Croatian Kremšnita, often known as krempita or vanilla slice, is a delightful dessert that we have come to love during our travels. This creamy custard treat, layered between flaky pastry, offers a taste of Croatia that is both simple to make and rich in flavor.

We first tasted this exquisite dessert at a local café in Samobor, a charming town that proudly showcases its culinary heritage.

As we gathered this recipe, we couldn’t help but think about the joy of sharing it with you. Kremšnita is not just a dessert; it’s a piece of history and tradition. We are excited to show you how to recreate this delicious treat in your own kitchen.

From the crisp layers of puff pastry to the smooth custard filling, every bite is a reminder of the lovely moments we spent savoring this dish in its homeland.

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About Us

We are John and Laurel Rodgers, an American couple who loves to travel and explore the world through food. Our passion is discovering unique recipes from different cultures.

As we visit various countries, we gather recipes from local restaurants and take cooking classes. This allows us to connect with chefs and home cooks, learning their secrets and stories.

Our goal is to share these culinary treasures with you. We believe that food brings people together and helps us understand different cultures better.

Each recipe we post, including the Croatian Kremšnita, is a piece of our journey.

We invite you to join us as we travel and cook. You can learn more about our adventures and recipes on our blog. Together, let’s celebrate the deliciousness of global cuisine!

23. Croatian Kremšnita Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

We can’t get enough of Kremšnita! This delicious treat is a perfect blend of textures and flavors.

Here are a few reasons why we love it:

Light and Airy: The vanilla custard filling is fluffy and feels like a cloud in your mouth. It’s smooth and creamy, making each bite simply delightful.
Crispy Layers: The contrast between the crispy puff pastry and the soft custard makes for an exciting eating experience. Every layer adds a unique crunch that complements the softness perfectly.
Easy to Make: Though it sounds fancy, this recipe is surprisingly simple. With just a few ingredients, we can create a show-stopping dessert that impresses our friends and family.

Versatile Presentation: We can serve Kremšnita in various ways, whether as individual slices or a whole cake. It looks beautiful on any dessert table.
Sweet Flavor: The hint of vanilla in the custard is unmistakable. It’s sweet, but not overpowering, making it a great dessert for any occasion.

If you have a sweet tooth or enjoy trying new desserts, Kremšnita is a must-try! It’s a taste of Croatia that brings joy to every gathering.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Croatian Kremšnita stands out for its unique blend of textures and flavors. The layers of crispy pastry complement the soft, creamy custard perfectly, giving each bite a delightful contrast.

One of the key features is its simplicity. This recipe uses just a handful of ingredients:

Eggs
Milk
Flour

Sugar
Vanilla sugar

This keeps the focus on the flavors rather than overwhelming the palate with complexity.

What also makes Kremšnita special is the use of good quality vanilla. Whether it’s vanilla extract or vanilla paste, it elevates the taste and aroma significantly.

Moreover, we love how versatile Kremšnita can be. It can be served chilled, making it perfect for hot days, or enjoyed as a comforting dessert year-round.

The cultural aspect shines through as well. Kremšnita is beloved in Croatia, often found at family gatherings and celebrations. It carries a sense of tradition that connects us to the local cuisine.

Finally, the process of making Kremšnita can be a fun activity to share with family or friends. We enjoy gathering in the kitchen, preparing this classic treat together, and savoring the result.

Cooking Equipment Needed

When we make Croatian Kremšnita, having the right equipment is important. Here’s what we use:

Oven: For baking the puff pastry.

Mixing Bowls: We use these for combining ingredients, especially for the custard.
Whisk: A whisk is handy for mixing eggs and sugar until they’re well blended.
Saucepan: This is used for cooking the custard on the stove.

Spatula: A spatula helps in folding the whipped cream into the custard mixture.

We also find these tools useful:

Rolling Pin: Perfect for rolling out the puff pastry to the right thickness.

Baking Sheet: To place the pastry in while it bakes.
Sifter: This helps to sift flour and cornstarch, keeping the mixture light.
Knife: For cutting the pastry and slices once the dessert is ready.

Serving Dish: A nice dish to showcase our delicious Kremšnita.

Having these items ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Each piece of equipment plays a part in creating this tasty dessert!

23. Croatian Kremšnita Recipe

Cooking Instructions

To make delicious Croatian Kremšnita, let’s get started on the cooking steps!

Prepare Puff Pastry
We begin by preheating our oven to 400°F. Roll out puff pastry and cut it into two squares.
Bake the Pastry
Place the squares on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Prick the surface with a fork. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool.

Make the Custard
In a saucepan, combine milk, vanilla sugar, and cornstarch. Heat this mix over medium heat.
Add Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with some sugar. Gradually add the warm milk mixture. Stir continuously until it thickens.
Cool the Custard
Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

Whipped Cream
We’ll whip fresh cream until soft peaks form.
Combine the Mixtures
Once the custard cools, gently fold in the whipped cream for a light texture.
Assemble the Dessert
Place one baked pastry square in our serving dish. Spread the custard mixture evenly over it. Top with the second pastry square.

Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for a few hours before serving. Cut into slices and enjoy!

This simple process brings a taste of Croatia right to our kitchen. Happy cooking!

Cooking Tips

Making Croatian Kremšnita can be a fun experience. Here are some tips to help us achieve the best results.

Puff Pastry: Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience. Thaw it properly before using.

This helps it bake evenly and puff up nicely.

Custard: When preparing the custard, stir continuously to prevent lumps. Cook it on low heat to achieve a smooth texture.

Cooling: Allow the custard to cool before spreading it on the pastry. This helps avoid melting the puff pastry.
Whipped Cream: For extra richness, consider adding a layer of whipped cream on top of the custard. It adds a delightful texture and flavor.
Presentation: Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. This not only looks beautiful but adds a touch of sweetness.

Serving: Chill the Kremšnita in the fridge before slicing. This helps the layers hold their shape when we cut into it.

Ingredients Needed for the Croatian Kremšnita Recipe

Puff Pastry Sheets
Fresh Milk
All-purpose flour
Eggs
White Sugar
Vanilla Sugar
Rum
Whipping Cream
Powdered sugar

Instructions For Preparing the Croatian Kremšnita Recipe

Bake the Puff Pastry
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place puff pastry on a parchment-lined baking tray, prick with a fork, and bake for 10 minutes.

Prepare the Custard
Blend eggs, yolks, flour, milk, sugar, and vanilla sugar until smooth. In a saucepan, heat milk with vanilla sugar and rum until boiling. Gradually add the blended mixture, stirring constantly over medium heat for about 15 minutes until thickened.

Assemble the Dessert
Place one puff pastry sheet in a 10×10-inch dish and pour the hot custard over it. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Whip the cream with sugar until fluffy, then spread a thin layer over the custard. Top with the second baked puff pastry sheet and dust with powdered sugar. Slice into desired portions and serve.

23. Croatian Kremšnita Recipe

FAQs For the Croatian Kremšnita Recipe

Question: What type of pastry is used in the Croatian Kremšnita Recipe?
A: The Croatian Kremšnita Recipe uses flaky puff pastry as the base and top layer, which provides a crisp contrast to the creamy custard filling. It is baked until golden and then assembled with the custard.

Question: How do I achieve a smooth and firm custard in the Croatian Kremšnita Recipe?
A: To achieve a smooth and firm custard in the Croatian Kremšnita Recipe, cook the custard over medium heat while stirring constantly until thickened. Allow it to cool completely before layering with the pastry to help it set properly.

Question: Can I make the Croatian Kremšnita Recipe in advance?
A: Yes, the Croatian Kremšnita Recipe is best when made in advance, allowing the custard to fully set. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight before slicing for the best texture.

Question: How should I cut and serve the Croatian Kremšnita Recipe without the custard spilling?
A: To neatly cut the Croatian Kremšnita Recipe, use a sharp knife and lightly dust the top layer with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking. Chilling before slicing helps the custard hold its shape.

Question: How should I store leftovers of the Croatian Kremšnita Recipe?
A: Leftovers of the Croatian Kremšnita Recipe should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Consume within two to three days for the best texture and flavor.