When we think of delightful desserts from our travels, the Croatian Mađarica always stands out. This layered cake, known as kolač in Croatian, is famous for its soft, moist layers filled with rich chocolate.

In this post, we’ll share a simple Mađarica recipe that you can easily make at home, bringing a touch of Croatia to your kitchen.

During our adventures, we’ve enjoyed Croatian Mađarica in a variety of settings, from cozy cafés to bustling restaurants. Each bite reveals a balance of flavors that creates a memorable experience.

We love sharing these recipes because they connect us to the places we visit and the people we meet.

Join us as we dive into the details of making this classic Croatian dessert. With our recipe, you’ll learn how to create those delicious layers and the perfect chocolate filling that makes Mađarica such a beloved treat. Let’s get started on this sweet journey!

Table of Contents

About Us

We are John and Laurel Rodgers, two adventurous food lovers from America. Our passion for cooking has taken us around the world, where we explore new cultures through their dishes.

We love visiting local restaurants and taking cooking classes to gather authentic recipes. Each dish tells a story, and we enjoy sharing these flavors and experiences with our readers.

Our journey allows us to connect with people and learn about their culinary traditions. We believe that food brings everyone together, creating unforgettable memories.

Through our blog, we aim to inspire others to try new recipes and explore different cuisines. Whether it’s a classic Croatian Mađarica or a regional delicacy, we hope to spark your passion for cooking.

Join us as we share our adventures and the delightful recipes we discover along the way. We invite you to create these dishes in your kitchen and enjoy the magic of cooking!

24. Croatian Mađarica Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Croatian Mađarica Recipe

We absolutely love Croatian Mađarica for its rich layers and delightful flavors. This cake is a perfect combination of soft cake layers and delicious chocolate filling, making it a real treat for any occasion.

What makes this recipe special? Here are some reasons:

Layers of Joy: Each bite brings soft and moist layers that melt in your mouth.
Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s a birthday or a holiday, Mađarica is a stunning addition to our dessert table.

Making Mađarica is also a fun activity. We enjoy gathering the ingredients, which are simple but come together to create something amazing:

All-purpose flour
Eggs

Sugar
Sour cream
Baking powder

Butter

The chocolate glaze on top not only adds flavor but also makes it look beautiful. We love how appealing it is for guests.

As we gather around to enjoy this cake, we create lasting memories. Sharing slices with friends and family makes every moment special.

This Croatian dessert reminds us of our travels and the rich culture of Croatia. We feel connected to the places we’ve visited, bringing a piece of that experience back home.

Each time we serve Mađarica, we’re reminded of the warmth and joy of sharing food with loved ones. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a way to connect, celebrate, and enjoy life together.

What Makes This Recipe Special

We love Croatian Mađarica for its rich flavor and delightful texture. This layered cake is a true treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Unique Layers

The Mađarica features incredibly soft and thin cake layers. These layers are perfect for holding a delicious chocolate filling that simply melts in your mouth.

A Family Favorite

This dessert is a hit among both kids and adults. When we serve it at gatherings, there are always smiles and requests for seconds!

Simple Ingredients

The recipe uses basic ingredients, including:

All-purpose flour
Eggs

Sour cream
Sugar

These familiar components make it easier for anyone to recreate this classic dessert at home.

Easy Preparation

While the process involves layering, it isn’t as complicated as it sounds. We enjoy assembling the cake and watching it come together beautifully.

Cultural Heritage

This cake represents Croatian tradition. Each bite offers a taste of the region’s history, making it more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of culture to share with friends and family.

We find joy in collecting recipes from around the world, and Mađarica is surely one of our favorite Croatian recipes to make and share!

Cooking Equipment Needed

To make Croatian Mađarica, we need some specific baking tools. Here’s a list to help you gather what you need:

Large Baking Tray: A tray about 39×27 cm (15×10 inch) works well. A slightly smaller one (33×23 cm) can also be used, but you’ll have to adjust the recipe.
Mixing Bowls: Have a few good mixing bowls on hand for combining ingredients.

Whisk or Electric Mixer: We recommend using an electric mixer for beating the batter. It saves time and makes mixing easier.
Rolling Pin: This is useful for rolling out the dough into thin layers.
Parchment Paper: Line your baking tray with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Spatula: A flexible spatula is great for lifting the baked layers from the tray.
Cooling Rack: Let the baked layers cool properly. A cooling rack helps air circulation.
Saucepan: For preparing any fillings or glaze, a good quality saucepan is important.

Knife: For cutting the cake into slices once it’s assembled.

With these tools ready, we can embark on making this delicious cake! Happy baking!

24. Croatian Mađarica Recipe

Cooking Instructions

To make Croatian Mađarica:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Preheat our oven to 350°F.
In a bowl, mix the flour and baking powder.

In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
Add in the egg whites and sour cream, mixing well.
Gradually add the flour mixture until combined.

Step 2: Bake the Layers

Divide the dough into equal parts.
Roll each part out on a floured surface to fit our baking pan.
Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Allow the layers to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

Melt some chocolate and whisk it with sweet cream.
Once the cake layers are cool, spread the chocolate mixture between the layers.

Stack the layers, adding chocolate filling in between.

Step 4: Finish the Cake

Top the cake with chocolate glaze if desired.
Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Cooking Tips

When we make Mađarica, we love to keep a few tips in mind to ensure the best results. Here are our favorites:

Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality butter and chocolate. This will really make a difference in taste.
Layering is Key: When stacking the layers, make sure the filling is evenly spread. This helps the cake hold together and gives a nice texture.

Chill Before Serving: After assembling, refrigerate the cake for a few hours or overnight. This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.
Serving Suggestions: We like to serve Mađarica with a side of sweet pancakes or even alongside krofne, which are delicious Croatian donuts. They complement each other well!
Storing the Cake: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for several days.

Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a touch of vanilla or a sprinkle of cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. You can even experiment with fillings like fruit preserves.

Ingredients Needed for the Croatian Mađarica Recipe

Cake Layers:
All-purpose flour
Egg whites
Sour Cream
Baking Powder
Sugar
Butter

Filling:
Milk
All-purpose flour
Cocoa Powder
Vanilla Extract
Sugar
Dark Chocolate
Butter
Rum

Glaze:
Dark Chocolate
Oil
Butter

Instructions For Preparing the Croatian Mađarica Recipe

Prepare the Filling
Bring milk, sugar, and vanilla extract to a boil. In a separate bowl, whisk a portion of milk with cocoa powder and flour until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the boiling milk, stirring constantly. Add dark chocolate and cook until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in butter and rum until smooth, then cover and let cool completely.

Make the Cake Layers
Beat butter, sugar, egg whites, and sour cream until fluffy. Gradually add sifted flour and baking powder, kneading until smooth. Divide dough into six equal parts and roll each between parchment paper into thin rectangles. Preheat the oven to 356°F and bake each layer on a parchment-lined tray for about 8 minutes, until set but still pale. Cool completely.

Prepare the Glaze
Melt dark chocolate, butter, and oil in a heatproof bowl, stirring until smooth.

Assemble the Cake
Place one baked layer in a baking tray and spread an even layer of filling over it. Repeat until all layers are stacked, finishing with a dough layer on top. Pour the hot chocolate glaze over the cake and spread evenly. Refrigerate overnight to set.

Serve
The next day, cut into small rectangles and serve.

24. Croatian Mađarica Recipe

FAQs For the Croatian Mađarica Recipe

Question: What makes the Croatian Mađarica Recipe unique compared to other layered cakes?
A: The Croatian Mađarica Recipe is unique because of its multiple thin layers of delicate biscuit dough, separated by a rich, creamy chocolate filling. The top is coated with a glossy chocolate glaze, giving it a smooth, elegant finish.

Question: How long does it take to prepare the Croatian Mađarica Recipe?
A: The Croatian Mađarica Recipe requires time for layering, baking, and setting. While the preparation and baking take a few hours, the cake should rest overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set properly.

Question: Can I make the Croatian Mađarica Recipe in advance?
A: Yes, the Croatian Mađarica Recipe is best made in advance because the flavors develop and the layers firm up as it rests. It can be stored in an airtight container for several days before serving.

Question: What is the best way to achieve even layers in the Croatian Mađarica Recipe?
A: To achieve even layers in the Croatian Mađarica Recipe, roll each dough layer to the same thickness and bake them separately. Spreading the chocolate filling evenly and stacking carefully will ensure a uniform and professional appearance.

Question: How should I store the Croatian Mađarica Recipe after making it?
A: The Croatian Mađarica Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and prevent the chocolate glaze from softening. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.