Top 10 Dutch Desserts & Sweet Treats in 2026 — Food & Drink Top 10 List

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Top 10 Dutch Desserts & Sweet Treats in 2026

The Dutch have a serious sweet tooth and the treats to prove it. These beloved desserts are essential indulgences.

Location: NL202697 viewsMar 12, 2026 Updated Oct 3, 2026

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#1
Stroopwafel
The Stroopwafel reigns supreme as the king of Dutch sweets, with over 20 million sold annually in the Netherlands alone. Its popularity has surged globally, but the authentic experience—fresh from a market stall—remains unmatched in sweetness and crunch, offering a superior flavor profile compared to mass-produced versions.
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#2
Vlaai
Vlaai, a Limburg fruit flan with a tender yeast-based crust, offers a rustic alternative to the Stroopwafel's crisp elegance. Its fillings—cherry, apricot-custard, or plum—provide a 200-calorie serving that is richer in fiber than the average fruit tart, often containing 3 grams per slice. This dessert is 30% lighter in sugar than the Tompouce, which relies on heavy icing, and its crust retains moisture for up to three days, far longer than the Appelgebak's one-day freshness window. A regional staple, vlaai embodies comfort in every bite, providing a more substantial and satisfying experience than the lighter Stroopwafel.
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#3
Tompouce
The Tompouce, a bright pink-iced puff pastry slice filled with custard, dominates King's Day sales, moving over 1 million units annually. The custard's vanilla notes balance the cloying sweetness, making it a once-a-year splurge worth every calorie, offering a richer, more celebratory experience than the everyday sweetness of a Stroopwafel.
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#4
Appelgebak (Dutch Apple Pie)
Appelgebak, a deep-dish cinnamon apple cake served warm, is a cafe classic sold in over 5,000 Dutch establishments. The cinnamon and apple blend offers a comforting spice that rivals Vlaai's fruity tang, making it the go-to choice for a cozy, data-backed indulgence that provides a more robust and satisfying experience than the lighter, more delicate Stroopwafel.
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#5
Hagelslag
Hagelslag delivers the most effortless sweet treat, combining chocolate sprinkles with buttered bread for a breakfast-dessert crossover that satisfies 92% of Dutch households. This simplicity drives daily consumption by 4.5 million people, securing its status as a national icon.
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#6
Bossche Bol
The Bossche Bol commands attention with its fist-sized choux pastry packed with 200 milliliters of whipped cream and coated in rich dark chocolate. Its flaky exterior and airy interior have made it a must-try for 78% of Den Bosch visitors, establishing it as a regional landmark.
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#7
Spekkoek
Spekkoek, with 18 to 20 alternating thin layers of spiced batter, is the most labor-intensive dessert on this list, requiring over 2 hours of manual baking. Each slice has 300 calories—10% fewer than traditional pound cake—yet offers a richer blend of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. This complexity justifies its premium €12 per cake, reflecting the artisanal effort involved.
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#8
Advocaat
Advocaat is the only dessert liqueur thick enough to eat with a spoon, featuring a velvety texture with 14% egg yolk and 20% alcohol by volume. Its traditional pairing with whipped cream and cocoa powder elevates it beyond mere liqueur, earning 89% approval in Dutch holiday surveys.
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#9
Drop (Dutch Liquorice)
Ranging from honey-sweet to intensely salty with ammonium chloride, these liquorice confections offer a bold flavor spectrum unmatched by typical sugary treats. With over 80 different varieties available, from sweet 'honing drop' to extreme 'dubbelzout' (double salt), Drop provides an adventurous, data-driven choice for those seeking authentic Dutch flavor beyond the ordinary.
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#10
Gevulde Koek
Unlike Drop, which relies on bold saltiness, this treat captivates with a sweet almond filling baked into a golden crust. Each serving typically contains around 300-400 calories, providing a satisfying energy boost that outperforms many lighter, less substantial pastries in traditional appeal and richness.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dutch Desserts

What is the most iconic Dutch dessert? The Stroopwafel is the undisputed icon. Made from two thin waffle wafers glued together with caramel syrup, it originated in Gouda in the early 19th century and now sells more than 20 million units per day worldwide.

Can I find Dutch desserts outside the Netherlands? Yes — Stroopwafels appear in supermarkets across Europe, North America, and Asia. Appelgebak and Tompouce are sold in Dutch-heritage bakeries in major cities, and Gevulde Koek and Bossche Bollen can be ordered from specialist online retailers that ship internationally.

What makes Dutch desserts distinct from Belgian or German sweets? Dutch baking favours straightforward, high-quality ingredients — real butter, almond paste (amandelspijs), and seasonal fruit — over elaborate cream or chocolate constructions. The result is desserts that feel homey and honest, built to be enjoyed daily rather than saved for special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dutch Desserts

What is the most popular Dutch dessert? The stroopwafel is the most internationally recognised Dutch dessert, with over 20 million produced every day and sold in more than 90 countries worldwide.

Can I buy Dutch desserts outside the Netherlands? Yes — stroopwafels and drop (Dutch liquorice) are widely available in supermarkets and speciality food shops globally. Hagelslag and gevulde koek can also be ordered online through Dutch import stores.

What makes Dutch apple pie (appelgebak) different from regular apple pie? Dutch appelgebak is baked in a deep springform tin with a thick crumbly pastry shell, loaded with cinnamon-spiced apples, and almost always served warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream — making it denser and more cake-like than its American or British counterparts.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most popular traditional Dutch desserts?

Traditional Dutch desserts include poffertjes (mini pancakes), stroopwafels (syrup waffles), appeltaart (apple pie), and oliebollen (fried dough balls), often enjoyed during holidays or as street food.

Are Dutch desserts generally easy to make at home?

Yes, many Dutch desserts like stroopwafels and poffertjes can be made from simple ingredients, though some require special pans or equipment; recipes are widely available for home cooks.

Where can I find authentic Dutch sweet treats in the Netherlands?

You can find them at local bakeries, street markets, and specialized shops; stroopwafels are often sold fresh at markets, while appeltaart is a staple in Dutch cafes.

What Dutch desserts are suitable for vegans?

Vegan options include speculaas cookies (often made without butter), appeltaart (can be made with plant-based ingredients), and some varieties of stroopwafels; always check labels or ask for vegan versions.

What is the most iconic Dutch sweet treat for tourists?

Stroopwafels are the most iconic, especially fresh from a market stall; they are widely available and often given as souvenirs, with a caramel-like syrup filling between two thin waffle layers.