kruidkoek

Kruidkoek is a traditional Dutch spice cake. It has a dense, moist crumb and a warm, aromatic flavor derived from a blend of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and sometimes cardamom or ground ginger.

Typical base ingredients are flour, sugar, butter or oil, eggs, and milk. Many recipes include a touch of molasses, dark syrup, or brown sugar to deepen the color and flavor. Leavening is usually provided by baking powder or bicarbonate of soda.

The spices are mixed with the dry ingredients, while the wet ingredients are beaten together and then folded in. The batter is poured into a loaf tin or a round cake tin and baked at about 170-180°C until a toothpick comes out clean, typically 45-60 minutes.

Variations may include dried fruit such as raisins or currants, chopped nuts, or a light glaze on top. It is commonly enjoyed in winter months with coffee or tea, and is often part of traditional celebrations around Sinterklaas and Christmas in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Storage and notes: Once cooled, keep kruidkoek in an airtight container; it lasts several days or can be frozen for longer storage.