Discover the delightful world of Finnish confectionery, where time-honored recipes for cakes, buns, and bread have been cherished for generations. Infuse your kitchen with the warm scents of cardamom and cinnamon as you explore these sweet treats deeply embedded in Finnish culture.
Certain pastries hold strong associations with specific holidays or seasons—Runeberg cakes make their appearance in early February, paving the way for Shrovetide buns a few weeks later. Others are deeply rooted in specific regions, like the archipelago bread originating from the islands off the southwestern Finnish coast.
While regional specialties abound, one universally beloved treat found throughout Finland is the korvapuusti—a cinnamon bun that complements both coffee and tea. Whether in Finnish cafes, picnic settings, or on kitchen tables welcoming guests, korvapuusti remains a constant presence.
If your sweet tooth still craves more after perusing this article, additional recipes for baked goods can be found on our Christmas recipe page and in our May Day brunch post.
Strawberry Meringue Cake: A Nordic Sensation
Cake:
150 g butter, room temperature
2 1/2 dl all-purpose flour
1 1/2 dl caster sugar
2 tsp baking powder
3 egg yolks
1 dl milk
Meringue:
3 egg whites
1 1/2 dl caster sugar
2 dl flaked almonds (optional)
Filling:
6 dl cream
1/2 dl caster sugar
Vanilla (optional)
Strawberries (or other berries or fruit)
Embrace the Nordic charm with this strawberry meringue cake, a cherished form of strawberry cake across the region. Follow the steps for a delectable treat that combines a light meringue base with a luscious berry filling.
Runeberg Cakes (Runebergin torttu): A Poetic Torte in Every Bite
Originating from Finland’s national poet, Johan Ludwig Runeberg, this cake is steeped in history. Follow the recipe below to craft these iconic tortes, a perfect way to celebrate Runeberg’s birthday on February 5.
Cake:
150 g butter
75 g gingerbread crumbs or cookie crumbs
2 dl all-purpose flour
1 1/2 dl caster sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 dl coarsely ground almond
2 tsp ground cardamom
2 eggs
1 dl cream
1/2 tsp salt
Bitter almond extract (optional)
Vanilla (optional)
Syrup:
2 dl water
1/2 dl sugar
1/2 dl punch or rum
Decoration:
Raspberry jam
White icing
Follow these steps to create Runeberg Cakes, a delightful homage to Finland’s literary legacy.
Sweet Buns (Pulla): Versatile Delights from Finland
Explore the versatility of pulla, a staple in Finnish households. Whether crafting basic sweet wheat buns or exploring variations like Shrovetide buns, butter-eye buns, or classic cinnamon buns, this recipe offers a delightful journey through Finnish culinary traditions.
Indulge in these delightful variations of pulla, each with its own unique twist.
Malt Bread, a.k.a., Archipelago Bread (Saaristolaisleipä): A Dense Culinary Tradition
Delve into the rich, malty flavors of malt bread, a traditional specialty from Finland’s southwestern archipelago region. Best enjoyed with cold fish dishes or premium salted butter, this dense bread is a testament to the Finnish culinary heritage.
Ingredients:
2 dl crushed rye malt
2 dl hot water
1 1/2 dl dark syrup
2 dl wheat bran
2 dl rye flour
6–8 dl wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
3 dl water
1 tbsp salt
11 g dry yeast
2 tsp ground anise
2 tsp ground fennel seeds
4 tsp ground liquorice root (optional)
Basting:
1/2 dl dark syrup
1/2 dl water
Follow these steps to create the flavorful archipelago bread, a true embodiment of Finnish culinary tradition.
Embark on a culinary journey through Finland’s sweet delights, and savor the essence of Finnish culture with each delectable creation.