Croatian Pastries

Fritule are traditional Croatian version of sweet, round fritters. They are prepared with a basic yeasted dough which incorporates eggs, flour, milk, butter, and sugar. Different varieties often employ raisins, grated apples, yogurt, and ... READ MORE

Burek sa sirom is a phyllo pastry that is round or coil-shaped and filled with a mixture of cheese and eggs. The dough is made with flour, salt, and water (and perhaps a bit of oil) and stretched into translucent sheets. The sheets of phyllo dough... READ MORE

Krapfen was probably the first European-style doughnut to appear, followed by similar varieties in other countries. These pastries are traditionally prepared with leavened dough that is deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, while they... READ MORE

Međimurska gibanica is a traditional, highly caloric layered pastry originating from the Croatian region of Međimurje. It is usually served as a dessert after a big meal, but due to its nutritional value, it can also be consumed on its own. The pa... READ MORE

Kroštule are traditional Croatian pastries originating from the regions of Istria and Dalmatia. They are made by deep-frying ribbon-shaped dough. The dough consists of flour, sugar, egg yolks, oil, and milk. It is traditionally flavored wit... READ MORE

Bučnica is a comforting Croatian rolled pastry or strudel made with layers of thin dough that is filled with a combination of grated pumpkin, salt, fresh cheese, butter, sour cream, and eggs. The savory rolled pastry is baked in an oven until it d... READ MORE

These traditional Slavonian pastries take their name from the Croatian word salo, meaning leaf lard. Typically filled with homemade apricot or plum preserves, salenjaci are traditionally made in wintertime, especially during the pig slaug... READ MORE

This Croatian pastry is a traditional delicacy that is mainly associated with the island of Krk. Presnac was created as a way to utilize the once abundant fresh sheep cheese and to create a unique, authentic dessert. The dish is assembled out of a... READ MORE

These elongated bread rolls are a specialty of the city of Varaždin, dating back to the 18th century, when Varaždin was the capital of Croatia. They consist of flour, milk, oil, yeast, sugar, and salt. Each klipič should be at least 23cm long, and... READ MORE

Bregofska pita is a sweet Croatian pie originating from Koprivnički Bregi, hence the name. It is believed that the recipe is more than 200 years old. The dough consists of flour, sour cream, eggs, goose fat or oil, and a bit of salt. It is stretch... READ MORE

Pazinski cukerančić is a traditional pastry originating from the Istrian city of Pazin. It's usually made with a combination of ammonia (instead of baking soda or powder), flour, eggs, local brandy, sugar, milk, butter, oil, lemon zest, vanilla su... READ MORE

Pršunate is a festive Croatian dish originating from the region of Dalmatia. In the past, pršunate were typically prepared during the carnival season. These sweet treats are made by combining flour, eggs, water, milk, sugar, and salt... READ MORE

Grašnjaki is a festive sweet treat originating from Rukavac, a small place located above the Croatian city of Opatija. These little fritters are filled with a combination of local chestnuts (maruni), butter, cinnamon, sugar, and a ... READ MORE

Mazanica is a traditional cake from the Croatian region of Međimurje. Although it is extremely simple and consists only of a few selected ingredients, it is believed that a really good mazanica depends on the abilities of the person preparing it. ... READ MORE

Also known as vankuši or jastuci (lit. pillows), vanjkuši are traditional thin pastry rolls that are especially popular in the region of Moslavina. They are called pillows because of their unique shape. These rolls ... READ MORE

Gračanska tenka gibanica is the city of Zagreb's version of gibanica—a traditional dish that typically combines phyllo pastry, cheese, and eggs. The dish is associated with a part of the city called Gračani, hence the name. It consi... READ MORE

Tikvenjak is a flavorful Croatian and Bosnian pie that is inexpensive and easy to prepare. It consists of a thin dough filled with chopped or grated gourd that is usually flavored with sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. The dish is shaped like a strude... READ MORE

Cernički ćuptet is a savory cake or a pastry originating from the county of Cernik in Croatia, located near the city of Nova Gradiška. It is traditionally prepared during the annual pig slaughter. This delicacy is made by stuffing the dough... READ MORE

Mrkopaljska štrudla s borovnicama is a delicious dessert originating from the city of Mrkopalj, hence the name. The dessert is essentially a blueberry strudel. The dough is made with a combination of flour, oil, warm water, and a bit of sal... READ MORE

Plešivički copanjek is a traditional pastry originating from the Plešivica area near the city of Jastrebarsko. The dough consists of flour, lard, and sour cream, while the filling is made with a combination of lard, fresh cow’s... READ MORE

Kovrtanji is an old Croatian dessert originating from the Slavonija region. These ring-shaped donuts are usually made with a combination of flour, yeast, sugar, milk, eggs, oil, and salt. Once prepared, the dough is cut into circular shapes and le... READ MORE

Istarske parene fritule are traditional Croatian sweet fritters originating from Istria. The fritters are made with a combination of flour, sugar, butter, eggs, chocolate, raisins, wine, rakija, vanilla sugar, hazelnuts, apples, milk, orange zest,... READ MORE

Kuhan-pečen (lit. Cooked-fried) is a Croatian dessert consisting of eggs, yeast, milk, cream, fat, salt, sugar, and flour. When the dough has risen, it is rolled, cut with a glass, then deep-fried until golden brown. It is then dunked in ... READ MORE

Vanjkuši sa špekom is a variety of vanjkuši – stuffed dough. This tasty snack originates from the Croatian county of Sisak-Moslavina. The dough is made with a combination of flour, eggs, and salt, and it is then... READ MORE