“Ontbijtkoek” - Dutch Coffee Loaf Recipe

I’m not a huge fan of baking. I love to cook but baking feels too finicky, too prescribed to me. I like to have a bit more fun, more free rein in the kitchen. That being said, there are a few recipes I enjoy making from time to time. One of them is cream puffs, the other is my mom’s recipe for Dutch ONTBIJTKOEK.

Ontbijtkoek can literally be translated as “breakfast cake” but a better translation of what it really is would be “spice loaf”. Aromas of nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon will fill your home with warmth as they bake, and when slathered with a healthy layer of butter, a slice pairs magically with a mug of coffee or hot chocolate. It also makes the best after school snack, according to my kids. (I loved coming home to fresh ontbijtkoek too, when I was in school!)

The recipe is simple and can be mixed together in one large bowl. Makes 2 loaves and doubles well. Enjoy - or “eet smakelijk!”

Stir together:
4 c flour
2 c brown sugar
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking sofa

Add:
1 egg
2 c milk
1 c syrup (I use maple syrup but any will do)

Mix well. Pour into 2 loaf pans. Bake at 350F for 1 hr. Cool slightly before slicing and topping with a healthy layer of real butter. Enjoy!