Amsterdam Desserts: Discover Sweet Delights in the City

If there’s one thing that Amsterdam does incredibly well, it’s desserts. I’ve been fanatical about traditional Dutch desserts since my first trip, and I’ve also been fortunate enough to sample their take on international treats.

Naturally, sweet treats are a key feature of many of my Amsterdam food tours and, in many cases, tend to be among the most well-received dishes! Before you head to the Dutch capital, make sure you add these heavenly Amsterdam desserts to your list.

Dietary-Friendly Dessert Options

Yumbum Bakery

Photo credit: Yumbum Bakery

Yumbum Bakery is a modest spot known for its extensive dietary options, and this extends to the delightful desserts. The team can customize any of their cakes and pastries to accommodate those who don’t eat dairy or gluten.

Yumbum Bakery (€€) – Duivendrecht NL, Van Marwijk Kooystraat 2, 1114 AG Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The Happy Pig

Photo credit: The Happy Pig

Not only does The Happy Pig have a warm vibe and a chic dining area, but it also whips up some of the best vegan pancakes I’ve ever tried. These Dutch-style pancakes were mild and pillowy, and I topped mine with zingy lemon and a dusting of sugar.

The Happy Pig (€€) – Rosmarijnsteeg 12, 1012 RP Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Popular Dessert Spots in Amsterdam

Winkel 43

Winkel 43 is a homely, wood beam-filled eatery that’s among the most popular Amsterdam dessert spots, and the appeltaart here is nothing short of legendary. The sweet yet tarty apple filling and crumbly, caramelized crust was even better than I’d imagined, as was the silky whipped cream.

Winkel 43 (€) – Noordermarkt 43, 1015 NA Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Van Stapele Koekmakerij

Photo credit: Van Stapele Koekmakerij

Chocolate cookies may not be considered a traditional Dutch dessert, but the quality of the fare in the elegant Van Stapele Koekmakerij could have convinced me otherwise! The exterior was slightly crisp and enclosed the perfectly moist, white chocolate-filled center.

Van Stapele Koekmakerij (€€) – Rokin 17, 1012 KK Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Sweet Bob Amsterdam

Photo credit: Sweet Bob Amsterdam

Brazilian brigadeiros have become a beloved Amsterdam dessert, and Sweet Bob whips up the best in the city. This charming cafe is a super popular dessert spot, and I understood why as soon as I tried these decadent, ball-shaped goodies and tasted the thick chocolate inside.

Sweet Bob Amsterdam (€€) – Binnen Brouwersstraat 27, 27, 1013 EE Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Traditional Dutch Desserts to Try

Stroopwafels

Stroopwafels are synonymous with Amsterdam. These traditional Dutch desserts are sandwich-style cookies consisting of two thin pieces of sweetened waffle encasing a layer of caramel syrup.

They might be famous in the capital, but stroopwafels actually hail from Gouda. Baker Gerard Kamphuisen is often credited with their invention in the 1800s, as he used leftover dough and syrup to make inexpensive confections.

Where to Try It?

Van Wonderen Stroopwafels is by far the most esteemed spot in Amsterdam for these crispy treats. You’ll likely face a lengthy queue to secure a stroopwafel here, but I promise it’ll be worth it when you try crunchy waffles and cinnamon-infused syrup.

Van Wonderen Stroopwafels (€€) – Kalverstraat 190, 1012 XH Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Pancakes and Poffertjes

Dutch pancakes, known locally as poffertjes, are thick, fluffy, and noticeably smaller in size than American-style varieties. The batter is made from buckwheat flour and yeast, and the mix is typically cooked in a special poffertjes pan.

Poffertjes weren’t always as soft and airy as they are today, though. When they were first crafted in monasteries in the 18th century, they were used as a type of communion bread.

Where to Try It?

The Pancake Bakery is among Amsterdam’s most popular dessert spots, but their poffertjes are especially sought-after. Sitting in their lively outdoor area and feasting on some nutty, sugar-topped treats was an experience I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

The Pancake Bakery (€€) – Prinsengracht 191, 1015 DS Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Dutch Appeltaart

If there was just one traditional Dutch dessert I could recommend, it would be appeltaart. It’s as sublime as simple, made from shortcrust pastry, sugar, and cinnamon-coated apples. In most cases, it’s served with a dollop of whipped cream.

Appeltaart has been a celebrated Amsterdam dessert since the Middle Ages, with recipes first appearing in the 16th century.

Where to Try It?

I’ve toured the city looking for the best appeltaart. One of my favorite spots turned out to be Patisserie Kuyt, a modern, low-key pastry shop. The buttery crust here was sensational, as was the zingy apple filling.

Patisserie Kuyt (€) – Utrechtsestraat 109-111, 1017 VL Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Tompouce

Tompouces feel like the cousin of France’s Napoleon dessert. Each piece consists of two sheets of puff pastry surrounding a thick serving of cream or custard, with a layer of icing on top.

This snack was likely first made as a variation of its French counterpart and got its name from an actor nicknamed General Tom Pouce, whom a local baker was fond of.

Where to Try It?

Patisserie Holtkamp is an elegant bakery that prepares dreamy, homemade tompouce. I loved that they included layers of both vanilla custard and velvety cream, which sink into the flaky pastry with every bite.

Patisserie Holtkamp (€€€) – Vijzelgracht 15, 1017 HM Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Unique Dessert Experiences in Amsterdam

LuminAir

Photo credit: LuminAir

LuminAir is a swanky rooftop bar better known for quirky cocktails than desserts. However, they offer a rather unique dessert experience with their cake pop and cocktail pairings. This deal is available daily between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm.

LuminAir (€€€) – Oosterdoksstraat 4, Level 11, 1011 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Taigu

Photo credit: Taigu

If you fancy a change from the classic Amsterdam desserts, you might be keen to visit Taigu. This cozy spot specializes in Japanese desserts, including delectable matcha treats. The smooth, bittersweet matcha terrine cake here is a must-try.

Taigu (€€€) – Andreas Bonnstraat 36, 1091 BA Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Conclusion

With this list of Amsterdam desserts up your sleeve, you’ll have all the insider information on where to find the sweetest treats in the city. Even if you don’t consider yourself a dessert enthusiast, I’m sure some of these spots will change your mind!

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Amsterdam food tours & experiences. Eating Europe. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/amsterdam/

Yumbum Bakery. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://yumbumbakery.nl/

The Happy Pig Pancake Shop. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.thehappypig.nl/

Winkel 43. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://winkel43.nl/en

Van Stapele Koekmakerij. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://vanstapele.com/en/home/

Sweet Bob. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://sweetbob.shop/

Van Wonderen Stroopwafels. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://vanwonderen.co/

Pancakes Amsterdam. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://pancake.nl/en

Patisserie Kuyt. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from http://www.patisseriekuyt.nl/

Patisserie Holtkamp. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.patisserieholtkamp.nl/nl#content

LuminAir Amsterdam. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.luminairamsterdam.com/

Taigu Amsterdam. (n.d.). Instagram profile. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://www.instagram.com/taigu.ams/?hl=en