National Dish Netherlands: Egg Pancake (Recipe)
In this article
Discover the egg pancake, a comforting Dutch classic that feels equally at home on the breakfast table and as a sweet pudding. Light, golden and gently fluffy, it brings together the simplicity of a traditional Dutch pannenkoek with the richness of fresh eggs. Served with fruit, a dusting of sugar or a drizzle of syrup, it is the kind of dish the whole family reaches for again and again. Best of all, it bends easily to whatever flavours you fancy.
About Egg Pancake
The egg pancake is a delicious and wonderfully easy Dutch favourite, just as suited to a leisurely breakfast as to a dessert. This savoury-or-sweet creation pairs the simplicity of the classic pannenkoek with the body of eggs and a handful of aromatic extras. In the Netherlands it is often served with fresh fruit, sugar or syrup, and it remains a much-loved dish in homes across the country. Because it adapts so readily to different tastes and moods, it is a treat you can return to time and again — much like the beloved Pannenkoeken it grew out of.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 large eggs
- 100 ml milk
- 75 g flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 pinch of salt
- Butter or oil, for frying
- Optional: sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon for a sweet version
- Optional: fresh fruit, icing sugar or syrup, to serve
Shopping for the ingredients
The ingredients for an egg pancake are stocked in just about every supermarket. Look out for fresh eggs and good-quality milk, as these are the heart of the recipe. If you would rather cook gluten-free, there are plenty of gluten-free flour alternatives to be found in most shops too. Do not forget a little butter or oil for frying, which keeps the batter from sticking to the pan.
Preparing the dish
Getting an egg pancake ready could hardly be simpler and takes only a few steps. First, gather all your ingredients so everything runs smoothly once you start. It helps to whisk the eggs in a bowl and then add the milk and flour gradually. That way you avoid any lumps and end up with a lovely smooth batter, much like the one used for a sweeter Pannekoeken Met Stroop.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs together and pour in the milk.
- Add the flour and the salt, then stir until you have a smooth batter.
- Heat a frying pan over a medium heat and add a little butter or oil.
- Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan and cook the pancake until the underside is golden brown.
- Carefully flip the pancake and cook the other side until it too is golden brown.
- Repeat with the remaining batter and serve the pancakes warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free and lactose-free egg pancake, simply use gluten-free flour and a lactose-free milk alternative. Popular choices include almond milk, oat milk or soya milk, none of which spoil the texture of the pancake. Keep an eye on the quantities, as some alternatives are thicker or thinner than dairy milk. With these tweaks, even those with intolerances can enjoy this delightful treat.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans, the egg pancake is easy to adapt by swapping the eggs for a mix of ground flaxseed and water or for apple purée. These alternatives offer similar binding properties and help the pancake hold the right consistency. For extra flavour, add a little vanilla extract and cinnamon. The dairy milk, meanwhile, can be replaced with soya or oat milk to create a fully plant-based version of the dish.
More tips and tricks
A few tips go a long way towards the perfect egg pancake. Make sure the pan is well preheated so the batter does not stick and browns evenly. It also pays not to over-mix the batter, which keeps the texture light and airy. If you fancy adding fresh fruit or nuts, you can stir them straight into the batter or scatter them over the top to enrich the flavour.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The egg pancake is wonderfully easy to tailor to different tastes. You might experiment with other flours, such as spelt or buckwheat, to give the pancake a character all its own. For a sweeter note, fold in chocolate chips or pieces of fruit. Be creative and play with spices to put your own personal stamp on the dish — the same playful spirit behind little Poffertjes.
Ingredient substitutions
If you find yourself short of certain ingredients, there are plenty of stand-ins. In place of dairy milk you can reach for any plant-based option, and the choice of flour can vary to suit your diet and preferences. Sugar, too, can be swapped for honey or agave syrup to sweeten the pancake. This flexibility means you can keep discovering new flavours every time you cook.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks rounds off an egg pancake beautifully. A freshly brewed coffee or a robust tea makes an ideal companion when you serve it for breakfast. For something sweeter, try a fresh fruit smoothie or a fruity syrup-based cooler. Different drink options bring variety to the meal and tie the whole breakfast together.
Serving and presentation ideas
Thoughtful presentation can lift the pleasure of an egg pancake considerably. Serve the pancakes stacked on a colourful plate with fresh fruit and a light dusting of icing sugar. A little syrup or honey drizzled over the top makes the dish even more tempting. A few fresh mint leaves add a final flourish and make the plate all the more inviting.
A bit of history
The story of the egg pancake reaches back to the 17th century, when pancakes first grew popular across the Netherlands. Originally they were plain, filling fare for farm workers, quick and easy to prepare. Over time the dish evolved into something of a delicacy, served in both sweet and savoury guises. Today the egg pancake stands as a symbol of Dutch cuisine and remains a firm favourite in many households.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Egg Pancake
The egg pancake is a delicious and flexible dish that adapts beautifully to all sorts of tastes. Sweet or savoury, the possibilities are all but endless. With an easy-to-follow method and adaptable ingredients, you can bring this dish to your own kitchen whenever the mood strikes. Enjoy this Dutch treat and let its many variations inspire you.
