Pazinski cukerančić

01 / ABOUT THE DISH

About the dish

Pazinski cukerančić is a traditional pastry originating from the Istrian city of Pazin. It's usually made with a combination of ammonia (instead of baking soda or powder), flour, eggs, local brandy, sugar, milk, butter, oil, lemon zest, vanilla sugar, and a bit of salt. Once baked, these pastries are dipped in Malvazija wine and coarse sugar. In most cases, the pastry is prepared for weddings, but it can also be seen at baptisms, confirmations, and first Communions. In 2018, pazinski cukerančić has been declared as intangible cultural heritage of Croatia. It's easily recognized by its branched shape, and expert say that the texture depends on the weather – if bura, a northern wind is blowing, the texture will be harder, and if jugo is blowing, they become a bit crumbly.