Tulumbe are a classic and beloved dessert in many Balkan regions. These crispy, golden pastries are fried to perfection and then soaked in a sweet syrup, making them soft, juicy, and full of flavor. Their unique texture, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, paired with the rich sweetness of the syrup, creates an indulgent dessert that’s hard to resist. Perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat, Tulumbe are sure to impress with their beautiful presentation and delicious taste.
Why You’ll Love This:
You’ll love making Tulumbe because they’re a delightful combination of textures—crispy from frying and soft from soaking in syrup. The syrup infuses the pastries with sweetness, while the fried dough remains light and airy. Though they look impressive, they’re made with simple ingredients and the process, though traditional, is straightforward. The result is an indulgent treat that is perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Perfect Occasion:
Tulumbe are perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any special occasion where you want to impress with a traditional dessert. They are great for sharing and can be made ahead of time, making them convenient for entertaining. Whether you’re serving them at a festive event or just enjoying them as a sweet treat after dinner, Tulumbe are always a crowd-pleaser.
Decoration Tips:
For a more elegant presentation, you can drizzle a bit of extra syrup over the top of the Tulumbe just before serving. You could also sprinkle a touch of crushed nuts, like pistachios or almonds, on top for added texture and a pop of color. Serve them on a decorative platter or tray to highlight their beautiful golden color.
Ingredients:
For the Syrup:
- 600 ml water
- 500 g sugar
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
For the Dough:
- 400 ml water
- 100 ml oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 250 g flour
- 5 eggs
For Frying:
- 800 ml oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Syrup First:
In a pot, combine water, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely. - Make the Dough:
In a large pot, combine the water, oil, and sugar. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, remove from the heat and immediately stir in the flour, mixing well until the dough comes together. - Add the Eggs:
Let the dough cool slightly. Then, one by one, add the eggs, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and glossy. - Shape and Fry the Tulumbe:
Grease a pastry syringe or piping bag with oil and fill it with the dough. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan. Pipe the dough directly into the hot oil, cutting it into Tulumbe-sized pieces as you go. Fry on moderate heat, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. - Soak in Syrup:
Once the Tulumbe are golden, remove them from the oil and immediately place them into the cooled syrup. Let them soak while you fry the next batch. - Repeat:
Continue frying and soaking the rest of the dough. Once all the Tulumbe are fried and soaked, pour any remaining syrup over the Tulumbe to ensure they are fully coated. - Serve:
Let the Tulumbe rest in the syrup for a while to absorb the flavor before serving.
Enjoy!
