Ontbijtkoek is a dense, moist spiced cake that has been a Dutch breakfast and snack staple for generations. It is made with rye flour, honey, and a blend of warm spices - cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger - that give it a deeply comforting flavor.
Despite the name, ontbijtkoek is not overly sweet. It sits somewhere between bread and cake, which is exactly what makes it so versatile. Dutch people slice it thick, spread it with butter, and eat it at any time of day - breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, or packed in a lunchbox.
Brands like Peijnenburg have been baking ontbijtkoek for over 130 years, and it remains one of those pantry staples that Dutch expats miss the most when they move abroad.
How to Enjoy Ontbijtkoek
- Sliced thick with a generous layer of butter
- With a cup of strong coffee or tea
- Packed in a lunchbox as a satisfying midday snack
- As an afternoon pick-me-up with a glass of milk
