National Dish Netherlands: Rozijnenbrood (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Rozijnenbrood, the Dutch raisin bread that brings a touch of cosy gezelligheid to any table! This soft, lightly spiced loaf is studded with plump raisins and tastes wonderful warm from the oven, spread with butter or a little jam. It is the perfect companion for a leisurely breakfast, an afternoon coffee or a sweet little snack between meals — and the recipe is so simple that even first-time bakers can master it.
About Rozijnenbrood
Rozijnenbrood is a traditional Dutch raisin bread that is cherished in households across the Netherlands. This delicious bake offers a harmonious combination of fruity raisins and a soft, gently spiced dough. It is a perfect choice for all sorts of occasions, whether a relaxed breakfast or a festive afternoon tea. The recipe asks for no special baking expertise, so anyone can succeed in making this lovely loaf at home — much like the much-loved Krentenbrood found on the same Dutch breakfast table.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g flour
- 1 sachet of dried yeast
- 100 g raisins
- 50 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
- 150 ml warm milk
- 50 g butter, melted
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for Rozijnenbrood, it is worth choosing good-quality products, especially the dried yeast and the raisins. These make a real difference to the final result and the flavour of the bread. Most ingredients are easy to find in any supermarket, while for special flours you might pop into a health-food shop or wholefood store. Be sure to use fresh butter for a particularly fragrant, rounded taste.
Preparing the dish
Before you start baking Rozijnenbrood, weigh out all the ingredients and have them close to hand. You can also soak the raisins in advance in warm water or rum to intensify their flavour. Sift the flour into a large bowl to remove any lumps. Once everything is prepared, nothing stands between you and a freshly baked loaf.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour with the dried yeast, sugar, cinnamon and salt.
- Add the warm milk and the melted butter, then knead everything together well.
- Add the raisins and knead the dough again thoroughly until it is smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough and leave it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour.
- After resting, knead the dough again, shape it as you like and place it on a baking tray.
- Let the bread prove for a further 30 minutes while you preheat the oven to 180 °C.
- Bake the rozijnenbrood for about 25–30 minutes until golden brown.
- Once baked, let it cool on a wire rack and enjoy!
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
To make Rozijnenbrood gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour. It is important to choose a flour that works well with yeast so you achieve the right, springy consistency. For a lactose-free version, replace the butter with a plant-based product and use lactose-free milk. The result is just as delicious and can be enjoyed by anyone with allergies or intolerances.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
If you would like to prepare a vegan version of Rozijnenbrood, swap the butter for plant-based margarine and the milk for a plant alternative such as almond or soya milk. Take care that all the other ingredients are vegan-friendly, which is usually no trouble at all. The bread keeps its lovely flavour and remains perfect for any occasion. Vegan spreads or jam pair beautifully with it and round off the experience.
More tips and tricks
To get the most out of the freshness and flavour of your rozijnenbrood, store the loaf in an airtight container. This keeps it moist and aromatic for longer. Avoid putting the bread in the fridge, as this can spoil its texture. For a special finishing touch, drizzle a little icing-sugar glaze or honey over the warm loaf — it gives the rozijnenbrood not only an inviting look but also an extra layer of flavour, rather like the sweet topping on Suikerbrood.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for Rozijnenbrood is easy to adapt to personal preference. Experiment, for example, with different dried fruits such as apricots or cranberries for a unique twist. Adding nuts can also give the bread an interesting texture. You can vary the amount of cinnamon or sugar to suit your own taste, much as bakers tweak the spicing of Ontbijtkoek. Little changes like these turn your raisin bread into a fresh experience every time.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, there are plenty of alternatives. Instead of classic wheat flour you can use spelt or rye flour for a different character. In place of raisins, other dried fruits work well too. For a lower-sugar version, honey or agave syrup make good sweeteners. These substitutions let you shape the recipe entirely to your own taste.
Drink pairing ideas
A delicious slice of Rozijnenbrood goes wonderfully with a whole range of drinks. For an aromatic breakfast, freshly brewed coffee or a cup of tea is the ideal partner. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice also harmonises beautifully with the sweet bread. For an afternoon coffee break, serve it with a robust Earl Grey or a fruity fruit tea to round off the experience.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractive presentation of your Rozijnenbrood is easy to achieve at home. Serve the bread on a nicely decorated wooden board or a pretty plate. A few fresh fruits or edible flowers can lift the arrangement and add a splash of colour. Small bowls of different spreads invite everyone to dig in. These little details make all the difference and round off the overall picture.
A bit of history
Rozijnenbrood has a long tradition in the Netherlands and is closely tied to hearty Dutch home cooking. It is often baked for festive occasions and holidays. The popularity of raisin bread reaches back to the Middle Ages, when dried fruits were a precious source of food. This tradition is still kept alive in many families today — each with its own little secrets — and it sits proudly within the wider world of Dutch cuisine, alongside festive bakes such as Kerststol.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Rozijnenbrood
In summary, Rozijnenbrood is a wonderful recipe that anyone can pull off. It brings together traditional flavours with the simplicity of the preparation and is endlessly adaptable. Whether you prefer a gluten-free, vegan or simply a flavour-tweaked version, this raisin bread is always a treat. Invite family and friends round to enjoy this delicious Dutch classic together.
