Poffertjes () are traditional Dutch batter cakes. Resembling small, fluffy pancakes, they are made with yeast and flour. Typically, poffertjes are sweet treats served with powdered sugar and butter, and sometimes syrup or advocaat. A savoury variant with gouda cheese is also made.

History

The first mention of poffertjes is credited to a 1746 appendix to the cookbook Volmaakte Hollandsche keuken-meid.

Poffertjes were first seen at a fair in Amsterdam in 1746. They are also known as 'brothers'. The Catholic Church claims they invented them, but there are doubts about that claim.

Serving

Poffertjes are a festive holiday treat in the Netherlands, popular at both summer festivals and Christmas markets.

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Gietijzeren poffertjespan.JPG|The special poffertjespan

Poffertjes in Jakarta 1.jpg|Poffertjes preparation in Semarang

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Similar dishes

Poffertjes are thought to be related to and to have influenced the Indonesian kue cubit. Poffertjes have some similarities with Indian paniyaram and Hong Kong egg waffles, but differ in many aspects. The Danish æbleskiver pancakes are quite similar.

See also

  • Æbleskiver - A similarly-fried Danish confectionery served with jam or powdered sugar.
  • Akok - Malaysian snack or dessert
  • Egg waffle - Hong Kong dish
  • Khanom krok - Thai dish
  • Mont lin maya - Burmese street food dish
  • Neyyappam - South Indian sweet fritter fried in ghee
  • Paddu - Indian sweet or spicy dish
  • Pinjaram - Malaysian kuih
  • Pinyaram - Indonesian dish
  • Serabi - similar dish utilizing coconuts found in Indonesia
  • Suzuyaki - Japanese sweet made from rice flour and sugar
  • Takoyaki - similar savory Japanese dish filled with diced octopus
  • Unni appam - Indian fried rice cake made with fruit

References

  • The Dutch Table - Poffertjes