12 Worst Rated Finnish Desserts

Similar to a porridge or a pudding, mämmi is a traditional dish prepared with a combination of rye flour, rye malt, and water. After it has been soaked, it is typically seasoned with dark molasses syrup, and the mixture is then baked in the oven until it develops a thick consistency and a dark-brown color. Despite its unusually sweet taste, mämmi has been a beloved Finnish dish for centuries, usually associated with Easter and consumed during Lent. Today, it appears in numerous flavors such as chocolate or vanilla, but in the past it was prepared in its most basic variety, when it was only occasionally spiced with bitter orange zest. Traditionally, a dollop of mämmi is sprinkled with sugar and served with whipped cream, milk, or a thin vanilla sauce on the side. Apart from Finland, this satisfying dish is also popular in Sweden, where it is known as memma.Expand

Vispipuuro, russedessert, klappgröt, debesmanna, or mannavaht are different names for a creamy Baltic semolina porridge that is prepared with fresh fruit such as tart lingonberries, cranberries, or red currants. When cooked, the thick porridge is whipped until it transforms into a unique treat with a frothy and light consistency. It is traditionally topped with cream or milk and garnished with fresh fruit. Found across Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Norway and Latvia, this dish is usually enjoyed as a sweet breakfast, a light midday snack, or a refreshing dessert.Expand

This traditional Finnish funnel cake is prepared with a thin egg batter that is deep-fried in sizzling oil. Since it is poured through a piping bag in tangled streams, it results in a golden brown, irregularly-shaped treat that is usually served dusted with powdered sugar. Tippaleipä is typically associated with Vappu—the annual May Day holiday celebrated across Finland—when it is often enjoyed alongside spiced sima mead.Expand

Named after the acclaimed Finnish poet, the Runeberg cake is a small, cylinder-shaped delicacy prepared with a combination of wheat and almond flour. The cake is characterized by strong ginger and cardamom flavors, and a tender, dense texture. This dessert comes in various shapes, and the essential addition to each cake is a dollop of raspberry jam, enclosed by a layer of plain white icing. Believed to have been invented by the poet’s wife, this flavor-packed national treat is usually enjoyed throughout January leading up to Runeberg’s birthday, celebrated on the 5th of February.Expand

Tilslørte bondepiker is a traditional Scandinavian dessert that's popular in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. It's made with three simple ingredients that are staples of most Norwegian kitchens – breadcrumbs (often mixed with cinnamon), whipped cream, and apples (or other fruit such as plums). The mashed fruit is placed on the bottom of this layered dessert, followed by whipped cream, toasted breadcrumbs, then another layer of whipped cream and breadcrumbs. If desired, the dessert can be garnished with almonds or chocolate on top, and it's usually served in a glass bowl. The name of the dessert means veiled farmer's daughters. It's especially popular during the colder months of the year.Expand

Originally a creation of Roman-Catholic monks, and now popular internationally, kringle is a delicious flaky pastry, usually shaped as a pretzel and filled with various ingredients. It was primarily introduced in Denmark, under the influence of Austrian bakers, and later it spread throughout Nordic countries and eventually to the United States, where it gained great success. Each region has created its distinct varieties, using local and seasonally available ingredients. In Denmark, kringle is usually made with either puff pastry or yeasted dough, filled with sweet concoctions that include butter and sugar, marzipan, and raisins. In the 19th century, Danish bakers introduced the tradition of preparing kringle to the United States, specifically Racine Wisconsin, where the pastry was slightly adapted to the now-famous oval shape. Kringle in Racine is always made with traditional Danish laminated dough, in which the pastry layers are generously spread with butter and filled with the lavish combination of fruits, nuts, or cream cheese. Both American and European kringle can be found in bakeries and grocery shops, but while the luscious American creations are usually enjoyed as desserts, the Danish prefer to eat their traditional pastry as an afternoon snack or a perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea.Expand

This creamy semolina porridge is a traditional dish that is usually consumed as a nutritious breakfast, a light snack, or a simple dessert. Prepared with semolina, milk, and just a pinch of salt, the key is to cook it slowly until it achieves the desired consistency. Usually enjoyed warm, the bowl of this warm porridge is lightly sweetened and traditionally served drizzled with butter. It is recommended to garnish it with fresh fruit or various preserves.Expand

Mansikkakakku is a traditional cake originating from Finland. The cake is usually made with a combination of strawberries, almonds, sugar, egg whites, salt, heavy cream, and vanilla. The egg whites are beaten with salt and sugar until stiff peaks form. The almonds are ground and mixed with sugar, and the mixture is folded into the meringue. The meringue is baked and dried, then topped with whipped cream and strawberries. The process is repeated again with the same layers, and the cake is then chilled before serving. Expand

This traditional Scandinavian dish is prepared with a combination of cow’s milk and beestings or colostrum – a yellow, rich milk produced by the animal right after it gave birth to a calf. The mixture is baked in the oven and the product acts as a coagulant, eventually thickening the milk to create a thick, custard-like dish. Often compared to baked cheese, uunijuusto is traditionally enjoyed as a dessert that is often sweetened, spiced with cinnamon, and complemented by fresh berries.Expand

This large, half-moon shaped Finnish pastry is a specialty of the Savonia region, where it is commonly sold at the local markets. Lörtsy is usually deep-fried and comes in a variety of sweet and savory fillings such as minced meat or various jams. It is best enjoyed freshly prepared as a savory snack or a sugar-coated dessert.Expand