Fritule

(Friule, Fritele, Prikle, Prsurate, Frite, Fanjkeci, Uštipci, Paršurate)

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 baking powder.

The thick, buttery base is usually enriched with strong vanilla and citrus flavors, which give these small fritters a pleasant aroma and a distinctive flavor. The secret ingredient in the preparation of these miniature doughnuts is brandy.

Rum, local fruit liquors, or strong spirits can all be incorporated into the velvety dough. They allow the fritters to stay crispy and light without absorbing too much oil from the deep-frying process. Traditionally, fritule are served dusted with powdered sugar, but modern versions often incorporate an array of different sugary toppings such as melted chocolate, whipped cream, or caramel.

Fritule were invented as a festive treat, and they are usually consumed during the Christmas holidays and the carnival season. Although they originated in Dalmatia, today they are commonly found in many Croatian regions and enjoyed as a satisfying sweet snack or a nutritious dessert.

Dalmatia, Croatia

Recipe variations

4.6
Traditional Fritule with Yeasted Dough
READY IN 1h
This recipe gives instructions on how to make fritule with yeasted dough, meaning they will have a bread-like consistency. The dough is enriched with raisins and flavored with lemon zest.
4.4
Fritule with Yogurt
READY IN 50min
Because the batter is made with yogurt and leavened with baking powder, you will have your fritule ready to eat in under an hour. You can serve the fritule sprinkled with powdered sugar or topped with hot chocolate or Nutella.
4.3
Fritule with Choux Pastry
READY IN 1h 30min
Fritule with choux pastry take a bit more time to make as the dough needs to be cooked before frying. If you're not a fan of manual work, the dough can be mixed with a mixer, although it will take longer to cool in that case.
4.3
Fritule with Semolina and Apples
READY IN 1h
This recipe shows how to prepare fritule as they do on the island of Brač. The batter is made with cooked semolina, leavened with baking powder, and enriched with apples and raisins.
4.7
Fritule with Potatoes, Apples, and Pine Nuts
READY IN 2h 10min
This version of fritule is made with a potato batter that's flavored with lemon and orange zest and enriched with ground pine nuts.

Fritule Authentic recipe

PREP 40min

COOK 20min

READY IN 1h

This recipe gives instructions on how to make fritule with yeasted dough, meaning they will have a bread-like consistency. The dough is enriched with raisins and flavored with lemon zest.

VIEW RECIPE