Discover the classic Dutch Ontbijtkoek, a delicious spiced breakfast cake made with hearty rye flour and sweet syrup. Perfect for a wholesome start to your day, this recipe combines warming spices and rich flavors, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or a cozy snack. Learn how to make this traditional treat with our easy-to-follow recipe and enjoy a taste of Dutch culinary heritage.

Ingredients:

- 250 grams rye flour

- 200 grams dark brown sugar or molasses syrup

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 2 large eggs

- 100 ml milk

- Optional: 50 grams chopped nuts or dried fruit

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the rye flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger).

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Stir in the dark brown sugar or molasses syrup until well combined.

Mix Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. If using nuts or dried fruit, fold them into the batter.

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool: Allow the Ontbijtkoek to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve: Slice and enjoy your Ontbijtkoek plain or with a spread of butter.

Enjoy your traditional Dutch breakfast cake with a cup of tea or coffee!

Nutritional Value

250 grams Rye Flour

   - Calories: 335

   - Carbohydrates: 72g

   - Protein: 8g

   - Fiber: 15g

   - Fat: 2g

Benefits: 

   - High in Fiber: Supports digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

   - Low Glycemic Index: Helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.

   - Rich in Nutrients: Contains essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and iron.

200 grams Dark Brown Sugar or Molasses Syrup

   - Calories: 380

   - Carbohydrates: 98g

   - Sugar: 96g

   - Protein: 0g

   - Fat: 0g

Benefits: 

   - Rich in Minerals: Molasses contains iron, calcium, and magnesium, which support bone health and energy production.

   - Antioxidant Properties: Dark brown sugar and molasses have more antioxidants than regular sugar, helping to combat free radicals.

1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

   - Calories: 6

   - Carbohydrates: 2g

   - Fiber: 1g

Benefits: 

   - Antioxidant-Rich: Helps protect cells from damage.

   - Blood Sugar Control: May help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

   - Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in the body.

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cloves

   - Calories: 4

   - Carbohydrates: 1g

   - Fiber: 0.5g

 Benefits:

   - Antibacterial and Antiviral: Cloves have natural antimicrobial properties.

   - Rich in Antioxidants: Supports overall health and reduces oxidative stress.

   - Pain Relief: Traditionally used for its analgesic properties.

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

   - Calories: 6

   - Carbohydrates: 1.2g

   - Fiber: 0.5g

Benefits: 

   - Digestive Aid: Helps relieve digestive discomfort.

   - Antioxidant Properties: Protects the body from harmful free radicals.

   - Mood Booster: Contains compounds that may reduce stress and improve mood.

1/2 Teaspoon Ground Ginger

   - Calories: 2

   - Carbohydrates: 0.4g

   - Fiber: 0.1g

Benefits: 

   - Anti-Inflammatory: Helps reduce inflammation and pain.

   - Aids Digestion: Eases nausea and improves digestion.

   - Immune Support: Ginger has immune-boosting properties.

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder

   - Calories: 1

   - Sodium: 240mg

Benefits: 

   - Leavening Agent: Helps baked goods rise and become light and fluffy.

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

   - Calories: 0

   - Sodium: 630mg

Benefits: 

   - Alkalizing Agent: Helps neutralize acidity in recipes.

   - Leavening Agent: Contributes to the rise of baked goods.

1/4 Teaspoon Salt

   - Sodium: 580mg

Benefits: 

   - Essential Mineral: Important for fluid balance and nerve function.

   - Enhances Flavor: Improves the taste of baked goods.

2 Large Eggs

   - Calories: 70

   - Protein: 6g

   - Fat: 5g

   - Cholesterol: 186mg

   - Vitamin B12: 0.6µg

Benefits: 

   - High-Quality Protein: Supports muscle growth and repair.

   - Rich in Vitamins: Provides essential vitamins like B12, which is crucial for brain health.

   - Eye Health: Contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect the eyes from damage.

100 ml Milk

   - Calories: 42

   - Protein: 3.4g

   - Fat: 1g

   - Calcium: 120mg

Benefits: 

   - Rich in Calcium: Supports bone health.

   - High-Quality Protein: Aids in muscle repair and growth.

   - Provides Vitamin D: Important for calcium absorption and bone health.

Optional: 50 grams Chopped Nuts or Dried Fruit

   - Calories: 290 (average for nuts)

   - Fat: 25g

   - Protein: 10g

   - Fiber: 4g

   - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin E and magnesium (varies by nut type)

Nutritional Values (per 50g of dried fruit, varies by type):

   - Calories: 120-150 (varies by fruit)

   - Carbohydrates: 30-40g

   - Fiber: 2-5g

   - Vitamins: High in vitamin C and potassium (varies by fruit)

Benefits: 

   - Nuts: Provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber, supporting heart health and providing sustained energy.

   - Dried Fruit: Offers natural sugars and fiber, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

This combination of ingredients creates a flavorful and nutrient-dense dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, along with various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.