National Dish Netherlands: Currant Bread (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Krentenbrood, the Netherlands’ beloved currant bread! This soft, fragrant loaf studs a tender crumb with plump raisins and a gentle whisper of cinnamon, making it a treat for a hearty breakfast or an afternoon snack. Often baked for the holidays and special occasions, it is just as welcome at the everyday coffee table. Bring a slice of Dutch baking tradition into your own kitchen.
About Currant Bread
Krentenbrood is a traditional Dutch raisin bread that suits a generous breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack equally well. This delicious loaf is prized for its distinctive flavour, which comes from the marriage of fruity raisins and a handful of warming spices. It is often served during the holidays or at special celebrations, yet it can be enjoyed all year round. In this post we show you how to bake this lovely recipe at home with very little fuss.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g flour
- 1 sachet dried yeast
- 50 g sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
- 150 ml milk
- 50 g butter
- 150 g raisins
- 1 egg
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Krentenbrood you need a few basic ingredients that are easy to find in most food shops. Be sure to buy fresh raisins to get the best flavour. The choice of spices matters too, as they give the bread its distinctive character. Good-quality flour and fresh butter are equally important for the finest aroma, the same care that goes into a comforting Suikerbrood.
Preparing the dish
Before you start, gather and measure out all the ingredients. This makes the whole baking process easier and ensures you do not forget anything. It is also worth soaking the raisins in warm water for about 30 minutes to make them juicier. After soaking, drain them well to avoid any excess liquid in the dough.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the flour, the dried yeast, the sugar, the cinnamon and the salt.
- Warm the milk gently and melt the butter in it, then take it off the heat.
- Add the milk-and-butter mixture and the egg to the dry ingredients and knead everything well.
- Add the well-drained raisins and knead again until they are evenly distributed.
- Cover the bowl and leave the dough to prove in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it has doubled in size.
- Turn the risen dough out onto a floured surface, knead briefly and place it in a loaf tin.
- Leave the bread to prove again for 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 180 °C.
- Bake the Krentenbrood for about 30–35 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the tin and leave it to cool on a wire rack.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of Krentenbrood, you can use gluten-free flour and make sure all the other ingredients, such as the milk and the butter, are lactose-free too. There are plenty of gluten-free flour blends developed specifically for baking. Take care to use the right amount of liquid, as gluten-free flour often needs more, so the bread stays nicely moist and full of flavour.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegetarians can enjoy Krentenbrood without a second thought. For a vegan version, use plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and vegan margarine. There are also plenty of options for replacing the egg, such as flaxseed or chia seeds. These ingredients not only support an animal-friendly diet but also offer an interesting way to vary the bread.
More tips and tricks
For the perfect texture, you can add other dried fruit alongside the raisins, such as cranberries or apricots. Experiment with different spices like ginger or nutmeg to give the bread a personal touch. It is important not to overwork the dough, to avoid a tough loaf. A lightly handled dough keeps the final result beautifully fluffy.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
A recipe like Krentenbrood lends itself to all kinds of adjustments. You can increase or reduce the amount of sugar and cinnamon to suit your own taste. The bread also makes a wonderful base for creative toppings. As an experiment, you might enrich the recipe with nuts or chocolate to create even more variations to your liking, much as you would with a slice of Ontbijtkoek.
Ingredient substitutions
If you have allergies or intolerances, many of the ingredients in Krentenbrood can be swapped out. Instead of classic flour, you can use almond flour or coconut flour, which are gluten-free. To cut down on sugar, honey or maple syrup works well as an alternative. The key is to adjust the liquid amounts accordingly, otherwise the consistency will be off.
Drink pairing ideas
To enjoy Krentenbrood in style, several drinks pair beautifully with it. A hearty tea, whether black or green, complements the sweet flavour perfectly. Alternatively, you can serve freshly pressed fruit juices or a fruity smoothie. These drinks bring fresh aromas to the table and lift the pleasure of this traditional Dutch bread even further.
Serving and presentation ideas
Create an inviting presentation for Krentenbrood by arranging it on a pretty wooden board. You can slice the bread and serve it with butter and jam. A garnish of fresh fruit or mint leaves gives it an appealing look. These small details not only make your spread more attractive but also build anticipation for that first bite, much like a slice of Appeltaart does.
A bit of history
Krentenbrood is a firm fixture of Dutch baking tradition, with its roots in rural cooking. Originally it was prepared as a nourishing breakfast for farm labourers, giving them the energy they needed for the working day. The bread’s popularity has grown over the years, and today it is served across the Netherlands at festive occasions. Its ingredients and spices reflect regional produce and culinary influences, a hallmark of Dutch cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Currant Bread
In summary, Krentenbrood is a delicious and versatile choice for anyone who loves baking. With a simple method and easy-to-find ingredients, you can bring a piece of Dutch tradition into your kitchen. Whether for breakfast, as a snack or at the coffee table, this bread will delight you and your guests. Be bold and give this recipe a try to create your own moment of Dutch baking joy.
