Which preparation method suits you?

If you want to make oliebollen quickly

You don’t want to wait for the batter to rise. A mix that doesn’t need time to rise, such as Koopmans Oliebollen Gemak, could be a good fit. Just check what you’ll need to add yourself.

If you want to make risen batter

You have time to let the batter rise and may want to add sultanas, currants or apple. Follow the quantities and rising time given for your chosen oliebollen mix or its accompanying recipe.

If you need to check ingredients or allergens

Check the current packaging for the mix, as well as the ingredients in the filling or any other additions. Look out for allergen information and any warnings about cross-contamination.

What should you look for when choosing?

First decide whether you want to make oliebollen or pancakes. If you’re making oliebollen, choose between a method that doesn’t require rising and one that uses risen batter. Then check the ingredients and any additions you’d like to use.

What to consider What to look for Who it matters to
Suitable base Check that the packaging identifies the product as an oliebollen mix, and follow the instructions for the batter and frying. If I want to make oliebollen, I look for instructions for oliebollen batter, rather than thin pancake batter for a frying pan. A suitable base is the deciding factor for around 36% of consumers.
Rising time Check whether the batter needs to rise and which ingredients you’ll need to add yourself. If I’m short on preparation time, I don’t want to choose batter that needs to rise first. Saving time is the main priority for roughly 29% of consumers.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients list and allergen information, and look for any cross-contamination warnings. Check any additions separately. If I have dietary requirements or need to avoid allergens, I want to be able to check the mix and every addition. Checking ingredients is the top priority for around 21% of consumers.
Filling or seeds Check whether the recipe mentions your chosen addition and what instructions apply. If I want to fill my oliebollen or try adding seeds, I look for a method that works with that addition. The variation they want is the main consideration for around 14% of consumers.

Common mistakes when choosing

  • Assuming pancake mix is a direct substitute

    Albert Heijn’s pancake mix is intended for thin batter cooked in a frying pan. The oliebollen mixes reviewed come with their own instructions for making the batter and frying it in hot oil.

    For oliebollen, choose a product labelled as an oliebollen mix and follow the preparation instructions for that particular variety.

  • Checking allergens only on the front of the pack

    Mixes and fillings can contain different allergens. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority highlights the allergen information on the labels of prepacked foods.

    Read the current ingredients list and allergen information, including any cross-contamination warnings. Check any filling you add yourself separately.

  • Only discovering the rising time when you start baking

    According to Koopmans, Koopmans Oliebollen Gemak doesn’t need to rise. The basic recipe using a traditional Koopmans mix gives a rising time of around 45 minutes, while PLUS’s instructions say around 40 minutes.

    Before buying, check the rising time and which ingredients you’ll still need, so you can make sure the method fits your plans.

  • Assuming a product listing guarantees it’s in stock

    A product listing at a supermarket doesn’t mean that the oliebollen mix will be available at your chosen store when you need it.

    Check availability at your local store or in your delivery area shortly before you plan to buy the ingredients.

Brands to consider

Koopmans

Koopmans describes several ways to make oliebollen, including Oliebollen Gemak, a traditional basic recipe and a gluten-free recipe.

  • According to Koopmans, Oliebollen Gemak contains no yeast and doesn’t need to rise; its traditional basic recipe gives a rising time of around 45 minutes.
  • The ingredients you need to add and the allergens vary by product. Check the packaging of the variety you actually choose.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn has its own pancake mix and also lists oliebollen products in its range.

  • The preparation information makes clear what AH Mix voor pannenkoeken naturel is intended for: thin batter cooked in a frying pan.
  • This pancake mix is therefore not a proven direct substitute for oliebollen mix. If you’re considering an oliebollen product, check its current availability separately.

PLUS

PLUS describes its own oliebollen mix and has recipes for filled oliebollen.

  • The instructions for PLUS oliebollen mix give a rising time of around 40 minutes and an oil temperature of 190 °C.
  • The mix described lists wheat, milk and lactose. Read the current label before buying and check availability at your local store.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use ordinary pancake mix to make oliebollen?

Not as a direct substitute, based on the preparation instructions described here. AH Mix voor pannenkoeken naturel is intended for thin batter cooked in a frying pan, while the oliebollen mixes reviewed have their own instructions for making oliebollen batter and frying it in hot oil. So choose a mix specifically intended for oliebollen.

What temperature should the oil be for oliebollen?

Follow the temperature given on the packaging for your mix. Koopmans gives a temperature of around 180 °C in its basic recipe, while PLUS specifies 190 °C for its oliebollen mix. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises against letting oil smoke or give off fumes.

How do I check for allergens in oliebollen mix?

Read the ingredients list and allergen information on the current packaging, and check the ingredients in any filling too. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority says that allergens must be listed on the labels of prepacked foods. Ingredients vary between mixes and additions.

How long can I keep oliebollen with sultanas or currants?

According to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre’s storage guide, oliebollen with sultanas or currants keep for 2 days in the fridge and 3 months in the freezer. These storage times apply to filled oliebollen; if you have a packaged product, also follow the storage advice on the packaging.