Ontbijtkoek, the cake that inspired the bread.

Needless to say, I’ve been on a bit of a kick, creating breads and bagels that resemble the sweet and spicy flavor of Dutch spiced cake.  Going by the name Ontbijtkoek, peperkoek, or to us North Americans, simply Dutch Spiced cake.  This traditional breakfast cake, known well in the Netherlands, has won a place in my heart as well.  A cake made of spices, honey, molasses, rye and white flour.   Typically served, sliced thin and slathered with butter, and/or topped with Gouda cheese. 

What Does Ontbijtkoek Taste Like?

This cake is sweet and spicy, and pairs perfectly with your morning coffee.  I have been told, the rule is when you bite into a piece of “Koek” (cake), the butter should be so thickly spread, you will see the indents from your teeth left in the butter.  The smell of this cake baking is so sensational, the scent of the spices is much like that of a spiced cider or mulled wine.  I put it right up there with the scent of cool fall air, open windows, and strong coffee.  Its like a deep inhale that leaves you with the sense, life is good!  So now that I have hopefully peaked your curiosity a little, here is one of my favorites, a little tribute to Holland, Ontbijtkoek.

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Ontbijtkoek (made with sourdough discard, or without)

Recipe by Rachel van Romondt

This traditional breakfast cake, known well in the Netherlands, is perfectly sweet and spicy. Enjoy it slathered in butter and/or topped with Gouda cheese.

Course: Breakfast, DessertCuisine: DutchDifficulty: Easy

5.0 from 2 votes

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Servings

12

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sourdough discard

• 3/4 cup milk (if not using discard use 1 cup milk)

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup molasses

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1 cup rye flour

• 1 cup all purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• Spice Mix

• 2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp cardamom

• 1/2 tsp ginger

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg

• 1/4 clove clove

• 1/8 tsp coriander

• 1/8 tsp anise

• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Directions

• Pre-heat oven to 300 degrees F.
• Measure and mix spices, and salt in small dish, set aside.
• Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda in medium sized bowl.
• Mix wet ingredients as well as brown sugar. (sourdough starter, molasses, honey, milk, vanilla, and brown sugar)
• Add spices to flour, mix well.
• Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
• Grease a bread tin generously. You may also line a bread tin with parchment and spray with oil.
• Bake for one hour, check with toothpick for doneness.
• Allow to cook for five minutes in bread tin, then for 30 minutes on cooling rack. Enjoy.

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