6 Worst Rated Finnish Pastries

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

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 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

Karjalanpiirakka is a traditional pasty consisting of various fillings wrapped in a thin rye crust. It is traditionally formed into an oval shape, and the top is always left open to showcase the creamy filling that is nowadays mainly prepared with rice or barley porridge and mashed potatoes. When baked, each piece is brushed with melted butter and usually enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or lunch. Traditionally, Karelian pasty is served topped with munavoi—a creamy butter and egg spread.Expand

Translated as Christmas tart, the Finnish joulutorttu is a traditional, crispy pastry that is usually consumed during the Christmas period. It is prepared with thin puff pastry sheets filled with plum jam, with each corner wrapped to resemble a star or a pinwheel. Baked until golden brown in color, this festive pastry is usually served dusted with powdered sugar. Apart from Finland, it is also popular in some parts of Sweden, where it is also enjoyed as a traditional Christmas treat.Expand

Closely resembling Swedish semla, this sweet Finnish pastry is prepared with yeasted, cardamom-spiced dough that is shaped into buns and baked until golden. Each bun is cut in half and filled with strawberry or raspberry jam and whipped cream. Following the Swedish tradition, fruit jams are occasionally replaced with a layer of creamy almond paste. Laskiaispulla is traditionally associated with Shrove Tuesday, but it is a popular mainstay throughout the winter season. It is usually served decorated with powdered or coarse sugar.Expand