Jälkiruokahaarukan

Jälkiruokahaarukka, meaning "dessert fork" in Finnish, is a type of cutlery typically smaller than a standard dinner fork. It is designed for eating desserts, which are often softer and require less force than main courses. The size and shape of a dessert fork can vary, but it generally features three or four tines. Some dessert forks may have a broader or notched outer tine, which can be used to help cut into softer desserts like cakes or pastries.

The use of a dessert fork is customary in formal and informal dining settings. It is usually placed to the right of the dessert spoon and to the left of the dinner plate, or it may be brought out with the dessert course. In some traditions, the dessert fork is placed above the plate. Its smaller size makes it ideal for delicate portions of sweets, ensuring a balanced bite.

Historically, cutlery evolved to suit different courses of a meal. The dessert fork emerged as a specialized utensil to complement the consumption of sweet dishes, reflecting a growing refinement in dining etiquette and presentation. While many modern dining sets may include a general-purpose fork, dedicated dessert forks remain a common element in complete silverware collections, particularly in European and Scandinavian traditions.