Poffertjes are already delicious on their own, but the right topping can make them even better. These small, fluffy Dutch mini pancakes are easy to combine with classic, fruity, chocolatey or even slightly grown-up flavors. This guide gives you the best toppings for poffertjes, from the traditional butter and powdered sugar to richer combinations with chocolate, fruit and liqueur. The starting point is always the same: freshly baked poffertjes, still warm from the poffertjes oven.
If you are new to this Dutch treat, you can first read more about What are poffertjes.
The classic toppings
The most classic topping for poffertjes is butter and powdered sugar. It is simple, but that is exactly why it works so well. The poffertjes are served warm, the butter melts into the soft texture, and the powdered sugar gives just enough sweetness without covering the taste of the poffertjes themselves. When the batter is good and the poffertjes are freshly baked, this combination really does not need much else.
Sweet milk, or condensed milk, gives poffertjes a softer and creamier sweetness. It is richer than powdered sugar, but still smooth and gentle. This works especially well if you like your poffertjes a little more dessert-like, without going all the way into heavy chocolate or candy toppings.
Maple syrup or Dutch stroop is another easy Favorite. Syrup gives poffertjes that warm, sticky sweetness that feels familiar to many visitors. It also makes the poffertjes feel closer to pancakes, while still keeping their own Dutch character. A little goes a long way, especially when the poffertjes are fresh and soft inside.
Fruity toppings
Fresh strawberries are one of the best fruit toppings for poffertjes. They add freshness, colour and a light acidity that balances the sweetness of powdered sugar or whipped cream. Strawberries also work well because poffertjes are small and soft, so every bite can have a little fruit and a little warmth together.
Banana is a softer and sweeter option. It gives poffertjes a creamy texture and works especially well with chocolate or hazelnut spread. The combination of warm poffertjes, banana and chocolate is simple, but very comforting. It is also a good choice for anyone who wants something sweet and filling without choosing the most intense topping on the menu.
A fruit sauce can be a nice middle ground between fresh fruit and a sweet topping. Strawberry sauce, raspberry sauce or mixed berry sauce gives poffertjes a little brightness and makes them feel more like a dessert. The best version is still simple: fruit flavour that adds freshness, without becoming too sugary.
At many poffertjes stalls, fruit toppings are popular because they make the portion feel a little lighter. They are still sweet, of course, but the freshness of the fruit gives a nice contrast to the warm, soft poffertjes.
Chocolate and sweet toppings
Nutella or hazelnut spread is one of the most popular toppings for poffertjes, especially for anyone who loves a rich, sweet bite. The chocolate-hazelnut flavour melts slightly on the warm poffertjes and gives them a soft, creamy layer. It is more indulgent than the classic version, but still easy to love.
Lotus Biscoff adds a different kind of sweetness. Instead of soft chocolate, it brings a caramelised biscuit flavour with a little spice. It works well with poffertjes because the taste is warm and deep, without being too sharp. If you like stroopwafels, speculaas or caramel flavors, this is a topping that makes sense.
White chocolate gives poffertjes a sweeter and creamier finish. It is softer in flavor than dark or milk chocolate and works especially well with strawberries or other fruit. Kinder Bueno goes in a similar direction, but adds a light hazelnut and wafer-style sweetness that makes the portion feel playful and more dessert-like.
Pistachio is a slightly more premium topping. It gives poffertjes a nutty, creamy taste and feels a little more grown-up than the usual chocolate options. Pistachio works especially well when it is not too sweet, because poffertjes already have that soft, comforting base.
Chocolate and sweet toppings are best when the poffertjes are served warm. That is when the topping softens just enough, without losing the light texture of the poffertjes underneath.
Toppings for grown-ups
For a more grown-up version, orange liqueurs like Grand Marnier or Cointreau can work beautifully with poffertjes. The citrus flavour adds warmth and a little bitterness, which balances the sweetness of the batter and powdered sugar. It turns poffertjes into something that feels more like an evening dessert than a daytime snack.
Advocaat with whipped cream is another classic Dutch-style option. Advocaat is thick, creamy and sweet, with a flavour that sits somewhere between custard and liqueur. Together with whipped cream, it makes poffertjes feel rich and festive. This is not the lightest option, but it is definitely one of the most Dutch.
These toppings are not the everyday version of poffertjes. They are the slightly more luxurious, after-dinner kind. Still warm, still soft, but a little more special.
Unexpected toppings worth trying
Some toppings are not the first thing people think of, but they can be surprisingly good. Poffertjes are mild, soft and warm, which makes them easy to combine with different flavors.
- Cheese: a savory option that gives poffertjes a completely different character.
- Ice cream: turns warm poffertjes into a full dessert, especially with chocolate or caramel.
- Whipped cream: soft, simple and easy to combine with fruit or chocolate.
- Caramel sauce: rich, sweet and especially good with banana or biscuit-style toppings.
- Pistachio with white chocolate: creamy, nutty and a little more premium.
- Strawberries with chocolate: fresh, sweet and always a safe choice.
The nice thing about poffertjes is that they do not need complicated toppings to work. A small change can already make them feel completely different.
How to serve poffertjes at home
If you serve poffertjes at home, start with the most important part: make sure they are fresh and warm. The topping can be simple, but the poffertjes themselves should still be soft inside and lightly golden outside.
For a relaxed serving moment, place a few toppings on the table and let people choose their own combination. Keep one classic option, such as butter and powdered sugar, then add one fruit topping and one richer topping like chocolate, caramel or Lotus Biscoff. That way everyone can try something familiar and something a little more creative.
If you want to bake them yourself first, you can use this guide: How to make poffertjes.
Prefer the real thing?
The best topping for poffertjes really depends on your taste. Some people will always choose the classic butter and powdered sugar. Others prefer Nutella, strawberries, Lotus Biscoff, pistachio or something a little more unexpected.
At Pat’s Poffertjes, you can try poffertjes in Amsterdam with toppings that range from classic to more premium and playful. The base stays the same: fresh poffertjes, warm from the poffertjes oven, made to be enjoyed right away.
If you are planning to try them in the city, you can read more here: Where to eat poffertjes in Amsterdam.
You’ll find Pat’s Poffertjes at Nieuwendijk 32 and Oude Leliestraat 7.
Eet smakelijk.
