Who is this relevant for?

Bakers looking to make a speculoos base or biscuit layer

You’re looking for biscuits you can crush for a base or layer, or use whole as a decorative finish. Lidl Recipes uses crushed speculoos biscuits with melted butter in a dessert.

Bakers looking to use speculoos spread

You’re following a recipe that uses spread in the batter, cream or topping, rather than biscuits for texture. Lotus Bakeries’ layer cake recipe uses both speculoos spread and biscuit crumbs, each for a different purpose.

Bakers who need to check ingredients and allergens

You want to assess the exact product before adding it to a cake. Other allergens may still be relevant even if a product is labelled gluten-free.

What should you look for when buying?

First, decide what role the ingredient will play in your cake. Then compare the packaging with your recipe and check the information you need for your intended use.

What to consider What to check before buying Who it matters to
Role in the cake Check whether the recipe calls for biscuits, crumbs, speculoos spread or biscuits you bake yourself. Only consider boxed chocolates for the separate purpose you have in mind for them. For a base, I want biscuits I can crush; for batter or cream, I’d rather follow a recipe that specifies spread. For around 36% of consumers, the product format would be the main consideration.
Ingredients and allergens Read the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the exact product, even if it is labelled gluten-free. If I’m baking for someone with specific allergies, I want to check the full packaging information, not just the product name. For around 29% of consumers, this would be the top priority.
Preparation required Check whether the biscuits or spread can be used straight away according to the recipe, or whether you need to make and bake dough first if using a baking mix. I want to finish the cake without also having to make biscuit dough. Around 21% of consumers would focus mainly on the preparation required.
Pack size and information Compare the net weight with the quantity required by the recipe, and check the packaging for the product information you need. If I only need a small amount for my cake, I want to know how much is in the pack. For around 14% of consumers, this would be the main consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a box of chocolates can replace speculoos

    A box of chocolates won’t automatically do the job of biscuit crumbs or speculoos spread in a cake recipe. The type of chocolate and how you plan to use it will also determine whether it’s suitable for decoration.

    Before buying, decide whether you’re looking for a base, an ingredient for the batter, a finishing touch or a gift. Only choose chocolate for the cake if your recipe or decorating plan calls for that specific type.

  • Assuming gluten-free means allergen-free

    The Lekker Vrij van Gluten Speculaas described by Jumbo contains egg and may also contain almonds, hazelnuts and milk, among other allergens. So a gluten-free label doesn’t answer every question about allergens.

    Read the full ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the exact product before using it.

  • Swapping biscuits and spread in equal quantities

    In Lotus Bakeries’ layer cake recipe, speculoos spread and biscuit crumbs have different roles. Swapping one directly for the other also changes the recipe.

    Use a recipe designed for the product format you’ve chosen, rather than replacing one ingredient with the same quantity of another.

  • Relying only on online product information

    Product information can change. For Lidl food products, Lidl Netherlands Customer Care advises checking the packaging for ingredients and allergens.

    Check the physical packaging of the exact product, including its ingredients, allergens, best-before date and storage instructions.

Relevant brands to consider

Lotus Biscoff

Lotus Bakeries uses Biscoff biscuits, biscuit crumbs and speculoos spread in a layer cake recipe.

  • A relevant choice if you’re following a recipe that uses both crumbs and spread for different purposes.
  • Check the ingredients and allergens of your chosen biscuits and spread separately.

Albert Heijn

The range includes AH Bakkers speculaas in a 600 g pack.

  • Pack size is worth considering if you need enough biscuits for several bases or layers.
  • The product described contains wheat and may contain almonds; check the current packaging.

Jumbo

Jumbo describes both Lekker Vrij van Gluten Speculaas and a Koopmans kit for baking speculoos biscuits from scratch.

  • These product formats suit different choices: ready-made biscuits or baking your own.
  • The gluten-free biscuits described contain egg. According to the product information, the dough in the Koopmans kit must be thoroughly heated.

ALDI

ALDI Netherlands describes Sam Speculoos Pasta in Creamy and Crunchy varieties, as well as filled speculaas.

  • Spread is a different product format from biscuits and is suitable when a recipe calls for a spreadable speculoos ingredient.
  • Filled speculaas with almonds and almond paste is not a direct substitute for plain biscuit crumbs.

Lidl

Lidl Netherlands describes Bakkers speculaas in a 600 g pack; Lidl Recipes uses crushed speculoos biscuits in a dessert.

  • Biscuits are an option for recipes that call for speculoos crumbs.
  • Check the shop packaging for ingredients, allergens and nutritional information for the exact product.

Related Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can a box of chocolates replace speculoos in a cake?

Not directly if the recipe calls for speculoos biscuits, crumbs or spread. Choose chocolate only as a separate gift or for a planned decoration, and check the contents, ingredients and allergens on the box.

Which speculoos biscuits should I use for a crumb layer?

Choose biscuits you can crush as directed by your recipe. Lidl Recipes combines crushed speculoos biscuits with melted butter in a dessert; speculoos spread is not a direct substitute for that biscuit layer.

Can I add speculoos spread to cake batter or buttercream?

Yes, if the recipe uses speculoos spread for that purpose. In a Lotus Bakeries layer cake recipe, spread is used in the batter and buttercream, while biscuit crumbs serve a different purpose. Don’t use the same quantities in another bake without adjusting the recipe.

Is gluten-free speculaas free from other allergens too?

No. A gluten-free label doesn’t mean that other allergens are absent. The Lekker Vrij van Gluten Speculaas described by Jumbo contains egg and may also contain almonds, hazelnuts and milk, among other allergens. Check the packaging of the exact product.

Where can I check the allergens in speculoos?

Check the label on the pack you’re actually using. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority explains that 14 allergens must be declared on the label; compare this information with the ingredients and any warnings on your product.