Kinuskikakku

Kinuskikakku, meaning caramel cake in Finnish, is a popular Finnish dessert that is prepared as a layered cake with a biscuit crust, a caramel-flavored filling, and a glossy caramel glaze on top. The base is typically made from crushed digestive biscuits or ladyfingers mixed with melted butter, pressed into a pan and chilled. The filling usually combines whipped cream with a caramel component such as dulce de leche or a prepared kinuski sauce, and may be lightened with a small amount of cream cheese or pastry cream for texture.

The top glaze is a kinuski, a caramel sauce made by cooking sugar until amber and then whisking in cream and butter to create a smooth, glossy layer. Once the cake is assembled, it is chilled for several hours or overnight to set, allowing the flavors to meld and the layers to firm up. Variations range from using different biscuits or adding a thin chocolate layer between the crust and filling, to incorporating coffee, vanilla, or grated chocolate into the filling. Toppings can include chopped nuts or shaved chocolate.

Kinuskikakku is commonly served chilled in slices and is a staple at celebrations and gatherings in Finland. It is widely found in home kitchens, cafés, and bakeries. The dessert appears in many Finnish recipe collections and blogs, reflecting its status as a recognizable and enduring example of Nordic caramel cake traditions. Variants exist to accommodate dietary preferences, with gluten-free biscuits or plant-based creams used in dairy-free versions.