Bring a taste of the Netherlands to your kitchen with this delightfully simple, no-bake treat.
This recipe combines the comforting crunch of fresh bread with the indulgent sweetness of chocolate sprinkles, making it a quick and satisfying snack.
With a touch of good fats from butter and minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for busy mornings, after-school treats, or a fuss-free dessert any day of the week.
Authentic Dutch Hagelslag
Equipment
- 1 Knife (for spreading butter)
- 1 small plate (for serving)
Ingredients
- 2 slices white bread
- 1 –2 teaspoons softened butter
- 1 –2 tablespoons De Ruijter chocolate sprinkles milk or dark
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Take two slices of fresh white bread and lay them flat on a clean cutting board or plate. Ensure the bread is soft and slightly airy, as this will help the butter and chocolate sprinkles adhere evenly. If the bread is slightly stale, you can refresh it by lightly warming it in a toaster for 10–15 seconds—just enough to make it soft again without browning it.
- Soften the Butter: Use a small knife to scoop a generous amount of softened butter. It should be soft enough to spread easily but not melted. If your butter is straight from the fridge and hard, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes or give it a gentle quick zap in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. This ensures smooth spreading and prevents tearing the bread.
- Spread the Butter: Using the knife, evenly spread a thin layer of softened butter across the entire surface of each bread slice. Be sure to cover every corner and edge, as this layer creates a sticky surface for the chocolate sprinkles to adhere to. Take care not to press too hard, as you want to preserve the fluffiness of the bread.
- Add Chocolate Sprinkles: Take a tablespoon (or as desired) of De Ruijter chocolate sprinkles—milk or dark chocolate depending on your preference. Generously scatter the sprinkles over the buttered bread, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly. Gently press them into the butter with the back of the spoon or knife to secure them, but avoid pressing too hard to prevent squishing the bread.
- Final Check and Serve: Inspect both slices to ensure every bite has a satisfying amount of chocolate sprinkles. You can leave the slices whole or cut them into halves, quarters, or fun shapes using a cookie cutter to make them more appealing for kids or presentation purposes. Place the prepared slices on a plate and serve immediately.
- Optional Tips for Enjoyment: For a slightly elevated experience, pair the chocolate-topped bread with a glass of cold milk, a cup of warm coffee, or a hot chocolate. This simple snack is best enjoyed fresh but can also be prepared ahead and covered with plastic wrap for up to a few hours to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh, soft bread for the best texture; slightly stale bread can work if lightly toasted.
- Ensure butter is softened for smooth spreading and proper adhesion of chocolate sprinkles.
- De Ruijter chocolate sprinkles are traditional, but any quality chocolate sprinkles can be used.
- Adjust the amount of chocolate sprinkles according to personal sweetness preference.
- Slightly warming the bread before spreading butter can enhance flavor and texture.
- This recipe is quick, no-bake, and ideal for last-minute snacks or breakfast.
Chef’s Secrets: Expert Tips For Perfection
To elevate this everyday snack, consider experimenting with the bread type: brioche or whole-grain bread adds richness and extra fiber.
Spread the butter evenly to ensure each bite holds the sprinkles without tearing the bread.
For a more decadent twist, lightly toast the bread before buttering—it adds warmth and a subtle crispiness.
Always press the sprinkles gently into the butter to prevent them from falling off when eating.
Using high-quality chocolate sprinkles enhances flavor and texture dramatically.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Ways To Enjoy
This chocolate sprinkle toast is incredibly versatile.
Serve it as a quick breakfast with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced start.
It also works wonderfully as a mid-afternoon snack or a light dessert paired with a warm beverage, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
For kids’ parties, cut the slices into fun shapes using cookie cutters.
You can even create mini versions as finger food for brunch gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh Longer
This treat is best enjoyed immediately for the softest, freshest texture.
If you need to prepare it ahead, cover the bread tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the sprinkles from shifting or the bread from drying out.
Store in a cool, dry place for up to a few hours.
Avoid refrigerating, as it may harden the butter and alter the bread’s texture.
For larger batches, assemble just before serving for optimal taste and presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of bread?
Yes! While white bread is classic, brioche, whole wheat, or even sandwich rolls can add flavor and texture.
Just ensure the bread is soft and not overly dense.
2. Can I substitute the butter?
You can use margarine or plant-based spreads, but butter provides the best flavor and helps the sprinkles stick properly.
Softened spreads work best to avoid tearing the bread.
3. What if I don’t have De Ruijter chocolate sprinkles?
Any quality chocolate sprinkles can be used. Opt for milk or dark chocolate according to your preference.
For a fun twist, you could even try colored sprinkles for kids.
4. Can I prepare this in advance?
It’s best served fresh. If needed, prepare the bread and butter ahead of time and add the sprinkles just before serving.
This keeps the texture and appearance perfect.
5. How can I make this snack healthier?
Choose whole-grain bread for added fiber, reduce the amount of butter slightly, or use dark chocolate sprinkles with a higher cocoa content to balance sweetness.
Pairing with fresh fruit can add vitamins and make it more filling.
