Krafne are a type of fried dough pastry popular in several South Slavic countries, including Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia. Similar to other filled donuts found across Europe (see Berliner), krafne are typically round, soft, and filled with various types of sweet fillings, such as fruit jams, chocolate, or custard. The dough is enriched with eggs and butter, giving it a tender and fluffy texture. After frying, krafne are often dusted with powdered sugar or glazed.
The name krafne is derived from the German word Krapfen, indicating historical influences from Central European culinary traditions. Traditionally prepared during festive occasions like Carnival and Christmas, krafne have become a popular everyday treat in bakeries across the region. They are enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or breakfast item, reflecting the wide appeal of this versatile pastry. The singular form of the word is krafna, while krafne is used when referring to more than one.