This year, I experienced my first King’s Day here in the Netherlands, and nothing quite compares to it. From the sea of orange outfits to the lively streets filled with music, markets, and celebration, it was a day not to be forgotten.
King’s Day (Koningsdag) is celebrated every year on April 27 in honor of King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. The tradition actually dates back over a century, originally celebrated as Queen’s Day for Queen Wilhemina. Over time, as monarchs changed, so did the name and the date, but the celebration has remained the same.
One of the most recognizable parts of King’s Day is the color orange. This comes from the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau. Wearing orange clothes, accessories, or face paint is a way for people to show national pride and join in the festive atmosphere.
While Amsterdam buzzes with non stop energy, Zandvoort lets you enjoy the celebration at a slower pace, with the beach just steps away. The town will still have a DJ and food trucks as well as a vrijmarkt (free market). This is where locals set up stalls to sell toys, clothes, and homemade treats, which gave the feel of a neighborhood garage sale.
No matter where you are in the Netherlands, King’s Day has an incredible sense of togetherness. Music fills the air, people are laughing, dancing, and celebrating side by side. And of course, everywhere you look…orange.
Orange Pineapple Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 150 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 115 g butter softened
- 150 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 120 ml fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 100 g crushed pineapple well drained
- 60 ml milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 100 g butter softened
- 1 –2 tbsp orange juice
- Zest of ½ an orange
- Optional: a small spoonful of finely crushed pineapple
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in orange juice, zest, milk, vanilla, and crushed pineapple.
- Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly into liners and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely.
- Beat butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar.
- Mix in orange juice and zest until light and fluffy.
- Pipe or spread onto cooled cupcakes and garnish with a little extra zest if desired.
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