National Dish Netherlands: Spiced Cake (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Kruidkoek, the Netherlands’ beloved spiced cake! Warm with cinnamon, cloves and a whisper of coriander, this honey-sweetened loaf fills the kitchen with the cosy aromas of the colder months. It is the perfect partner for a steaming cup of tea or coffee, whether you are settling in for a quiet afternoon or sharing slices with friends. Bring a taste of Dutch comfort baking straight to your own table.
About Kruidkoek
Kruidkoek, also known simply as spiced cake, is a traditional Dutch bake prized for its unmistakable aroma. This treat is made from a blend of flour, warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves and coriander, plus a measure of honey or sugar for sweetness. That distinctive spicing turns the cake into a real flavour adventure that delights the senses. It is often served on special occasions and throughout the colder season, which makes it a favourite companion for sociable gatherings.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g flour
- 100 g sugar or honey
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 pinch of salt
- 200 ml milk (or plant-based milk for a vegan version)
- 50 ml oil or melted butter
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for kruidkoek, it is worth paying attention to quality. Fresh spices give the cake its special aroma, so it is best not to buy them in large quantities at once. The flour can also be chosen to suit your taste and dietary needs: wholemeal flour offers a more nutritious option than ordinary wheat flour. The sugar, too, can be swapped for various natural sweeteners to make the cake a little healthier.
Preparing the dish
Preparing kruidkoek is wonderfully simple and takes only a few steps. Measure out and set out all the ingredients to keep everything running smoothly. It helps to combine the spices in a small bowl first, so they spread evenly through the batter as the cake bakes. It is also a good idea to lay out your baking kit — a cake tin and a mixing bowl — to make the process easier.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C and grease a loaf tin.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder, the spices and the salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar (or honey) together with the milk and the oil.
- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir well until you have a smooth, even batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top.
- Bake the cake for about 45–50 minutes, until golden brown. Check with a wooden skewer to see whether it is cooked through.
- Remove the cake from the oven and leave it to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version, the flour can be replaced with a gluten-free blend. There are plenty of gluten-free alternatives, such as almond flour or rice flakes, that work beautifully here. A lactose-free option is just as easy to make by using plant-based milk, such as oat or almond milk. The baking time generally stays the same, though the batter may benefit from resting a little longer to perfect the texture.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegans can adapt this recipe effortlessly by reaching for plant-based substitutes. Soya milk or coconut milk make a fine stand-in for dairy milk, while vegan margarine or apple sauce can replace the butter. These swaps do nothing to dull the flavour of the kruidkoek — if anything, they lend it an extra character of their own. Always double-check that every ingredient is free of animal products to keep the cake fully vegan.
More tips and tricks
If you want to make your kruidkoek even tastier, a few tips and tricks can help. Folding in chopped nuts or dried fruit, for example, adds a pleasing contrast in texture along with extra flavour. It is also worth letting the cake rest overnight so the spices can develop even more fully. Proper storage matters too: kept in an airtight container, the cake stays fresh for longer and tastes just as good the next day.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The kruidkoek recipe is highly adaptable and can be tailored entirely to your preferences. If you like a more intense flavour, increase the quantity of spices or add extras such as a little extra pepper or cardamom. Sweetening options vary too: instead of sugar you might use honey or a sweetener of your choice. This way you can bring your own personal touch to the recipe and create a cake that suits your taste exactly.
Ingredient substitutions
There are plenty of substitutions to help you adapt the recipe to your own diet. A gluten-free version can be achieved with cornflour or buckwheat flour, leaving the result just as tasty. Instead of milk you might use coconut milk for an interesting extra note of flavour, much like the warming sweetness you find in Gemberkoek. If you prefer the cake less sweet, reduce the sugar or replace it with agave syrup.
Drink pairing ideas
The pleasure of kruidkoek can be heightened by choosing the right drinks. A cup of freshly brewed tea, whether fruity or spiced, harmonises beautifully with the cake’s aromatic warmth. A cappuccino or latte macchiato also makes a lovely accompaniment, turning a moment over coffee and cake into something special. For a real treat, serve hot chocolate or a glass of apple juice to underline the flavours of the cake.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays a big part when serving kruidkoek. An attractive arrangement on a pretty plate, perhaps with a sprig of mint or a cinnamon stick, can spark delight straight away. A dusting of icing sugar on top adds an appealing finish and the final flourish. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature to bring out its delicate aromas at their best.
A bit of history
The history of kruidkoek reaches back to the Middle Ages, when spices were a sign of wealth and prosperity. The combination of spices and honey was often used in festive bakes and was a way of sweetening the long, cold winter months. Today kruidkoek has become a much-loved sweet treat in the Netherlands, frequently served on special occasions such as birthdays and celebrations. Its time-honoured preparation and many variations have won kruidkoek a firm place in the heart of Dutch cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Kruidkoek
In short, Kruidkoek is a flavourful cake enriched with a generous range of spices that has earned a lasting place in Dutch baking culture over the years. Its simple preparation, its adaptability to different dietary needs and its delicious taste make it a popular choice for all kinds of occasions. Whether you are spending a cosy afternoon with friends or making something special just for yourself, kruidkoek is always an excellent choice. Enjoy this recipe and let its aromas carry you away into the world of Dutch cooking.
