Lekker Holland – Indonesian Dutch Fusion Butter Cake

Bake your own Lekker Holland and savor the delicious taste of this Indonesian-Dutch fusion cake. Bring your nostalgic moment with this buttery creamy lekker holland cake that is moist with an intense almond flavor and pretty garnishes!

Boterkoek means “butter cake” in Dutch, and all that that implies. You’ll love this rich, buttery treat that is not really a cake but is not quite a cookie either. A combination of a cake and cookies, so what do you call it? Yes, a mouthwatering dessert Lekker Holland.

By the way, in Indonesia, Dutch boterkoek is more widely known as Lekker Holland, and just as popular, a favorite on festive occasions. Enjoy this cake with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon tea treat!

Lekker Holland: Indonesia’s Beloved Butter Cake with Dutch Roots

The Dutch significantly shaped Indonesia’s culinary scene. Their influence began during the colonial era when the Dutch East India Company (VOC) set up trading posts in the region. They introduced their traditional dishes and ingredients, which the locals adapted and blended into their cuisine. One example is the Dutch boterkoek, which Indonesians still enjoy today and refer to as Lekker Holland.

Boterkoek simply means butter cake in the Dutch language. It is a beloved pastry in the Netherlands and has a long history dating back centuries. Meanwhile, Lekker Holland, also known as “Kue Belanda” (Dutch Cake), is a traditional Indonesian butter cake with deep roots in the colonial history of Indonesia.  It’s a popular butter cake from Indonesia, often referred to as “Dutch Butter Cake” or “Kue Belanda.” The name “Lekker” comes from the Dutch word meaning “delicious” or “tasty,” and “Holland” refers to the Netherlands, indicating the Dutch influence on this dessert.

Boterkoek versus Lekker Holland

So, are Lekker Holland and Boterkoek (dutch butter cake) the same? Well, in my humble opinion, I think they are the same ingredients, or Boterkoek is a mom and Lekker Holland is their child, influenced by the original Boterkoek. it is just that Lekker Holland is more popular with Indonesian people.

I’m not entirely sure why it’s called Lekker Holland, but here’s a guess: “Lekker” is a Dutch word that means nice or enjoyable, and it’s often used to describe everything from food and drinks to people and places. Maybe it’s because this Dutch boterkoek tastes so great that it got the name Lekker Holland!

Lekker Holland is known as Boterkoek in Netherlands which means ‘butter cake in’ Dutch. To make traditional Dutch cake you only need a simple combination of butter, flour, sugar, and eggs.

One of the unique characteristics of Lekker Holland is its dense, crumbly texture. It’s not overly sweet and has a distinct buttery flavor, making it a perfect companion for coffee or tea. You can garnish the cake with various toppings like chopped nuts, grated cheese, or even chocolate sprinkles.

Lekker Holland is a beloved treat in Indonesia, enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a versatile cake that you can enjoy as a snack, dessert, or even a light breakfast.

Ingredients of Lekker Holland

• Unsalted butter; I highly recommend using European butter if it’s in your budget. Since it’s a butter cake, using high-quality butter makes a difference. Alternatively, you can always you regular butter. You will still end up with a delicious cake
• Refined sugar; Also known as icing sugar or confectioner’s sugar, to sweeten the cake while also helping to create a slightly crisp exterior. The sugar dissolves during baking, giving the cake a smooth, even sweetness.
• Egg; Acts as a binder and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract; Vanilla extract also contributes to a great flavor that compliments the cake
• Flour; All-purpose flour has medium gluten content. this flour is a main ingredient for making cake
• Powdered milk; The addition of milk powder contributes to a great flavor, adds moistness to the cake, and gives a nice golden brown crust too.

Garnish

• Egg yolk; The egg yolk is beaten and brushed over the top of the cake before baking. This gives the cake a beautiful, glossy, golden-brown finish once it’s baked. The yolk helps achieve an appealing look and also adds a slight richness to the top crust of the cake.
• Almond slice; Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake. Sliced almonds are often sprinkled on top of the cake as a garnish.
• Raisins; Add a touch of sweetness and chewiness to the cake. Raisins are sometimes used as an additional garnish, either sprinkled on top or incorporated into the batter. They provide little bursts of sweetness and a chewy texture that contrasts with the smooth, buttery cake.

How To Make Lekker Holland

First, preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit). This temperature ensures even baking and helps achieve the desired texture.

Line a baking pan with baking paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove once baked.

Then, Gather the butter, powdered sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. In a medium-sized bowl, use a mixer to beat the butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, contributing to the cake’s lightness and texture.

Next, Introduce the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

After that, combine the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and powdered milk to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, avoiding overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake texture.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. This ensures consistent baking and a level cake.

Don’t forget to Brush the top of the batter with egg yolk. This will give the cake a golden-brown crust. Create decorative patterns using a fork, then add pieces of raisins and almonds for a visual appeal.

Bake, Cool, Serve!

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The cake is done when it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the cake to set and prevents it from crumbling when slicing.

After cooling, slice the Lekker Holland and savor its delightful taste. This classic Indonesian cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, whether enjoyed with coffee, tea, or as a simple snack.

Recreate this Lekker Holland!

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