Ontbijtkoek

Ontbijtkoek is one of the staples of a traditional Dutch breakfast: a rye cake spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, honey, pepper, and cloves. Although it is mostly consumed for breakfast, it is equally popular as a lunchtime treat or a midnight snack, topped with butter or jam, and sometimes with a few pieces of cheese on the side.

When it is consumed as a snack, it is often paired with a cup of tea or coffee. Ontbijtkoek has been baked in the Netherlands since the 16th century, and today there are numerous regional varieties of this flavorful sweet bread. In the southern parts of the country, it is known as peperkoek, referring to the fact that pepper is one of the ingredients used in its production.

The cake is also traditionally served at funerals because it contains honey and pepper, symbolizing joy and sadness.