Top 7 Traditional Desserts
in Dubrovnik-Neretva County

Rozata is a type of custard pudding made with a few basic ingredients — eggs, milk, and sugar, which are flavored with a local rose liqueur known as Rozalin. The creamy mixture is baked in caramel covered ramekins, and the process results in a custard that is generously covered with a sweet caramel topping. The dessert originates from the town of Dubrovnik where it has been prepared since the Middle Ages, but the simplicity of ingredients and the method of preparation is what helped in keeping this dessert unchanged for centuries. Due to the refreshing combination of lemon zest, rose liqueur, and caramel, rozata is a dessert that is best enjoyed on hot summer days.Expand

These crispy cookies are a part of the authentic sweet treats found on the island of Korčula. The cookies are characterized by their subtle citrus flavor, while the use of ammonium bicarbonate in the buttery base provides for an incredibly crumbly, tender texture. Their unusual appearance is said to be reminiscent of two serpents entangled in the shape of a heart, a tradition that is believed to stem from pagan times when serpents were used as a symbol of fortune. When baked, each cookie is dipped in a traditional rose liqueur, and then into coarse sugar. Cukarini are traditionally served accompanied by a glass of prošek, the sweet dessert wine that should not be confused with the Italian prosecco.Expand

The star ingredient in this rich cake is a pasta variety called makaruli—in shape similar to penne or ziti. Traditionally prepared in round cake tins, a thin layer of dough is used as a base, while the cooked makaruli are then layered inside with a fragrant mixture of ground almonds or walnuts, grated chocolate, cinnamon, and lemon zest. The entire combination is doused in a blend of melted butter and eggs, and the cake is neatly wrapped with the dough. As the name suggests, this cake is the signature dessert of the city of Ston, but it is commonly prepared and enjoyed throughout the region. It is one of the traditional desserts that do not have an exact time of origin but represent an authentic delicacy that was created by employing only locally available ingredients. In the past, torta was mainly associated with special and festive occasions, but nowadays it is a common staple in many traditional restaurants in the city of Ston and the surrounding area.Expand

These small, incredibly fragrant cookies are a local delicacy of the island of Korčula. Usually formed into crescent shapes, they couple a buttery dough, traditionally made with ammonium bicarbonate, and a rich, nut-based filling. The dough and the filling are usually enriched with citrus zest, rose liqueur, and vanilla, while the walnut or almond filling can additionally be elevated with fig or orange jams. Since all of the ingredients were once considered luxurious, the cookies were only made for special occasions. Today, they are a signature dessert of the entire island and are regarded as the perfect souvenir that embodies the authentic, local flavors.Expand

This traditional Croatian dessert hails from the Dalmatian island of Korčula. It is prepared with a combination of whipped egg whites, sugar, and ground almonds. The dessert is usually enrichened with grated lemon or orange zest and bitter almond flavoring. The combination of these ingredients results in a dessert with a soft center, while the outer layer remains crispy. Amareta can keep fresh for a long period of time, and it perfectly pairs with prošek or Maraschino.Expand

Torta od skorupa is a Croatian cake hailing from the city of Dubrovnik. This rich and flavorful dessert features a creamy almond filling sandwiched between layers of softened biscuits. The heart of the cake lies in its filling, with fragrant mixture of milk skin and lemon zest, that is combined with whipped egg yolks, sugar, butter, and a generous amount of almonds, creating a smooth and luxurious center. The filling is layered generously between ladyfingers, petit beurre or similar biscuits that have been softened with a touch of milk or rum. Some variations call for whipped cream folded into the filling for added lightness, while others forego the citrus rinds altogether, opting for a richer, purely almond-flavored cream and a whipped cream topping.Expand

Korčulanske spomilje is a traditional dessert originating from the island of Korčula. These cookies are made with a combination of egg yolks, sugar, salt, lemon juice, and whole almonds. The egg yolks are whisked with a bit of salt, sugar, and lemon juice. Once the sugar dissolves and the mixture hardens, it is piped on a baking sheet, and a whole almond is studded into each cookie. The cookies are baked in the oven for about one hour before they can be enjoyed.Expand