Hopjesvla Recipe – Dutch Coffee Custard Recipe

Hopjesvla Recipe – Dutch Coffee Custard is pure comfort for coffee lovers and dessert aficionados alike! This creamy Dutch classic combines velvety custard with rich coffee and caramel notes, making it impossible to stop at just one spoonful. If you’re craving a dessert that feels both luxurious and nostalgic, this is the treat you need in your life.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Intensely Creamy Texture: Each spoonful melts on your tongue thanks to a silky custard base and lush caramel swirl.
  • Authentic Dutch Nostalgia: This Hopjesvla Recipe – Dutch Coffee Custard is a beloved treat at Dutch tables, serving up a taste of tradition with a modern homemade touch.
  • Easy Yet Impressive: No fancy kitchen magic required—if you can stir and simmer, you can craft this show-stopping dessert.
  • Perfect for Coffee Lovers: The dreamy blend of caramel, coffee, and milk will delight anyone who loves a sweet caffeine fix.
Hopjesvla Recipe – Dutch Coffee Custard Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create such an unforgettable Hopjesvla Recipe – Dutch Coffee Custard. Each one adds its own magic—whether that’s creaminess, structure, or deep coffee flavor—so don’t skip the essentials!

  • Milk: This forms the creamy backbone—use full-fat for the most velvety results.
  • Strong Brewed Coffee: Adds an aromatic depth that’s the star flavor of this custard.
  • Sugar: Not just for sweetness—you’ll caramelize it for that gorgeous golden color and subtly bitter edge.
  • Cornflour: This is your thickener, ensuring that smooth, luscious texture that coats the spoon.
  • Water: Just a splash helps deglaze the caramel and bring everything together.
  • Instant Coffee: Intensifies the coffee flavor and balances the custard’s sweetness.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

It’s almost impossible to go wrong with this classic, but part of the joy of making Hopjesvla Recipe – Dutch Coffee Custard at home is the ability to put your own spin on it! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

  • Decaf Delight: Swap in decaf coffee for both the brewed and instant, so everyone (even the kiddos) can enjoy a late-night bowl.
  • Dairy-Free Dream: Use oat milk or coconut milk for a vegan version—just note that coconut milk will add a slightly tropical twist.
  • Chocolate Infusion: Stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder with the instant coffee for a mocha take on this Dutch favorite.
  • Nutty Finish: Top your finished custard with chopped roasted nuts—hazelnuts or almonds pair beautifully with the caramel-coffee base.

How to Make Hopjesvla Recipe – Dutch Coffee Custard

Step 1: Prepare the Cornflour Slurry

Start by whisking the cornflour into half a cup of milk. This quick mix helps prevent lumps and ensures your custard will be sumptuously smooth later—don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Caramelize the Sugar

Pour your sugar into a heavy-bottomed pan set over medium heat. Let it melt slowly—you can gently swirl the pan or give an occasional stir, but avoid constant mixing. Watch for that rich golden color and intoxicating caramel aroma!

Step 3: Deglaze with Water—Carefully!

Once the sugar has completely melted and turned golden, carefully add two tablespoons of water. Stand back, as the hot caramel might spatter, and whisk quickly to blend. This step loosens the caramel and prevents it from hardening.

Step 4: Dissolve Caramel with Milk

Slowly pour in your remaining milk, keeping the heat low. Stir gently and patiently for 8-10 minutes, allowing the hard caramel bits to dissolve into a dreamy golden mixture—no need to boil, just let it infuse gently.

Step 5: Thicken the Custard

Whisk in your cornflour and milk slurry, stirring until everything is blended smoothly. The custard will begin to thicken—watch the texture and keep things moving so it stays lump-free!

Step 6: Add the Coffee Magic

Sprinkle in the instant coffee and pour in that strong brewed coffee. Stir continuously over low-medium heat until your Hopjesvla thickens and the surface just begins to bubble—avoid a rolling boil to preserve the custard’s silkiness.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Transfer the custard to a bowl and press plastic wrap directly onto its surface to prevent a skin forming. Chill for 2–3 hours until set, then top with your favorite garnishes and serve with pride!

Pro Tips for Making Hopjesvla Recipe – Dutch Coffee Custard

  • Caramel Watch: Keep a close eye on the sugar as it melts—there’s a fine line between golden and burnt, so pull it off the heat once it turns deep amber.
  • No Lumps Allowed: Mix your cornflour into cold milk, not hot, and add it slowly to avoid any lumps forming in the custard base.
  • Strongest Brew Wins: Use freshly brewed, robust coffee for maximum flavor—espresso works beautifully if you love bold coffee notes.
  • Chill With Care: Placing plastic wrap directly on the custard’s surface keeps it glossy and prevents that unappealing skin from forming.

How to Serve Hopjesvla Recipe – Dutch Coffee Custard

Hopjesvla Recipe – Dutch Coffee Custard Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Hopjesvla shines with a cloud of softly whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts. For extra flair, try a dusting of cocoa powder, a drizzle of caramel, or even a few chocolate-covered espresso beans right on top.

Side Dishes

This custard is luscious on its own, but a crisp Dutch speculaas cookie or a buttery shortbread served on the side adds irresistible crunch and echoes those caramel notes perfectly. Pair with an extra shot of espresso for the ultimate treat!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Hopjesvla Recipe – Dutch Coffee Custard in elegant glass cups, small mason jars, or even vintage teacups for a charming, retro effect. Or make a beautiful layered parfait with whipped cream and nuts—so simple, yet so eye-catching for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hopjesvla stores beautifully—just keep it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Remember to keep the plastic wrap tucked right against the surface to keep it extra creamy and prevent skin from forming.

Freezing

While freezing custard isn’t always traditional, you can freeze Hopjesvla for up to a month. Thaw it gently in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir before serving; the texture may soften a bit, but the flavor will still be dreamy.

Reheating

Hopjesvla is best enjoyed chilled, but if you’d like it a touch warmer (perhaps for a blustery winter night!), gently reheat single servings in the microwave at 50% power, stirring between short bursts until just warmed through. Don’t overheat, or you’ll risk curdling.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Hopjesvla Recipe – Dutch Coffee Custard ahead of time?

    Absolutely! This custard actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, so feel free to make it a day in advance for parties or meal prep.

  2. What if I don’t have instant coffee?

    No worries—you can use extra strong brewed coffee (just a splash more) to amp up the flavor. The instant coffee just makes the coffee notes deeper and more pronounced.

  3. Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?

    Traditional Hopjesvla relies on real sugar for that classic caramelization, but if you use a sugar substitute that caramelizes (like erythritol blends), it can work—though the flavor profile might change.

  4. Is Hopjesvla gluten-free?

    Yes, as long as your cornflour is certified gluten-free, this Hopjesvla Recipe – Dutch Coffee Custard is a fantastic gluten-free dessert for anyone avoiding wheat!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted to impress your friends with something delightfully unique (and utterly delicious!), Hopjesvla Recipe – Dutch Coffee Custard is the way to do it. Give this beautiful Dutch classic a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat, and loving every creamy, coffee-kissed bite. Enjoy every spoonful!

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Hopjesvla Recipe – Dutch Coffee Custard Recipe

Hopjesvla Recipe – Dutch Coffee Custard Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 148 reviews
  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Stovetop
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Dutch

Description

Hopjesvla is a delightful Dutch coffee custard that combines the rich flavors of coffee with a creamy, indulgent custard base. This recipe yields a silky smooth dessert that is perfect for coffee lovers.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Custard:

  • 2 cups Milk
  • 1/2 cup Strong Brewed Coffee
  • 10 tablespoons Sugar
  • 1/3 cup Corn flour
  • 2 tablespoons Water
  • 1 tablespoon Instant Coffee

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cornflour Slurry: In a bowl, mix together the cornflour and ½ cup of milk. Set aside.
  2. Melt Sugar: Heat sugar in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Let it melt without constant stirring.
  3. Deglaze Caramel: Once sugar is golden, add water and whisk to deglaze. Be cautious as caramel is hot.
  4. Add Milk: Pour remaining milk into the pan with caramel. Heat until caramel dissolves.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cornflour slurry and instant coffee. Cook until thickened.
  6. Finish Custard: Add brewed coffee, stir until thick, then remove from heat.
  7. Chill Custard: Transfer custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until set.
  8. Serve: Garnish with nuts, fruits, or whipped cream before serving.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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