Authentic Croatian Fritule – Sweet Fried Dough Balls

Dish recipes: Fritule
Photo from pinterest.com

Fritule are a beloved Croatian dessert, often enjoyed during festive occasions like Christmas and Easter. These bite-sized fried dough balls are light, fluffy, and slightly crispy on the outside, with a hint of lemon zest and rum for extra flavor. Fritule are simple to make and are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

2 cups (0.55 lb / 250 g) all-purpose flour

2 tbsp (25 g) sugar

1 tsp (5 g) baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup (120 ml) yogurt

2 eggs

1 tbsp (15 ml) rum

Zest of 1 lemon

1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract

1/4 cup (60 ml) milk

1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil for frying

Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, yogurt, rum, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.

Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until you get a thick, smooth batter. Make sure the batter is free of lumps.

Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be around 350°F (175°C) for frying.

Fry the Fritule: Using a spoon or a small scoop, drop small portions of batter into the hot oil. Fry the fritule for 2-3 minutes, turning them until golden brown on all sides.

Drain and Cool: Once fried, remove the fritule and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serve: Dust the fritule with powdered sugar before serving. You can also drizzle them with chocolate sauce or honey for an extra treat.

Serving

Fritule are best served warm, dusted with powdered sugar. They make a delightful dessert or snack, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

Fritule are an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert that captures the flavors of Croatia’s festive traditions. The simplicity of these sweet dough balls, paired with a touch of rum and lemon, makes them irresistible and a favorite during the holiday season.