Step into the festive spirit with this incredibly simple yet utterly luxurious Dutch Pepernoten Pudding. Perfectly crafted for the Sinterklaas celebration, this dessert brings together classic Dutch flavors in a rich, creamy, and wonderfully textured treat. With just a handful of accessible ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dessert that will delight friends and family alike.

Imagine a velvety smooth pudding, infused with the warm notes of vanilla and sweet caramel, studded with generous chunks of crunchy chocolate pepernoten, and crowned with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream. Every spoonful offers a delightful contrast between the soft, melt-in-your-mouth pudding and the crisp, spiced chocolate cookies, making each bite an unforgettable experience. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of Dutch tradition and pure indulgence.

The Magic of Pepernoten: A Quintessential Dutch Treat

Pepernoten are much more than just cookies; they are a cornerstone of Dutch culture, particularly during the festive Sinterklaas season. These small, spiced, and often chocolate-covered cookies are traditionally enjoyed around December 5th, when Sinterklaas arrives in the Netherlands. While many families enjoy them by the handful or scattered by Sinterklaas’ helpers (Pieten), their unique texture and flavor make them an exceptional ingredient for creative holiday desserts.

This creamy pudding recipe elevates the humble pepernoot to new heights. By incorporating these beloved cookies into a smooth, vanilla-caramel base, we create a dessert that is both deeply comforting and surprisingly sophisticated. The caramel syrup adds an extra layer of richness, complementing the spices in the pepernoten and the smooth vanilla pudding perfectly. Whether you’re a long-time Sinterklaas enthusiast or simply looking for a new and exciting holiday dessert to try, this pepernoten pudding is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s an easy way to bring a taste of Dutch holiday cheer to your table!

Why You’ll Love This Pepernoten Pudding Recipe

• Effortlessly Easy: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for home bakers of all skill levels. No complicated techniques or extensive baking experience required!
• Rich & Creamy Texture: The combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and gelatin creates an incredibly smooth and luscious pudding that melts in your mouth.
• Festive Flavor Profile: Vanilla and caramel provide a sweet, comforting base, beautifully enhanced by the spiced crunch of chocolate pepernoten. It’s the taste of Dutch holidays in every bite.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This pudding requires chilling, making it an ideal dessert to prepare in advance, freeing up your time on party day.
• Versatile & Customizable: Easily adapt the flavors with different pepernoten varieties or added toppings to suit your preference.

Key Ingredients for a Perfect Pepernoten Pudding

Crafting this delightful pudding requires a few simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in its overall flavor and texture:

• Gelatin Powder: The magic ingredient that gives the pudding its firm, yet wobbly and smooth consistency. Ensure it’s properly dissolved for the best results.
• Whole Milk: Provides the creamy base for our pudding, contributing to its rich mouthfeel.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer that adds warmth and depth to the pudding. Use good quality extract for the best taste.
• Sugar: Sweetens the pudding to perfection, balancing the other flavors.
• Caramel Syrup: This is where a lot of the decadent flavor comes from. It infuses the pudding with a deep, buttery sweetness that pairs wonderfully with chocolate and spice.
• Heavy Cream: Whipped until stiff, it’s folded into the cooled milk mixture to create that signature airy, creamy texture that makes this pudding so irresistible.
• Chocolate Pepernoten: The star of the show! These spiced, chocolate-coated mini cookies add a delightful crunch and a burst of traditional Sinterklaas flavor. Roughly chopping them ensures a good distribution throughout the pudding.

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to creating a truly memorable holiday dessert. The beauty of this recipe lies in how these simple components come together to form something truly extraordinary.

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration?

• You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!

Andréa

Tips for Success and Serving Suggestions

To ensure your Dutch Pepernoten Pudding turns out perfectly every time, here are some extra tips:

• Blooming Gelatin: Always mix gelatin powder with cold water first and let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to hot liquid. This “blooming” process ensures it dissolves smoothly and prevents lumps.
• Gentle Heating: When heating the milk, vanilla, and sugar, do so over medium heat and stir frequently to prevent scorching. Remove it from the heat as soon as it begins to boil.
• Cooling the Mixture: It’s crucial to let the milk mixture cool down to room temperature (about 30 minutes) before folding in the whipped cream. Adding hot milk to whipped cream can cause the cream to melt and the pudding to lose its airy texture.
• Whipping Cream to Stiff Peaks: Ensure your heavy cream is very cold when whipping. Use a clean, dry bowl and beaters. Whip until firm peaks form, but be careful not to over-whip, which can turn it grainy.
• Mold Preparation: Rinsing your pudding mold with cold water before pouring in the mixture really does help with easy release! You can also lightly grease it for extra assurance.
• Patient Chilling: The minimum 3 hours of refrigeration is essential for the pudding to set properly. For best results and a firmer texture, consider chilling it overnight.

Serving Your Pepernoten Pudding

While delicious on its own, a few extra touches can elevate your pudding:

• Extra Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of fresh whipped cream is always a welcome addition.
• Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of extra caramel syrup or a homemade caramel sauce can enhance the existing flavors.
• Chocolate Shavings: Grated dark or milk chocolate can add a touch of elegance and extra chocolatey goodness.
• Fresh Berries: For a refreshing contrast, serve with a side of fresh raspberries or blueberries.
• Individual Portions: Instead of a large mold, you can set the pudding in individual ramekins or glasses for easy serving and a beautiful presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this pudding ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pepernoten pudding is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. In fact, chilling it overnight often results in a better-set and more flavorful pudding.

What kind of mold should I use?

You can use any pudding mold, bundt pan, or even a simple loaf pan. For individual servings, small ramekins, teacups, or dessert glasses work perfectly. The key is to rinse the mold with cold water before pouring in the mixture for easier demolding.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! As mentioned in the notes, you can substitute gelatin powder with agar-agar. Please refer to the agar-agar package instructions for the correct amount, as it can vary. Generally, less agar-agar is needed compared to gelatin.

I can’t find chocolate pepernoten. What should I do?

No problem! You can use regular pepernoten or kruidnoten (the un-chocolate-coated version). If using regular ones, you might consider adding a bit of cocoa powder to the milk mixture or serving with a chocolate sauce for a similar flavor profile. You could also buy plain pepernoten and dip them in melted chocolate yourself before chopping!

How can I make this pudding even more decadent?

For an extra luxurious treat, consider these variations:

• Boozy Twist: Fold in a splash of coffee liqueur, rum, or Baileys with the caramel syrup for an adult-friendly version.
• Nutty Crunch: Add some chopped toasted almonds or pecans along with the pepernoten for an additional textural element.
• Spiced Up: Enhance the classic Sinterklaas spice profile by adding a pinch of cinnamon or speculaas spice mix to the milk while heating.

How long does the pudding last in the refrigerator?

Stored properly in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap, the pepernoten pudding will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pepernoten might soften slightly over time, but the flavor will remain delicious.

More Sinterklaas Delights to Explore!

If you’ve enjoyed this festive Pepernoten Pudding, you’re in for a treat! The Sinterklaas season is rich with delicious Dutch recipes, and there’s so much more to discover. From spiced cookies to creamy desserts, these treats are perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holidays. Explore some of our other favorite Sinterklaas-inspired recipes below to keep the festive spirit alive!

We hope this delightful Dutch Pepernoten Pudding becomes a cherished part of your Sinterklaas traditions. Its rich flavors, creamy texture, and the festive crunch of pepernoten make it an unforgettable dessert. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating and sharing this wonderful treat!