Dessert · Snack · Eastern European ·

Delightful Croatian Fritule with Lemon Zest and Rum

Name: Delightful Croatian Fritule with Lemon Zest and Rum
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp sugar; 1 packet active dry yeast (7g); 1 pinch salt; Zest of 1 lemon; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp rum; 2/3 cup milk (lukewarm); 2 cups vegetable oil (or enough for deep-frying); Powdered sugar, for dusting

These traditional Croatian mini doughnuts are perfect for indulgent snacking or a sweet end to any meal.

4.6(832 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·October 13, 2025

Delightful Croatian Fritule with Lemon 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 the Flavoring

For Frying

For Dusting

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 68 kcal
Protein: 1.29 g
Carbs: 10.19 g
Fat: 1.95 g
Fiber: 0.33 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1624 kcal
Protein: 30.9 g
Carbs: 244.5 g
Fat: 46.7 g
Fiber: 8 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 cups all-purpose flour	910	24	190	2	7
2 tbsp sugar	96	0	24	0	0
1 packet active dry yeast (7g)	21	2.4	2	0.3	0
1 pinch salt	0	0	0	0	0
Zest of 1 lemon	3	0	1	0	1
1 tsp vanilla extract	12	0	0.5	0	0
1 tbsp rum	65	0	0	0	0
2/3 cup milk (lukewarm)	82	4.5	12	2.4	0
2 cups vegetable oil (or enough for deep-frying)	375	0	0	42	0
Powdered sugar, for dusting	60	0	15	0	0

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Dough

1
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Tip: Important: Ensure the yeast is activated for proper dough rising.
2
Add Flavorings
Add the lemon zest, vanilla extract, and rum, mixing gently.
3
Add Milk
Gradually pour in the lukewarm milk, stirring until a sticky dough forms.

Resting the Dough

1
Cover Dough
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth.
2
Rest the Dough
Allow it to rest in a warm place for 45 minutes.
Tip: Chef’s Tip: Let the dough rest well to enhance the fritule’s fluffiness.
3
Check Dough Size
The dough should double in size.

How to Make Delightful Croatian Fritule with Lemon Zest and Rum

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Fry the Fritule
Carefully drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil, frying until golden brown.
2
Cool the Fritule
Transfer the fried fritule onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3
Dust with Sugar
Once cooled slightly, dust generously with powdered sugar.