Hi there! I’m Patrick, originally from the Netherlands but now living in the US with a mission to bring authentic Dutch stroopwafels to everyone here. One thing I truly miss from home is the wide variety of sweet treats that Dutch culture has to offer. Whether it’s a warm, comforting pie or a unique candy, Dutch desserts are some of the best comfort foods you’ll ever taste. Today, I want to take you on a little tour of some of my favorite Dutch sweets that will make you feel like you’re in the heart of the Netherlands.
Let’s start with a modern twist on a Dutch classic: Stroopwafel S’mores.
Stroopwafel S’mores
If you’ve ever visited the Netherlands, you’ve likely come across stroopwafels. These are crispy waffles filled with sweet, gooey caramel syrup, and they are absolutely irresistible. Whether you buy them fresh from a market stall or enjoy them with a cup of coffee, stroopwafels are one of those treats you can’t get enough of.
Now, imagine taking this delicious Dutch treat and turning it into a fun, campfire classic: s’mores. Yes, Stroopwafel S’mores are exactly what they sound like—a mash-up of two great desserts. Instead of using traditional graham crackers, we use stroopwafels, making for a sweeter, more indulgent version of s’mores. The caramel from the stroopwafel adds a richness that’s simply perfect when paired with melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows. Trust me, it’s a treat you’ll want to make again and again.
If you want to make them yourself, check out my blog post where I show you how to make these delicious Stroopwafel S'mores.
Dutch Apple Pie (Appeltaart)
Another Dutch favorite that’s hard to resist is appeltaart, or Dutch apple pie. The apples are mixed with sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes raisins or nuts, creating a sweet yet slightly tart filling.
But what really makes Dutch apple pie stand out is the thick, buttery crust, which is almost more like a shortbread cookie than a traditional pie crust. It’s perfect for holding all the delicious filling and provides a lovely contrast in texture. This is a dessert that’s often served at family gatherings, birthday parties, and holidays—and it’s usually accompanied by a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect comfort food.
Pro tip: Use stroopwafel pie crust for a fun alternative to the traditional crust. Also available in gluten-free!
Dutch Licorice (Drop)
If you’ve ever tried Dutch licorice, you know that it’s an acquired taste. Known as drop in the Netherlands, this candy comes in many different forms, from sweet to salty. The salty version, zoute drop, is particularly popular, and for some reason, it’s a beloved treat in Dutch culture.
For many people, the idea of salty licorice might sound strange, but to the Dutch, it’s a snack that brings back fond memories. Drop comes in all kinds of shapes, from small, chewy bites to hard, black candies. It’s one of those treats you either love or you don’t, but for those of us who grew up with it, it’s a nostalgic candy that always hits the spot.
Dutch Pancakes (Pannekoeken)
Dutch pancakes, or pannekoeken, are another dessert (or breakfast, lunch and dinner if you'd like) that you absolutely need to try. They’re different from the fluffy, thick American pancakes. Instead, Dutch pancakes are much larger, thinner, and often served as a meal in themselves. While you can enjoy them sweet or savory, Dutch pancakes are typically served with a variety of toppings, such as powdered sugar, whipped cream, syrup, fresh fruit, or even bacon.
One of the best parts about pannekoeken is that they’re incredibly versatile. You can top them with just about anything—whether you’re craving something sweet like apples and cinnamon, or something savory like cheese and ham. No matter what you choose, Dutch pancakes are sure to make your taste buds happy.
Rijstpudding (Rice Pudding)
Rijstpudding is often considered more of a savory dish, but there’s a sweet version that’s definitely worth mentioning. Rijstpudding, which as you might have guessed means "rice pudding" in Dutch, is a rice pudding that’s commonly served in the Netherlands, especially during the colder months. The creamy rice is often mixed with raisins, sugar, and cinnamon, creating a comforting, hearty dessert.
In the Netherlands, you’ll find this rice pudding served with whipped cream on top, making it the ultimate cozy treat. If you’ve never tried rice pudding, Dutch rijstpudding is a perfect introduction to this comforting dessert.
Sweet final thoughts
As you can see, Dutch desserts are all about flavor, texture, and a little bit of nostalgia. Whether it’s the crispy sweetness of a stroopwafel, the warmth of a homemade apple pie, or the salty-sweet licorice, these treats have a way of making you feel right at home, no matter where you are.
I hope this list of Dutch desserts inspires you to try something new! If you’ve already had some of these, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. And if you’ve never tried any of these before, don’t worry—you’re in for a sweet adventure.
Stay tuned for more delicious Dutch treats, and feel free to share your favorites with me too. Who knows, maybe I’ll feature them in a future blog post!
