Piimakakku – the friendly cake

 

Pimakakku 

I have never visited Finland but my friends in the north of England often visit the country as their grandchildren are growing up there. They tell me that Finnish people love to eat baked cakes and pastries, especially in winter with coffee or hot chocolate. Some of the most popular baked treats are Runeberg torte, Pulla, Rönttönen as well as fruit pies and cookies.

Pimakakku is one of their favourite cakes and they say that it appears on coffee tables at gatherings of family and friends year after year. Finnish people often say it is sometimes called ‘the friendly cake’ as it reminds them of their childhood and the friends of their youth.

This is a recipe from the children’s Finnish Grandma who is called Maarit. It’s quite easy to make and one of the essential ingredients is buttermilk.

What you need :

300g flour

150g sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground cloves ( or ground mixed spice)

1 tsp ground ginger

75g melted butter

300 ml buttermilk

How to bake :

·        Mix all the dry ingredients

·        Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients

·        Add the buttermilk and stir well until smooth

·        Pour the mixture into a greased and floured tin (e.g. a bundt tin)

·        Bake in the oven for 1 hour (175C)

·        When slightly cooled invert the cake onto a wire rack.

Enjoy a taste of Finland to bring in the New Year. This is a fantastic cake to share with friends.