Boterkoek
Boterkoek is closely tied to the Netherlands' traditional dairy abundance, a country where high-quality butter has always been plentiful and affordable, unlike many other European regions. The simple, unadorned cake reflects a Dutch aesthetic of modesty, where the quality of ingredients matters more than a spectacular appearance. The diamond pattern traced with a fork isn't just decorative — it helps distribute heat evenly during baking, preventing the surface from cracking. The recipe varies slightly from region to region, some adding chopped almonds to the dough, others preferring it completely plain, but all keep the generous butter ratio that gives the cake its name.
Almost as much butter as flour
The amount of butter approaches that of the flour, giving the cake a rich density close to a fudge-like texture.
Dough kneaded, not beaten with a mixer
The dough is simply kneaded by hand, without aerating it, keeping the characteristic dense, firm texture.
Beaten egg for a golden shine
A beaten egg is brushed thinly over the raw dough, giving it a glossy, golden crust after baking.
Traditional fork pattern
The surface is decorated with a diamond pattern traced with a fork before baking, an old Dutch tradition.
Ingredients 4 servings
- 250g soft butter
- 250g sugar
- 250g flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg for brushing
- Sliced almonds, optional
How to make it
- 1Mix the soft butter with the sugar in a large bowl, rubbing them together with a wooden spoon until creamy, without beating with a mixer.
- 2Add the egg, lemon zest and vanilla extract, mixing well until evenly combined.
- 3Sprinkle the flour and salt on top, then gently knead by hand just until the dough comes together, without overworking it.
- 4Press the dough evenly into a greased round pan, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon.
- 5Beat the second egg and brush it thinly over the surface of the dough with a pastry brush.
- 6Trace a diamond pattern on the surface using the tines of a fork, pressing gently.
- 7Bake at 160°C for thirty-five minutes, until golden on top and staying dense inside.
Nutritional info
per serving (~350 g)
Estimated nutritional values.
Pairs perfectly with
