omenapiirakka

Omenapiirakka, meaning "apple pie," is a traditional Finnish baked dessert consisting of a pastry crust filled with apples, sugar, and spices. It is a common item in Finnish home baking and is also found in cafes and bake sales.

The crust is usually a shortcrust pastry made from flour, butter, and sugar, sometimes with a little water or egg. The filling typically combines thinly sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to balance sweetness and prevent browning. Some recipes add breadcrumbs or ground almonds to absorb excess moisture. Depending on the recipe, the pie may be topped with a second pastry layer, a lattice, or a crumb topping.

There are several regional and family variations. Some versions use a sponge cake or pancake-like base with apples layered on top, while others rely on a simple baked crust. Toppings range from a light sugar glaze to a crunchy oat crumb. Apple varieties are chosen for texture, with firmer, slightly tart apples favored to hold shape during baking.

Preparation generally involves preheating the oven to about 180°C (350°F), preparing the dough, rolling it into a pan, tossing apples with sugar and spices, assembling the pie, and baking for about 40–60 minutes until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. It can be served warm or at room temperature, often with vanilla sauce, cream, or ice cream.

Culturally, omenapiirakka is a staple of Finnish households and is commonly found in cookbooks, bakeries, and school cafeterias. It is especially associated with autumn when apples are in season.