Dessert · Snack · European · Late-Night ·

Crispy Croatian Fritule with Orange Zest and Rum

Name: Crispy Croatian Fritule with Orange Zest and Rum
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: All-purpose flour, 2 cups; Sugar, 1/4 cup; Active dry yeast, 1 packet (about 2 1/4 tsp); Warm milk, 1/2 cup; Warm water, 1/4 cup; Large egg, beaten; Unsalted butter, melted, 1 tablespoon; Orange zest, Zest of 1 orange; Dark rum, 2 tablespoons; Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon; Salt, Pinch; Vegetable oil, 3 cups (for deep frying); Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup; Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon

Fritule are small doughnut-like pastries that are light, crispy, and infused with the aromatic flavors of orange zest and rum. Perfect for festive occasions or a cozy snack time.

4.8(850 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·August 11, 2025

Crispy Croatian Fritule with Orange Zest and Rum — Dessert served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Dough

For Frying

For the Topping

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 347 kcal
Protein: 6 g
Carbs: 59 g
Fat: 8 g
Fiber: 1.5 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2082 kcal
Protein: 36 g
Carbs: 355 g
Fat: 50 g
Fiber: 8 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
All-purpose flour 2 cups	910	24	192	2	6
Sugar 1/4 cup	194	0	50	0	0
Active dry yeast 1 packet (about 2 1/4 tsp)	21	3	3	0	1
Warm milk 1/2 cup	61	3	5	3	0
Warm water 1/4 cup	0	0	0	0	0
Large egg, beaten	70	6	1	5	0
Unsalted butter, melted 1 tablespoon	102	0	0	12	0
Orange zest Zest of 1 orange	6	0	1	0	1
Dark rum 2 tablespoons	64	0	0	0	0
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon	12	0	1	0	0
Salt Pinch	0	0	0	0	0
Vegetable oil 3 cups (for deep frying)	250	0	0	28	0
Granulated sugar 1/2 cup	386	0	100	0	0
Ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon	6	0	2	0	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Making the Dough

1
Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water with a teaspoon of sugar. Let it stand until frothy, about 10 minutes.
2
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
3
Mix Wet Ingredients
Mix in the yeast mixture, warm milk, beaten egg, melted butter, orange zest, rum, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.

Resting the Dough

1
First Rise
Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
Tip: ⚠ Important: Ensure the liquid ingredients are not too hot to prevent killing the yeast. 💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer a spicier flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.

How to Make Crispy Croatian Fritule with Orange Zest and Rum

Total time: 2 h · Yields 6 servings

1
Heat the Oil
Heat the oil in a deep-fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
2
Form the Fritule
Use a spoon to form small balls of dough, roughly the size of a walnut, and gently place them in the hot oil.
3
Fry the Fritule
Fry until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per batch, turning occasionally for even cooking.
4
Timing and Heat Guide
Proofing: 1 hour Frying: 3–4 minutes per batch Oil Preheat: Medium-high heat Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C).