Did you know that the famous American donut has a Dutch “grandparent”?
Before turning into the ring-shaped donut we all know, this dessert was called Oly Koek (literally “oil cake”).
In the 17th century, Dutch settlers brought with them to New Amsterdam (modern-day New York) small balls of dough fried in fat, often enriched with a core of raisins, candied fruit, and apple soaked in brandy. It was such an iconic sweet that it was even celebrated in literature, as in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”.
Today, that tradition still lives on in the Netherlands under the name Oliebollen.
Although the name has changed and the technique evolved — shifting 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, symbol of Dutch New Year’s Eve.
My recipe provides for the preparation of perfect Oliebollen, combining the historical charm of the ancient Oly Koeks with modern convenience and the lightness of the air fryer, in a gluten-free version.
In the video, both the classic 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's Eve, All seasons
Ingredients
- 4 cups rice flour
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons 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 you obtain a smooth and “sticky” batter.
Incorporate the soaked and well-drained raisins and apple cubes.
Rising: Cover with a damp cloth and let rest in a warm place for 60 minutes until it doubles.Air Fryer: Shape into balls, spray them generously with oil, and cook at 356°F for about 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway through.
Traditional Frying: Heat the oil to 356°F. Use an ice cream scoop (or two spoons) dipped in the hot oil to scoop balls of dough and drop them directly into the oil. Fry for 4-6 minutes until they are well browned.Drain and cover with powdered sugar.
The Difference Between Oly Koek and Oliebollen
Although the names are often used synonymously, there is a subtle difference related to the historical evolution of this sweet:
Oly Koek (The Ancestor): the dough was firmer and worked by hand to insert a fruit filling (often apple and raisins soaked in brandy) in the center. This is the sweet the Dutch settlers 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 summary, the Oly Koek represents the colonial and “literary” tradition, while Oliebollen are the fluffy and delicious evolution 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 lavish autumn banquet at Baltus Van Tassel’s home.
The protagonist, Ichabod Crane, enters the hall and is enchanted not only by the beauty of Katrina Van Tassel but especially by the laden table, described as a triumph of Dutch home cooking.
Here is the famous original passage:
«There was the doughty doughnut, the tender oly koek, and the crisp and crumbling cruller…».
The context in the story:
The abundance: They are described as “tender” (tender) and are part of the “cake family” which also includes crullers (twisted doughnuts) and doughnuts.
The Dutch identity: Irving specifies that these sweets are secrets known only to the “expert Dutch housewives” of the Hudson Valley.
The contrast: The quote serves to highlight Ichabod’s insatiable appetite, who sees in marrying Katrina not only the possibility of inheriting fertile lands but also tables always full of delicacies like the oly koek.
