes.
These bite-sized treats are gentle but scrumptious, a terrific little snack to have with a cup of espresso or tea or after dinner. And in the event you’ve made too many, wrap them in foil and throw them within the freezer for later!
3. Croatian Strudel
With dozens of variations, strudels are extraordinarily widespread throughout central and southeastern Europe. You’ll additionally discover this improbable dessert in each nook of Croatia.
Consisting of flaky dough and topped with sugar, Croatian strudels are sometimes stuffed with fruit. Particularly apple and cherry strudel fillings are extraordinarily widespread in Croatia.
4. Stonska Torta (Ston Cake)
What units Ston Cake aside from all different Croatian desserts and sweets is that it comprises penne pasta. Sure, you learn that proper—penne pasta. So, that is most likely not one thing you’d need to eat after an enormous meal. It does make for a filling dessert after a lightweight lunch or a day snack, although.
This can be a thick layered cake with a dense filling of pasta, vanilla, sugar, chocolate, eggs, floor almonds, and floor walnuts. We will’t blame you in the event you assume that sounds bizarre. So did we. However we did order a slice and have been pleasantly stunned by how tasty it was!
5. Mađarica (Layered Chocolate Slice)
Few Croatian desserts are as well-known as mađarica. This improbable deal with is kind of presumably the queen of desserts in Croatia, a scrumptious chocolate-filled delight that can attraction to everybody.
It’s a easy dessert consisting of alternating layers of cake dough and chocolate filling. A topping of chocolate-butter glaze finishes off one among Croatia’s greatest desserts and sweets.
6. Princez Krafne (Princes Doughnuts)
Also referred to as cream puffs, Croatian princes doughnuts are a super-popular dessert (or candy deal with). These delicious-looking desserts are elegant, harmonious, creamy, and fancy, abruptly. It might appear like a sophisticated dish, however it’s fairly simple.
In contrast to conventional doughnuts, the princez krafne are baked on a baking sheet within the oven. They’re then sliced in half and stuffed with a improbable cream filling. A sprinkling of powdered sugar finishes off this stunning Croatian dessert.
Manufacturers We Use And Belief
7. Bijela Pita (White Slice)
One of many many forms of Croatian desserts, bijela pita, might be translated into English as “white slice” or “white pie.” Thought of a “sister dessert” to mađarica above, it’s a layered cake with a vanilla filling and powdered sugar topping.
As a result of it’s really easy and low cost to make, it was a standard dessert within the Croatian countryside. These days, nevertheless, bijela pita is a well-liked deal with everywhere in the nation, significantly for celebrations like weddings and birthdays.
8. Trogirski Rafioli (Candy Crammed Cookies From Trogir)
You most likely know ravioli as that pasta with hearty cheese, mushroom, or spinach filling. However Croatia wouldn’t be Croatia in the event that they didn’t have a candy model, too!
This is without doubt one of the traditional Croatian desserts, the place a scrumptious deal with is created with few components. They’re as enjoyable to make as they’re tasty! A typical deal with from Dalmatia, this rafioli is a crescent-shaped cookie with a candy almond filling.
9. Krofne (Croatian Doughnuts)
A type of final must-try meals from Croatia are the carnival krofne. These improbable treats are a kind of Croatian doughnut and not using a gap within the center.
They’re conventional winter treats, typically served as dessert after Sunday lunch. Moreover, Croatian krofne are additionally a well-liked meals over the past week earlier than Lent, which is Croatian carnival festivities kick-off.
Also referred to as “krafne,” Croatian doughnuts are ethereal, gentle, and normally stuffed with issues like jams, chocolate, or vanilla custard.
10. Vanilin Kiflice (Vanilla Crescent Cookies)
One of the fabulous Croatian Christmas treats, vanilla crescent cookies are a kind of Croatian shortbread with beneficiant doses of vanilla sugar and nuts. Though they’re extraordinarily widespread in the course of the winter holidays, kiflice makes for a terrific snack or deal with all yr spherical.
11. Pita Sa Jabukama (Apple Pie)
People could wish to consider they invented the apple, however it’s an proven fact that mainly, each nation has its kind of apple pie. In Croatia, this autumnal delight is called pita sa jabukama.
Each Croatian household with a backyard additionally has an apple tree or two. So, come fall, you’ll discover Croatian apple pie in just about each home.
The Croatian lazy apple pie is a kind of layered cookie with apple (and infrequently cinnamon) filling, baked in a big oven tray and minimize up into squares. It’s referred to as “lazy” as a result of it’s tremendous simple to make! It appears to be like barely completely different from the normal apple pie you may be used to in Western Europe or America.
12. Breskvice (Little Peach Muffins)
Probably the most objectively stunning of all Croatian desserts are little peach desserts referred to as breskvice. These are a scrumptious candy treats. Not solely do they style like peaches or apricots, however in addition they appear like them.
These wonderful peach-shaped Croatian desserts have a filling of cocoa, darkish rum, peach or apricot jam, walnuts, and milk. On prime of that, there’s a sprinkling of coarse white sugar blended with peach brandy and a few meals coloring. This distinctive Croatian dessert will certainly impress your friends.
13. Dalmatinski Kolac Od Smokvi (Dalmatian Contemporary Fig Tart)
Summer time is fig season in Croatia. Out there in big portions and included in quite a few merchandise and Croatian dishes, figs are one among Croatia’s hottest fruits. So, unsurprisingly, there’s additionally a fig-based Croatian dessert.
Dalmatinski kolac od smokvi is a sweet-and-hearty tart with a filling of figs, honey, and cream. It’s a filling dessert, so that you would possibly solely desire a skinny slice—however man, it’s so scrumptious!
14. Knedle Sa Šljivama (Plum Dumplings)
Croatian plum dumplings—knedle sa šljivama in Croatian—are served as both a dessert or a vegetarian principal dish. These hearty but candy treats are an excellent low-fat dessert various.
The dumpling dough is made with potatoes, eggs, flour, and oil, whereas the stuffing consists totally of pitted plums. The dumplings are then boiled in water and sprinkled with sugar. (As an alternative of sugar, you may as well use heat bitter cream.)
15. Fritule (Fritters)
Understanding make fritule is an almost-mandatory requirement to be a “actual” Croatian. It’s simply probably the most widespread desserts in Croatia, a meals that’s significantly widespread in winter and at Christmas markets.
These are fried balls of doughy goodness, usually dusted with powdered sugar. They’re a improbable deal with to snack on whereas wandering by a Croatian city in winter.
16. Orahnjača (Walnut Rolls)
Though it’s probably the most widespread Croatian desserts now, the historical past of Croatia’s well-known dessert rolls is kind of hazy. Nobody is aware of the place they arrive from and once they grew to become “Croatian.” These tasty rolls are a typical dessert in lots of international locations in Central and Japanese Europe.
The orahnjača walnut rolls are one of many traditional Croatian desserts throughout festivities like Christmas and Easter, Sunday household get-togethers, weddings, and different celebrations. It’s a dough-based rolled-up cake historically stuffed with walnuts. A scrumptious dessert for events!
17. Makovnjača (Poppy Seed Rolls)
Makovnjača is a variation of the everyday rolls you’ll see in all places in Croatia. This explicit kind has a filling of poppy seeds. Others could comprise jam, hazelnuts, or walnuts, like orahnjača above. This dessert, too, is widespread for celebrations and festivities however may also be discovered on restaurant menus all yr spherical.
18. Dubrovnik Rožata
A Croatian twist on the traditional crème caramel custard dessert, Dubrovnik rožata is a well-liked Croatian dessert in the summertime months.
This gentle and candy dish comprises only a few components, however the creation course of does require some cooking expertise. Should you can pull it off, it’s a particularly spectacular dessert to serve your friends. When visiting Dubrovnik, you’ll be capable to discover this native traditional, all many restaurant menus.
19. Palačinke (Croatian Pancakes)
Just about each nation on this planet has its model of pancakes. Whether or not they’re thick and sweet-topped American pancakes or savory French crêpes, they’re a meals that’s cherished and loved throughout the globe.
Croatia, too, has its very personal kind of pancakes. They’re referred to as palačinke and are eaten as avenue meals or a candy snack at house. Palačinke pancakes are just like crêpes as a result of they’re skinny and might be stuffed with every kind of fillings.
Whether or not you want candy stuff like Nutella, fruits or jams, or savory meals like ham and cheese, you’re 100% free to customise your Croatian pancakes in line with your style!
20. Labinski Krafi (Croatian Candy Ravioli)
Historically solely served on particular events like Christmas or weddings, the well-known Labinski krafi are actually far more widespread. That is basically a kind of candy ravioli, which is typical of the Istria area in northwestern Croatia.
This phenomenal Croatian dessert is served in a candy sauce, similar to caramel, which is typically flambéed in brandy for some further fanciness.
The pasta-like ravioli is filled with a mouthwatering filling—a mixture of younger and aged cheese, sugar, liquor-drenched raisins, lemon zest, and egg yolk. You cook dinner them in salted water over a low hearth. What a deal with!
21. Medenjaci (Croatian Honey Cookies)
Who doesn’t love a superb cookie? Medenjaci are a particular sort of honey-flavored cookie from Croatia, a standard sight in bakeries and a well-liked deal with across the winter holidays.
Spices play a major function within the Croatian honey cookies recipe. Important spices embody cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon, whereas honey can be fairly necessary! Should you like baking, you’ll get pleasure from spending a while making a batch of those tasty treats.
22. Ledeni Vjetar (Icy Wind Cake)
Referred to as icy wind cake in English, ledeni vjetar is as fancy a birthday cake as they arrive. This sophisticated sort of cake consists of a number of layers and boasts varied colours.
Its layers of colourful fruits, whipped cream, buttercream, and meringue make it an thrilling cooking problem to strive at house. Well-liked fruit fillings embody kiwi, strawberries, and bananas.
Getting ready each layer completely requires some culinary expertise, which is strictly why you’ll little question impress everybody in the event you can handle to tug off this queen of Croatian desserts.
23. Kremšnite (Custard Slice)
Also referred to as krempite, kremšnite is a scrumptious Croatian custard dessert. This candy deal with is loved in lots of different European international locations and areas, too, every of which most likely has its personal selection. Even in Croatia, regional recipe variations are plentiful. Nevertheless, two issues at all times stay the identical—they’re the guts and soul of this dish.
Each typical Croatian custard slice features a puff pastry base with custard inside. Some varieties have an additional layer of cream, whereas others have two layers of pastry… You’ll be able to mess around with the recipe as you please. The fundamentals keep the identical, although: puff pastry, custard, and pure tastiness.
No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
24. Jam Kiflice (Jam-Crammed Crescents)
Croatian jam-filled crescents are exactly what their title suggests. These crescent-shaped candy treats are a flavorful mixture of sugar’s sweetness and plum jam’s tartness.
You’ll get pleasure from biting into these wonderful Croatian sweets in the event you’re a large fan of a jam like me. Making jam kiflice is a enjoyable exercise to do with the children on a wet afternoon!
25. Salenjaci (Croatian Croissants With Character)
Initially from Slavonia, the jap a part of Croatia, salenjaci are also called “Croatian croissants with character.” This candy Croatia dessert is normally made in winter when recent pork leaf lard is obtainable. That is the best grade of lard, which is good for baking as a result of it has a minimal pork taste.
Basically, salenjaci are little pastry wraps stuffed with selfmade jam and floor walnuts. The gorgeous layered construction of those conventional Croatian croissants are achieved by folding the pastry a number of occasions when coated with the pork leaf lard.
Sprinkled with powdered sugar, they’re a tasty mixture of candy (jam and sugar) and savory (lard-coated pastry and walnuts). A improbable winter deal with!
26. Hrapoćuša (Brač Island Cake)
Should you’re searching for conventional native Croatian desserts, few are extra genuine than hrapoćuša. Such a cake is initially from the village of Bol on Brač Island, which was invented by the native ladies in honor of the village’s typical stone—hrapoćuša. The Croatian Ministry of Tradition protects it as an intangible cultural heritage!
A number of recipes to make this conventional cake exist, however there’s a widespread theme. That’s why the dessert and the kind of stone share the identical title. Even their look is comparable, with a rough and unrefined ending.
This can be a cake with two distinct layers. The underside is a dense sponge made with flour, egg yolks, and a few whites and nuts, whereas the highest layer is sugar, walnuts, and many of the egg whites.
27. Kuglof (Bundt Cake)
A kind of cake that’s made everywhere in the world, Bundt desserts distinguish themselves by their donut-like form. They’re baked in a typical Bundt pan and are available broad varieties.
In Croatia, you’ll discover them referred to as kuglof. It’s one of many best Croatian desserts you may make. All you want are important baking components, one bowl, a Bundt pan, and a few apples in order for you it further yummy.
28. Sirnica (Easter Bread)
Though that is historically a candy bread served as a part of the primary Easter meal in Croatia, sirnica can now be discovered everywhere in the nation all year long.
You’ll discover it underneath completely different names relying on the area. In Zagorje, for instance, it’s referred to as “jajara,” whereas Dalmatians name it “sirnica.” Elsewhere, it might be referred to easily as “pinca.”
It’s a scrumptious aspect dish, made candy by including (vanilla) sugar, raisins, and perhaps even just a few tablespoons of rum. Positively a terrific vacation deal with!
29. Paprenjaci (Black Pepper Cookies)
Just like the favored gingerbread cookies, paprenjaci have black pepper as one among their principal components. These are a number of the most conventional Croatian cookies discovered in memento stores all throughout the nation.
These spiced cookies are scrumptious, and a favourite winter treats made with nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, floor cloves, and, after all, black pepper. They even get higher as they age! Making them is tremendous enjoyable; you possibly can maintain them for weeks in an hermetic container.
Good luck selecting which Croatian dessert to strive first!
