Dutch Mini Pancakes (Poffertjes)
The charming little sponge pancakes that Dutch winter stalls are famous for: made from buckwheat and wheat flour with yeast, baked in special copper moulds and served swimming in butter and icing sugar. They have a high glycemic index (≈68) and deliver fast carbohydrate energy.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
A dish for dessert and for sharing with family on outings; stop at 4 to 5 small poffertjes and avoid eating the whole plate on your own to prevent sharp sugar spikes and sluggishness.
Best preparation methods
Ask for them with just a light brush of real butter and keep the icing sugar on top to a minimum; you can garnish them with a few fresh berries to add useful fibre.
Important Nutritional Note
The buckwheat in the batter adds some minerals and antioxidants, but the icing sugar and excess butter make this a high-calorie dish that calls for strict moderation.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (50 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal | 140 kcal |
| Protein | 5.5 g | 2.8 g |
| Carbohydrate | 42 g | 21 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 40.5 g | 20.2 g |
| Fat | 10 g | 5 g |
| Dietary fibre | 1.5 g | 0.8 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Sweets & desserts with a glycemic index (17), it ranks 14 (lowest first).
Smart alternatives from the same family:
Frequently asked questions
Is Dutch Mini Pancakes (Poffertjes) good for weight loss?
It can fit a balanced plan with portion control: a 50 g portion gives 140 kcal, and what matters most is your total daily intake and the rest of the meal.
How does Dutch Mini Pancakes (Poffertjes) affect blood sugar?
Its glycemic index is 68 (Medium), a clinically reviewed estimate rather than a laboratory measurement. A typical 50 g portion has a glycemic load of 13.8 (Medium), so it is best combined with protein or fibre-rich vegetables.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Dutch Mini Pancakes (Poffertjes)?
A typical 50 g portion of Dutch Mini Pancakes (Poffertjes) provides about 140 kcal, 2.8 g protein, 21 g carbohydrate, 5 g fat and 0.8 g fibre.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.