Omenatäyte

Omenatäyte is a sweet fruit filling used in pastries and desserts, predominantly prepared from apples. It is typically made by peeling, coring, and chopping apples, then cooking them with sugar, a small amount of liquid, and spices until the mixture is tender and thick. The texture can range from chunky to smooth, depending on whether part of the apples is mashed. A starch-based thickener such as all-purpose flour, cornstarch, or potato starch is often added to help the filling set as it cools. Some recipes include lemon juice to brighten the flavor, a pinch of salt, and optional vanilla or almond extract.

Common variations incorporate dried fruit like raisins or currants, or a dash of rum or brandy. The choice of apple variety affects taste and texture: tart apples hold their shape better and contribute sharper acidity, while sweeter ones add juice and aroma.

In use, omenatäyte is cooled before filling pastries such as apple pies, tarts, turnovers, or sweet breads with fruit filling. It can also be used in layered cakes or as a topping for pancakes. For storage, the filling can be kept in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for longer periods, provided it is cooled and stored in an airtight container.

Origin note: While commonly associated with Nordic baking, omenatäyte appears in various regional forms, reflecting local apple varieties and spice preferences.