Croatia is a treasure trove of recipes for desserts that have been cherished by generations and will brighten your day. Enjoy delicious treats like authentic delicacies, reminiscent of childhood memories with grandma in the kitchen preparing them!
Rožata
Rožata (Flan) is a traditional Dalmatian dessert, which, despite many influences from the then forces of the Venetian and Ottoman Empires, has survived. It has been passed down from generation to generation. Still, it has managed to retain its original recipe, and it has been proposed for inclusion on the UNESCO list of protected intangible heritage. In Dubrovnik, it is called rozata, where it is prepared enriched with rose liqueur – rosaline, after which it was named.
Apart from the simple preparation and fantastic taste, the composition of the food is exceptionally modest. The base of the recipe is milk, eggs, and sugar. The perfect combination of liqueur flavors, lemon zest, and caramel, rozata makes an excellent summer refreshment.
Viški Cvit
Viški Cvit (Vis Flowers) is one of the symbols of Vis.
A dry biscuit of unique shape and taste, made according to a family recipe more than a hundred years old, makes it unique. The flower in the form of a stylized flower petal is handmade, and each has a unique look.
Along with eggs, lard, sugar, flour, a little salt, milk, and spices – grated zest of unsprayed lemon and orange, vanilla, and nutmeg, this biscuit surprises with a unique aroma and taste that develop due to anise extract.
Kroštule
Kroštule is a traditional Dalmatian delicacy; they are part of every occasion, have been a favorite for generations, and resist the ravages of time.
Crispy, delicious candy sprinkled with sugar in the form of a strip, prepared from eggs, flour, butter, grated rind of homemade lemon or orange, and add rum or brandy if desired.
Fritule
Every house and region has its unique tradition for this Croatian sweet.
The crispy dough is especially eaten on Christmas Eve. Some add yogurt to fritters, some grated apples, and even raisins, but traditional fritters are made from just a few essential ingredients; Flour, eggs, milk, sugar, yeast, and with the obligatory teaspoon of rum, brandy, or cognac for seductive pleasure.
They are served with a bit of powdered sugar or a favorite spread such as chocolate, jam, and forest fruits.
Orahnjača
Orahnjača, juicy walnut roll, a dessert without which Christmas and Easter menus would not be complete.
The taste of leavened dough stuffed with walnuts remains deeply etched in the memory.
Kremšnite (Krempite)
Samoborska kremšta (or called Dalmatia krempita) is a fluffy and crispy Croatian cake, recognizable by its yellow cream, made of eggs, milk, sugar, and flour, between layers of puff pastry, and under the upper crust, a thin sweet whipped cream.
It is served cut into cubes, sprinkled with powdered sugar, which adds sweetness to this moderately sweet cake.
Kotonjata
Cotonjata (Italian: cotogna – quince) in Dalmatia, kotanjada or quince cheese, also called, is kept in boxes with bay leaves.
Its preparation takes a lot of time, but the result is ultimately worth the effort.
A thick, sweet mass poured into earthen pinatas made in the shapes of fish, birds, flowers, fruits, and grapes gives the antique dessert a beautiful look.
It is served with bristled almonds (candied almonds), walnuts, and dried figs.
Mađarica
Croatian layered cake.
Mađarica means Hungarian. The recipe is not from Hungary but a real homemade traditional dessert despite its name.
Crumbly leaves hugged with chocolate buttercream, creamy, full of flavor, melts in your mouth.
Skradinska torta
The Skradinska torta, or “cake of love,” has been an indispensable souvenir since the 14th century. Brides prepared it on the eve of their first wedding night to impress their chosen one. Today this cake brings joy to many gourmands palates, and it is essential as a part of history.
The secret to a great recipe is balancing the ratio of almonds and walnuts. Skradin housewives have been cautious about revealing their recipes, but the list of its ingredients throughout history has not changed much.
This mouth-watering cake is made from homemade eggs, sugar or honey, grated lemon, and orange peel. It is supplemented with a tablespoon of rum or rose liqueur, vanilla, and finely ground walnuts and almonds. It is topped with dark chocolate and on the top goes a decoration with almond flakes or sliced walnuts.
Arancini
Arancini, a sweet famous Dubrovnik delicacy.
The recipe is a symbol of continuity, rooted in tradition, which is passed down through the generations. Many buy them as an indigenous souvenir, candied oranges or lemon zest, carefully cut into oblong noodles (strips).
