Dutch Delights: Tompoes/Tompouce

What: Tompoes – a rectangular shaped pastry made with two layers of puff pastry and yellow pastry cream in-between. The top layer of the puff pastry is covered in a smooth, pink icing and sometimes, a line of whipped cream.


Why: I haven’t been able to find a history on tompoes. Perhaps there isn’t one! But if you know of one, let me know.


Where: Tompoes is regularly found in bakeries and the bakery section of supermarkets.


When: Tompoes is a dessert that is available all year round. It is often served with tea or coffee.


Varieties: Variations are comparatively rare. However, the top layer icing has been known to change colours, for example to orange for Queen’s Day or the World/European Cup.


How Much [Should I Eat]: Tompoes, in my opinion, is incredibly sweet. So, if you have sensitive teeth or are not that keen on sweet foods, then this might be a dessert you want to pass on or at least share half of your slice.


Pas Op! (Look Out!) Number One: Tompoes is known as Tompoes or Tompouce. While it is thought that the Tompuce spelling is more used by Belgians, both are regularly seen.


Pas Op! (Look Out!) Number Two: The texture of the pastry can make eating this dessert a challenge, especially if you wish to do so without getting cream everywhere. One option is to slice through the middle, horizontally, and eat the top (using your fingers) before embarking on the bottom half.