Did you know that the famous American donut has a Dutch “grandfather”?
Before it became the ring-shaped donut we all know, this treat was called Oly Koek (literally “oil cake”).
In the 17th century, Dutch settlers brought with them to New Amsterdam (now New York) small spheres of dough fried in fat, often enriched with a core of raisins, candied fruit, and apples soaked in brandy. It was such an iconic dessert that it was even celebrated in literature, such as in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”.
Today, that tradition still lives in the Netherlands under the name Oliebollen.
Although the name has changed and the technique has evolved — from a hand-shaped dough to a soft batter dropped by spoonfuls into hot oil — the essence remains the same: a raisin and apple fritter, warm, golden, and generously dusted with powdered sugar, a symbol of the Dutch New Year.
My recipe provides the preparation of the perfect Oliebollen, combining the historical charm of ancient Oly Koeks with the modern convenience and lightness of the air fryer, in a gluten-free version.
In the video, both the traditional recipe and my variant.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Rest time: 1 Hour
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 20 Pieces
- Cooking methods: Frying, Air Frying
- Cuisine: European
- Seasonality: New Year, All seasons
Ingredients
- 4 cups rice flour
- 2.5 tsp dry yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk (warm)
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 apple (diced)
- 1 pinch salt
- to taste powdered sugar
Tools
- 1 Air Fryer
Steps
Dough: Mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add the egg and warm milk gradually, stirring with a whisk or wooden spoon until a smooth and “sticky” batter is obtained.
Incorporate the soaked and well-drained raisins and the diced apples.
Rising: Cover with a damp cloth and let rest in a warm place for 60 minutes, until doubled.Air Fryer: Form balls, spray them generously with oil and cook at 356°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Traditional Frying: Heat the oil to 356°F. Use an ice cream scoop (or two spoons) dipped in hot oil to scoop balls of dough and drop them directly into the oil. Fry for 4-6 minutes until well browned.Drain and cover with powdered sugar.
The Difference Between Oly Koek and Oliebollen
Although often the names are used interchangeably, there is a subtle difference related to the historical evolution of this dessert:
Oly Koek (The Ancestor): the dough was firmer and was worked by hand to insert a filling of fruit (often apple and raisins soaked in brandy) in the center. This is the dessert that Dutch colonists exported to America, eventually giving rise to the modern donut.
Oliebollen (The Current Version): today the Dutch recipe involves a softer and more hydrated batter. The fruit is no longer hidden in the heart of the sweet but is mixed directly into the batter before being fried by spoonfuls.
In short, the Oly Koek represents colonial and “literary” tradition, while the Oliebollen are the soft and luscious evolution that we find today in Dutch squares.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
What is the connection between oly koek and literature?
In “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” (1820), Washington Irving mentions oly koeks during the description of the sumptuous autumn feast at Baltus Van Tassel’s house.
The protagonist, Ichabod Crane, enters the room and is enthralled not only by the beauty of Katrina Van Tassel but especially by the lavishly set table, described as a triumph of Dutch home cooking.
Here’s the famous original passage:
«There was the doughty doughnut, the tender oly koek, and the crisp and crumbling cruller…».
The context in the story:
Abundance: They are described as “tender” (tender) and are part of the “cake family” that includes crullers (braided donuts) and doughnuts.
Dutch Identity: Irving specifies that these sweets are secrets known only to the “expert Dutch housewives” of the Hudson Valley.
The Contrast: The quote highlights Ichabod’s insatiable appetite, who sees in marrying Katrina primarily the opportunity to inherit an estate filled with fertile lands and tables always laden with delicacies like oly koek.
