7 Royal Desserts to Delight on Koningsdag (King’s Day) in the Netherlands 2025

As April winds down in the Netherlands, the nation buzzes with excitement for Koningsdag – King’s Day. This vibrant national holiday transforms Dutch streets into a sea of orange as citizens celebrate their monarch. Dating back to the late 19th century, this festivity has evolved into one of Europe’s most spirited street parties, complete with flea markets, outdoor concerts, and of course, spectacular food.

At the center of these culinary traditions are distinctly Dutch desserts that capture the patriotic orange theme. For the upcoming King’s Day celebration in 2025, I’ve compiled seven royal-worthy treats that will bring authentic Dutch flavor to your festivities. Each recipe features a unique orange twist – the color that represents the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau.

Crispy Oranjekoeken (Orange Cookies)

Oranjekoeken rank among the most beloved King’s Day treats throughout the Netherlands. These vibrant orange cookies perfectly symbolize Dutch national pride with their sunny appearance and citrusy flavor profile. Dating back generations, these cookies have become a staple at King’s Day celebrations, with families often passing down unique recipe variations.

The zesty orange flavor comes from fresh orange zest and juice, infusing each bite with bright citrus notes. The cookies strike a perfect balance between crisp edges and slightly chewy centers, making them irresistible with coffee or tea during the festivities. Their straightforward preparation also makes them ideal for baking with children who want to participate in the holiday traditions.

Here’s what you’ll need to make these festive cookies:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp orange juice

Follow these simple steps to bake your own Oranjekoeken:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated.
6. Fold in orange zest and juice until distributed throughout the dough.
7. Drop tablespoon-sized balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
9. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

For an extra festive touch, you can add a simple orange glaze by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of orange juice and drizzling it over the cooled cookies. Some bakers even add orange food coloring to maximize the patriotic effect!

Elegant Tompouce with Orange Icing

The Tompouce (sometimes spelled “tompoes”) is a quintessential Dutch pastry that resembles a Napoleon or mille-feuille. Traditionally topped with pink icing, this treat gets a patriotic makeover for King’s Day with vibrant orange frosting. The contrast between the crisp pastry layers and the luscious cream filling creates a textural symphony that Dutch pastry lovers crave.

Tompouce with orange icing has a fascinating history dating back to the 19th century, reportedly named after a small but famous Dutch circus performer. During King’s Day, bakery windows across the Netherlands display rows of these orange-topped delights, and making them at home will bring authentic Dutch charm to your celebration.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

• 1 package puff pastry, thawed
• 1 cup whipped cream
• 1 cup pastry cream
• For orange icing: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp orange juice, 1 tbsp orange zest

Follow these instructions to create your royal Tompouce:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry and cut into rectangles (approximately 4×2 inches).
3. Place on the baking sheet and prick with a fork to prevent excessive rising.
4. Bake until golden brown and crisp, about 15-18 minutes, then cool completely.
5. While baking, prepare pastry cream according to package directions or use homemade.
6. When pastry has cooled, carefully slice each piece horizontally.
7. Fold whipped cream into pastry cream for a lighter filling, then spread on bottom halves.
8. Replace top pastry pieces and prepare the orange icing.
9. Mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth (add a drop of orange food coloring for more vivid color).
10. Spread icing over the top pastry pieces and refrigerate until set (about 30 minutes).

For the most authentic experience, serve your Tompouce with a small fork and knife. Dutch people often debate the proper eating technique for this messy but delicious pastry – some prefer to deconstruct it while others brave the inevitable cream squish!

Refreshing Dutch Hangop with Orange Toppings

For a lighter option among the rich King’s Day desserts, Dutch Hangop with orange toppings offers a refreshing alternative. This traditional dairy dessert dates back centuries, with “hangop” translating literally to “hang up” – referring to the method of hanging strained yogurt in cheesecloth to achieve its thick, creamy texture.

The result is a luxuriously smooth treat that falls somewhere between yogurt and cream cheese in consistency. For King’s Day, this versatile base gets dressed up with zesty orange toppings that add festive flair while complementing the tangy dairy flavor. The combination creates a sophisticated dessert that balances indulgence with refreshment.

Here’s what you’ll need to make Hangop with orange toppings:

• 1 liter plain yogurt (full-fat works best)
• 240 ml whipping cream
• 4 tbsp caster sugar
• 1 vanilla bean pod
• Orange toppings: orange zest, orange juice, orange marmalade

Follow these steps to create this elegant Dutch dessert:

1. Line a sieve with cheesecloth and place over a bowl.
2. Pour the yogurt into the cheesecloth and cover with the overhanging edges.
3. Refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours) to allow whey to drain out.
4. Split the vanilla bean and scrape out seeds.
5. Whisk cream with sugar and vanilla seeds until soft peaks form.
6. Gently fold the strained yogurt into the whipped cream mixture.
7. Spoon into serving glasses or bowls.
8. Top with orange zest, a splash of fresh orange juice, or a dollop of orange marmalade.

For an extra festive presentation, serve in clear glasses to showcase layered orange toppings. Consider adding a sprinkle of crushed speculaas cookies or a drizzle of honey for additional texture and flavor. This elegant dessert works beautifully alongside a cup of Dutch tea or coffee during King’s Day celebrations.

Festive Paastaart Adapted for King’s Day

While Paastaart traditionally appears on Easter tables across the Netherlands, this versatile cake easily transforms into a perfect Koningsdag centerpiece with a few orange-themed modifications. The name derives from “Paas” (Easter) and “taart” (cake), but its light, airy texture and adaptable decorations make it ideal for any Dutch celebration.

This celebratory cake features a sponge base topped with airy whipped cream and often incorporates advocaat, a traditional Dutch liqueur similar to eggnog. For King’s Day 2025, we’ll give it a royal makeover with orange decorations that honor the Dutch royal house.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup biscuit batter (or use a prepared sponge cake)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup advocaat (Dutch eggnog liqueur)
• Orange decorations: orange zest, orange sprinkles, candied orange slices
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Follow these steps to create your King’s Day Paastaart:

1. If making from scratch, prepare biscuit batter according to recipe and bake in a round cake pan until golden.
2. Allow cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Whip cream with sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
4. Place cooled cake on a serving platter.
5. Drizzle advocaat over the cake, allowing it to soak in slightly.
6. Spread whipped cream evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
7. Decorate with abundant orange elements – freshly grated orange zest, orange-colored sprinkles, and candied orange slices arranged in a crown pattern.

For those who prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace the advocaat with orange juice or orange-flavored syrup. The bright orange decorations against the white cream create a stunning visual representation of Dutch national colors that’s perfect for King’s Day festivities.

Vibrant Oranjebloesem Cake

The Oranjebloesem Cake draws inspiration from the famous Oranjebloesem (orange blossom) festival, a celebration that shares the orange theme with King’s Day. This cake makes a spectacular table centerpiece with its intense orange flavor and matching color that symbolizes Dutch national pride.

Infused with fresh orange zest and juice, this moist cake carries citrus notes in every bite. The name “oranjebloesem” refers to orange blossoms, and while the cake doesn’t typically contain the flowers themselves, the intense orange flavor evokes their aromatic essence. It’s become increasingly popular at King’s Day celebrations for its simplicity and festive appearance.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Follow these steps to bake your Oranjebloesem Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. Add softened butter and beat until mixture resembles fine crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, orange zest, orange juice, milk, and vanilla.
5. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, beating until smooth.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

For an extra festive touch, top the cooled cake with orange-tinted buttercream frosting or a simple orange glaze. Some bakers add a drop of orange blossom water to enhance the floral notes, though this is optional. I find that decorating with thin slices of fresh orange creates a stunning effect that showcases the cake’s citrusy character.

Decadent Bossche Bol with Orange Cream

The Bossche Bol ranks among the Netherlands’ most famous pastries – a large, chocolate-covered cream puff originating from the city of Den Bosch. For King’s Day, this iconic treat receives a patriotic orange adaptation that maintains its luxurious character while honoring the Dutch royal family.

Traditionally filled with whipped cream and coated with rich dark chocolate, the King’s Day version incorporates orange-infused cream filling that adds a refreshing citrus note to balance the chocolate exterior. The result is a sophisticated pastry that remains true to its roots while embracing the festive orange theme of Koningsdag.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• For the pastry shells: 1 cup water, 1/2 cup butter, 1 cup flour, 4 eggs
• For orange cream: 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tbsp orange zest, 1 tbsp orange juice, 3 tbsp powdered sugar
• For chocolate coating: 1 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/3 cup heavy cream

Follow these steps to create Bossche Bollen with orange cream:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan, bring water and butter to a boil.
3. Remove from heat, add flour all at once, and stir vigorously until mixture forms a ball.
4. Transfer to a mixing bowl and beat for 1 minute to cool slightly.
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
6. Pipe or spoon large mounds of dough (about 3 inches diameter) onto the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and crisp, then cool completely.
8. For the orange cream, whip cream with powdered sugar, orange zest, and juice until stiff.
9. For chocolate ganache, heat cream until just simmering, pour over chocolate chips, and stir until smooth.
10. Cut a small hole in the bottom of each pastry shell, fill with orange cream, then dip the top in chocolate ganache.

Traditional Bossche Bollen are quite large – about the size of a tennis ball – but you can make smaller versions for easier serving at King’s Day gatherings. The combination of crisp pastry, citrusy cream, and glossy chocolate creates a dramatic dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.

Delicate Orange Cream Puffs

Orange Cream Puffs offer a lighter, bite-sized alternative to the larger Bossche Bollen while maintaining the festive Koningsdag theme. These delicate pastries feature the same choux pastry base but in smaller portions, making them perfect finger food for King’s Day celebrations and street parties.

The cloud-like orange cream filling provides a refreshing contrast to the crisp pastry shell. Unlike their chocolate-coated cousins, these cream puffs showcase their orange filling proudly, sometimes with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin orange glaze that reinforces the royal color theme.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

• For the pastry shells: 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup butter, pinch of salt, 1/2 cup flour, 2 eggs
• For orange cream: 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tbsp orange zest, 2 tbsp orange juice, 3 tbsp powdered sugar
• Optional: powdered sugar or orange glaze for garnish

Follow these steps to create your Orange Cream Puffs:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine water, butter, and salt; bring to a boil.
3. Add flour all at once and stir vigorously until mixture forms a ball and pulls away from sides.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly (1-2 minutes).
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth and glossy.
6. Transfer mixture to a piping bag and pipe small mounds (about 1.5 inches) onto the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden brown, then cool completely.
8. Whip cream with orange zest, juice, and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
9. Cut tops off pastry shells or create a small hole in the side.
10. Fill with orange cream and replace tops if removed.

For a more intense orange flavor, you can add a drop of orange extract or a small amount of orange liqueur to the cream. These bite-sized treats are particularly popular with local dessert shops during King’s Day, and making them at home brings authentic Dutch flavor to your celebration.

Royal Treats Fit for Koningsdag

King’s Day in the Netherlands offers a perfect opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Dutch dessert traditions with an orange twist. From the crisp Oranjekoeken to the delicate Orange Cream Puffs, each of these seven royal desserts captures the festive spirit of Koningsdag while showcasing authentic Dutch flavors.

What makes these treats particularly special is how they transform traditional Dutch pastries into patriotic celebrations through the strategic use of orange – whether in the form of fresh zest, juice, or festive decorations. By preparing these recipes for King’s Day 2025, you’ll not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also participate in a beloved cultural tradition that brings communities together across the Netherlands.

I encourage you to try one or all of these orange-themed delights for your own King’s Day celebration. The recipes range from simple to more involved, but each brings its own unique character to the festivities. If you create your own version of these treats or have a favorite Dutch dessert recipe to share, churro-loving foodies would love to see your creations!