Olie Koeken (oil cakes) are a traditional Dutch treat similar to a doughnut, and usually served on New Year’s Day. Grandma Vlietstra often made them on New Year’s Day, but Grandma Balkema would make them in the fall when we would go to her house for trick-or-treating. I also remember them being made at the high school for the annual fall sale, the mouth-watering scent of olie koeken wafting through the hallways. They go perfect with a cup of coffee.
Comparing the recipes of both grandmas, I found they were quite similar. This recipe is adjusted to be a combination of the two. Specific instructions were added as well.
Heat oil in saucepan to 375 degrees (or use your deep fryer). Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add buttermilk and eggs and mix well. Dough will be very thick and sticky. Fold in raisins. Drop into the fully heated oil using two tablespoons, taking care not to over-crowd the pan. Cook until golden brown, usually 7-8 minutes. Roll in sugar or powdered sugar and serve. Makes 2-3 dozen.Olie Koeken
eet smakelijk!
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Neat! Thank you for sharing this- This would be a good one to remember for when we get to studying the Netherlands ~OR~ New Years traditions from around the world! Thanks for sharing!
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You’re welcome! They are sooo yummy!
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I’ve never heard of these, but they sound divine. Thank you so much for sharing them here. I love how you spoke of your grandmothers. I have such fond memories of my grandmothers. Glad you joined us!!
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I miss both of them so much. The more I write about them, the more I realize what a blessing they were and what a legacy they have left. My Christian heritage is so rich. I pray my children will follow Christ too.
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My goodness, never heard of this but is sounds great! Something my Little Bit would love to try with me! Thanks for sharing your traditions and this recipe. I love the rich family heritage you have!
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Thank you. They are super yummy. We usually make some without raisins too, because some people don’t like them. But I think they are best with raisins. 🙂
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Thanks for sharing this recipe. Olie Koeken is part of my husband’s heritage. At various events in South Holland & Lansing Illinois these little doughnuts were available.
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You’re welcome. I noticed that there are many versions of this recipe on the web. They can include apples, yeast and beer in the ingredients as well! Even saw one made with mashed potatoes. Maybe someday I will have to try another version, but I really like these, so why break tradition? 🙂
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Randy talked about these! 😌
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