Homemade Croatian Krafne Recipe: Delicious Filled Donuts from the Balkans

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
  • 1 pack of dry yeast (or 40 grams of fresh yeast)
  • 1 cup of lukewarm milk
  • 2 tablespoons of rum
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest
  • 100 grams of softened butter
  • Oil, for frying
  • Apricot jam, for filling
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm milk and let it sit for a few minutes.
  3. Gradually add the yeast mixture to the flour mixture, mixing well.
  4. Add the eggs, rum, grated lemon zest, grated orange zest, and softened butter to the dough. Mix until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  5. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and set aside in a warm place for about 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.
  6. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1cm thick.
  7. Using a round cookie cutter or glass, cut out circles from the dough.
  8. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan or pot. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
  9. Carefully drop the dough circles into the oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
  10. Remove the krafne from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  11. Once cooled, inject each krafne with apricot jam using a piping bag and a long nozzle.
  12. Dust the krafne with powdered sugar before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Instead of all-purpose flour, you can use a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour for a healthier twist.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and aromatic flavor.
  • Experiment with different flavors of jam or filling, such as raspberry, strawberry, or chocolate hazelnut spread.
  • Create a savory variation by filling the krafne with cheese, spinach, or mushrooms.
  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a few drops of almond extract to the dough for a different flavor profile.
  • Dust the krafne with cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar for a sweet and spicy twist.
  • For a crunchier texture, you can roll the krafne in granulated sugar after frying.
  • Instead of frying, you can bake the krafne in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Consider adding a glaze or icing on top of the krafne for a glossy finish. You can use a simple powdered sugar and milk glaze or get creative with flavored glazes.

Recipe overview

Get ready to prepare Krafne, a delicious Croatian doughnut that is a favourite nationwide. This delightful pastry filled with apricot jam and dusted with powdered sugar is a tempting treat for both children and adults. The recipe involves creating a yeast dough enriched with rum, lemon, and orange zest, then deep-frying until golden brown. The final touch is to inject the doughnuts with a sweet apricot jam filling. Your kitchen will be filled with a sweet, irresistible aroma as you cook. Expect to spend around 3 hours for the entire process - but trust us, the end result is well worth the time! Enjoy this traditional Croatian dessert that's perfect for any special occasion or simply as a sweet treat to lighten up your day.

Common questions

  1. How long does it take for the dough to rise? The dough typically takes about 2 hours to double in size.
  2. Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, you can substitute 40 grams of fresh yeast for one pack of dry yeast.
  3. What size should I roll out the dough? Roll out the dough to approximately 1cm thickness.
  4. What type of oil should I use for frying? Any neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil, is suitable for frying krafne.
  5. How do I inject the krafne with apricot jam? Use a piping bag with a long nozzle and carefully insert it into the side of the krafne. Squeeze gently to fill the krafne with apricot jam.
  6. Can I use a different filling? Yes, while traditional krafne are filled with apricot jam, you can experiment with other fillings such as chocolate, vanilla cream, or fruit preserves.
  7. How should I store the krafne? Store the krafne in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Krafne, also known as Croatian doughnuts, are a beloved treat in Croatia, especially during the Carnival season leading up to Lent. The name 'Krafne' comes from the German word 'Krapfen', meaning 'doughnut', pointing to the influence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire on Croatian cuisine. The origin of these delightful pastries can be traced back to Ancient Rome, where they were called 'globuli', but over time, they evolved and were adopted by many communities across Europe. In the 19th century, these doughnuts crossed the Atlantic with European immigrants and became popular in America as well. The unique addition of citrus zest and rum in the Croatian version gives Krafne their distinctive flavor. And here's an interesting tidbit: during Carnival, some mischievous bakers will fill a few Krafne with mustard instead of jam, making for a surprising bite for the unsuspecting eater!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.