10 Mouthwatering Dutch Cakes You Must Try
Enjoy a variety of typical Dutch cakes rich in flavor, history, and culinary traditions that can pamper your tongue on various occasions.
The Netherlands has an extraordinary culinary wealth, one of which is world-famous traditional cakes. Dutch pastries are not only delicious, they also reflect centuries of culture and tradition.
From sweet to savory, the Netherlands has a wide variety of options to suit any occasion. Here are 10 Dutch pastries you should try, whether you’re visiting the country or just want to make them at home to experience their deliciousness.
1. The letter
Ontbijtkoek is a traditional Dutch breakfast pastry made from rye with a mixture of spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. It has a soft texture and a rich flavor, with a warming spice aroma.
Usually, ontbijtkoek is served with butter or jam as a substitute for rice for breakfast. This is a classic example of Typical Dutch Food.
The process of making it is quite simple, starting with beating eggs and sugar, then adding dry ingredients such as flour and spices before baking it until cooked.
2. Poffertjes
Poffertjes are small cakes that are similar to mini pancakes, but thicker and softer. They are usually served at events or festivals and are often served with sweet syrup or melted butter.
Made from wheat flour, eggs, yeast, milk, and butter, poffertjes have a soft texture with a sweet taste that is not too obvious. Because of their small and cute shape, poffertjes are perfect to enjoy while relaxing or as a light snack.
3. Groningen Koek
Groninger Koek is a Dutch gingerbread that is very popular, especially in the Groningen region. Made from a mixture of rye flour and wheat flour, this bread is rich in spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
Its strong sweetness and dense texture make Groninger Koek a favorite breakfast choice in the Netherlands. Usually, this bread is served with butter, which adds to the deliciousness when eaten. If you are looking for a cake with a distinctive ginger taste, Groninger Koek is the right choice.
4. Pateschi
Pateschi are crescent moon cookies that originate from the region of Aruba, but became popular in the Netherlands. This cake has various fillings, such as chicken, tuna, or beef, as well as vegetables such as peppers and onions.
With its savory flavor and rich spices, pateschi is perfect for breakfast or a snack. The texture of this cake is crispy and savory, similar to pastels in Indonesia. Making pateschi requires flour, butter, eggs and water, while the filling can be adjusted to your taste.
5. Kerststol
Kerststol is a typical Dutch Christmas bread made from a mixture of candied fruit, raisins, and sometimes marzipan. The top of the bread is coated with powdered sugar, which adds sweetness and a crunchy texture.
Kerststol has a mild taste and is often served during Christmas celebrations in the Netherlands. To make it, you will need wheat flour, milk, yeast, sugar, and salt, which are baked to perfection to create this delicious bread.
6. Speculative Cookies
Speculaas is a Dutch cookie known for its strong aroma of spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. It is very popular during the winter and Christmas celebrations.
Speculaas have a crunchy texture and are usually cut with distinctively shaped molds, featuring Christmas motifs or iconic Dutch images. This cake is often eaten as a snack while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee, providing a warm feeling that envelops the body.
7. Cheesecake
Kaastengels are a typical Dutch savory snack made from cheese, usually Gouda cheese. This cake has a crispy and light texture, similar to puff pastry, and is perfect for serving at special celebrations or family events.
With the savory taste of melted Gouda cheese, kaastengels are a perfect choice to enjoy with tea or coffee. This cake is cut into long sticks and has a very delicious taste, making it a favorite in many Dutch households.
8. Crossroads
Krentenwegge is a Dutch raisin bread made from a mixture of spices, cinnamon, and raisins. This bread has a darker color than most breads and is often served as an afternoon snack.
With a dense texture and just the right amount of sweetness, Krentenwegge is perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. This bread is a popular choice for breakfast or as a light snack, providing the natural sweetness of the raisins contained in it.
9. Suikerbrood
Suikerbrood is a sweet Dutch bread that has a soft taste with a mixture of spices such as cinnamon and ginger. This bread is usually eaten during Easter, although it can be enjoyed at any time. Suikerbrood has a soft and dense texture, with just the right amount of sweetness.
It is usually served with a spread of butter, which provides a savory taste to complement the sweetness of this bread. This bread is one of the dishes that is often eaten in the morning in the Netherlands.
10. The Windmill
Hagelslag is one of the simplest yet most famous cakes in the Netherlands. It is simply a slice of bread spread with butter and then sprinkled with colorful sprinkles. Hagelslag is often eaten as a breakfast or snack in the Netherlands, especially by children.
It is easy to make and provides the sweetness and energy needed to start the day. Despite its simplicity, hagelslag remains one of the most popular and beloved cakes in the Netherlands.
Dutch pastries offer a variety of unique and mouth-watering flavors. From soft sweets to crunchy savory, each pastry has its own characteristics that reflect the richness of Dutch culinary culture.
With a variety of ingredients and spices used, these pastries not only pamper the tongue, but also provide an unforgettable culinary experience.
As Typical Dutch Souvenirs, if you visit the Netherlands, be sure to sample some of these signature cakes, or try making them at home to experience their deliciousness firsthand.