Savoring Amsterdam’s Sweets: Dutch Pancakes, Poffertjes, Stroopwafels, and More 🥞🧇

When I think back to my trip to Amsterdam, one of the best parts was trying all the local foods, especially the Dutch pancakes, poffertjes, and stroopwafels.

These tasty treats are something everyone should try when visiting The Netherlands.

Discovering Dutch Pancakes: A Delicious Tradition

Dutch pancakes, or “pannenkoeken,” are a bit different from the pancakes I’m used to in the U.S. They’re thinner and bigger, kind of like a crepe but slightly thicker. You can eat them in so many ways, whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or savory.

Types of Dutch Pancakes

1. Sweet Pancakes: These are typically topped with ingredients like powdered sugar, fresh fruit, chocolate, and whipped cream. My favorite sweet pancake was the lemon-flavored one, which had a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.

2. Savory Pancakes: Dutch savory pancakes are often topped with ingredients like cheese, ham, mushrooms, and vegetables. They offer a delicious and hearty meal option that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
3. Combination Pancakes: For those who can’t decide between sweet and savory, combination pancakes offer the best of both worlds. Toppings like bacon and apple or cheese and syrup create a delightful mix of flavors.

American vs. Dutch Pancakes: A Short Comparison

Understanding the differences between American pancakes (left) and Dutch pancakes (right) can enhance your appreciation for each:

Size and Thickness:

• Dutch Pancakes (Pannenkoeken): These are much larger and thinner, typically around 12 inches in diameter. They are similar to crepes but slightly thicker.
• American Pancakes: These are smaller and thicker, usually about 6 inches in diameter, and have a fluffy texture due to the baking powder in the batter.

Ingredients:

• Dutch Pancakes: Made with flour, milk, eggs, and sometimes a little sugar and salt. The batter is more liquid, resulting in a thinner pancake.
• American Pancakes: The batter includes flour, milk, eggs, baking powder (to make them fluffy), sugar, and butter.

Serving Style:

• Dutch Pancakes: Can be served sweet or savory. Sweet toppings include powdered sugar, syrup, fruit, and whipped cream. Savory toppings include cheese, ham, mushrooms, and vegetables.
• American Pancakes: Typically served stacked with sweet toppings such as butter, maple syrup, fruit, and sometimes whipped cream or nuts.

The Unique Charm of Poffertjes

Poffertjes are another Dutch delicacy that stole my heart. These small, fluffy pancakes are typically served with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and a pat of butter. They are made with a special batter that includes yeast and buckwheat flour, giving them a unique texture and flavor.

What Makes Poffertjes Special?

1. Size and Shape: Poffertjes are much smaller than traditional pancakes, usually about the size of a coin. They are cooked in a special cast-iron pan with shallow, rounded indentations that give them their characteristic shape.

2. Texture: Thanks to the yeast in the batter, poffertjes have a light and airy texture. They are slightly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.

3. Serving Style: Poffertjes are often served in a heap, generously sprinkled with powdered sugar, and topped with butter. Sometimes, you can also find them served with syrup, fruit, or even whipped cream.

The Sweet Sensation of Stroopwafels

Stroopwafels are another iconic Dutch treat that you simply must try when visiting The Netherlands. These delicious confections consist of two thin waffles with a sweet, gooey caramel syrup filling in between. Traditionally, stroopwafels are placed over a cup of hot coffee or tea to warm the caramel, making them even more delightful.

For those of you following me on Instagram, you may recall seeing me snacking on these yesterday while I was writing my content about Amsterdam! 🧇

What Makes Stroopwafels Special?

1. Texture and Flavor: The combination of crispy waffles and soft, chewy caramel creates a unique texture experience that is both satisfying and addictive.

2. Serving Style: Stroopwafels are often enjoyed with a hot beverage. The heat from the drink softens the caramel filling, making each bite wonderfully warm and gooey.

3. Varieties: While the classic caramel filling is the most popular, you can also find stroopwafels with different fillings such as chocolate, honey, or even lavender.

Dutch Patisseries: A Sweet Pastry

As we wandered through Amsterdam, we encountered numerous patisseries selling a variety of sweets and confections. These shops, often displaying signs with the word “patisserie,” offered a tempting array of gourmet desserts that were as beautiful as they were delicious.

Exploring Dutch Patisseries

1. Variety of Sweets: From beautifully crafted chocolates to delicate pastries, Dutch patisseries offer an incredible variety of treats.

2. Artisan Quality: Many of these confections are handmade, using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients, which makes each treat special.

My Favorite Pancake Experience

Among the many delicious pancakes I tried, the lemon-flavored pancake stood out as my favorite. The combination of the tart lemon and the sweet powdered sugar created a perfect harmony of flavors. It was light, refreshing, and absolutely delicious. Here’s a snapshot of that moment:

Where to Find the Best Pancakes, Poffertjes, and Stroopwafels in Amsterdam

For Stroopwafels, this place is simply a classic:

Amsterdam is filled with fantastic spots to enjoy these traditional treats. Here are a few places I highly recommend:

1. Pancakes Amsterdam: With several locations around the city, Pancakes Amsterdam offers a wide variety of both sweet and savory pancakes. Pancakes Amsterdam was by far my favorite choice of the many places I tried during my visit! 😍
   
   
2. Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs: Known for its cozy, old-world charm and delicious pancakes, this tiny restaurant is well-regarded by visitors.
   
   
3. De Vier Pilaren: Famous for its poffertjes, this place offers a delightful experience with these fluffy treats.
   
   
4. Poffertjes Albert Cuyp: Located at the famous Albert Cuyp Market, this stand serves some of the best poffertjes in the city.
   
   
5. Lanskroon: Renowned for its homemade stroopwafels, Lanskroon is a must-visit for anyone looking to try this iconic Dutch treat.

The one place I wouldn’t recommend ordering Dutch pancakes or poffertjes?

Schiphol airport…

The Joy of Dutch Culinary Traditions

Indulging in Dutch pancakes, poffertjes, stroopwafels, and other confections was not just a treat for my taste buds but also a wonderful way to immerse myself in the local culture.

These dishes reflect the Dutch love for simple, delicious food that brings people together. Whether you prefer the sweet tang of a lemon pancake, the fluffy delight of poffertjes, or the chewy goodness of a stroopwafel, Amsterdam offers a culinary experience that is both comforting and memorable. 🥰

Stay tuned for more stories and reflections from my travels, and don’t forget to enjoy the little things—like a perfect pancake, a plate of poffertjes, or a warm stroopwafel—that make life sweet!

This post is written in loving memory of Pancake the Chipmunk.