Authentic Finnish Pancakes Recipe [+Video]

Authentic Finnish Pancakes Recipe [+Video]

Authentic Finnish pancakes are a popular traditional dish eaten during Midsummer’s Eve or Christmas. Learn how to make traditional Finnish pancakes with this recipe.

Bon Appétit describes Finnish pancakes as somewhere between “crepes, pancakes and heaven” and I couldn’t agree more. These are light and tender and ready to top with your favorite pancake toppings.

If you have been joining us on our tour of pancakes around the world, then welcome to Finland! I have never been there, but it is definitely on my list of places to visit! Now don’t get confused, there are two types of pancakes that are popular in Finland, a baked oven pancake (pannukakku) and a pan fried pancake (lettu or lätty). This version is the pan fried, crepe-like pancake, and they are fabulous!

My Tie to Finland

We lived by the most amazing mother-daughter-duo for quite a few years in Lehi, Utah, Alison and her mother, Marty. Marty is a spunky explosion of happiness in my life and the lives of my family members. She and her daughter welcomed us into their lives in a way that can be nothing other than a spiritual gift from heaven. We felt like family and will always love them like family. 

These two women have witnessed more heartache than most, especially with the loss of loved ones and I am living my life differently because of how deeply they love, mourn and continue on faithful regardless of their trials. They live sweet, happy lives. They cherish the people around them and are always spinning new paths on metaphorical spider webs of family. I love them. And I love that they love where they come from, Finland. 

Not just Finland, but the people and stories around their lives matter. So, I have no reason to have made Finnish Pancakes other than to think of them and try to be more like them because no one does family like they do. 

What Do I Need to Make Finnish Pancakes?

The ingredients for Finnish pancakes are items that you’ll probably have in your pantry or fridge so they are a great option to make spur of the moment (same story for our more traditional buttermilk pancakes if you want to go with an old reliable pancake)! If you want to try something new, the kids will be over the moon for these Finnish pancakes! Here is what you will need:

• Eggs: You want the eggs well beaten so I usually just use a blender for mixing all the ingredients.
• Milk: For the best flavor and texture, use whole milk.
• Flour: just regular all purpose flour works great
• Vanilla: adds flavor
• Salt: enhances all the flavors
• Sugar: You can totally control the sweetness here. Add as little as 3 tablespoons for mild sweetness up to 6 tablespoons for maximum sweetness.
• Butter: adds richness and flavor and helps the pancakes get golden brown

This is just meant to be an overview of the ingredients and what their purpose is. For all the details and measurements, keep scrolling down to the recipe card below.

How to Make Finnish Pancakes

The ingredients are simple and the instructions for making Finnish pancakes are even easier! Here are the steps:

1. Blend: add all ingredients for the batter together in a blender and pulse until mixed thoroughly
2. Cook: Preheat a large cast iron pan over medium heat and melt some butter in the pan. Pour some batter in a circle and tilt the pan around to move the batter around until the pancake is nice and thin. Let it cook until the batter loses it’s shine and starts to brown and then flip.
3. Serve: When the other side is golden, flip the pancake out onto a plate and sprinkle with sugar.
   • PRO TIP: This is where you can get creative with the toppings. I like to bring everything out and let everyone customize their own pancakes. You can use applesauce (or apple butter), fresh berries, diced fruit, peanut butter, Nutella, jam, syrups, berry sauces, whipped cream, etc. Our kids love them dusted with powdered sugar as well!

The instructions can be found in the recipe card down below in complete detail.

Now Watch These Pancakes Be Made…

What are Blood Pancakes??

Ok, as I was researching and trying to figure out what you would want to know about a Finnish pancakes recipe, and about half the things I found had to do with blood pancakes. What does this mean? What are they? Do they come from Finland? I had to know!

It turns out, blood pancakes are believed to have originated in Finland and are enjoyed by all the Scandinavian countries. They are exactly what they sound like…pancakes made with blood (from a cow, sheep, or pig usually). My mind is reeling! Blood is used as an egg substitute to bind the milk and flour together and to add protein and iron. They are dark in color, dense and savory tasting.

It’s going to be a pass from me, but now we are all educated on blood pancakes! There is absolutely no blood in this Finnish pancake recipe. You’re welcome.

How to Serve Finnish Pancakes

Back to these light, buttery and sweet pancakes! We love to roll them up and pour a berry sauce or syrup on top. Maple syrup is always a hit, and we rarely serve a sweet breakfast without our buttermilk syrup. You can also never go wrong with a dollop of whipped cream on top!

The toppings are really up to you! You can go as loaded or a simple as you want!

Storage Tips

Storing: Finnish pancakes store very well in an airtight container or ziploc bag in the refrigerator. They need to cool completely before storing them, and they will keep for 4-5 days.

Reheating: When you’re ready to eat them, warm them up in the microwave for 20 seconds or on the stove top in a skillet.

Freezing: These pancakes also freeze very well. If you have leftovers after cooking them, allow them to cool completely and then layer them in a ziploc bag with parchment paper in between each pancake. They will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, pull them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight then warm them as described above.

Gather the family around the table (just like Alison and Marty would do…man, I miss those ladies!) and make memories together around a plate stacked high with these Finnish pancakes! They are light, tender and eggy and such an easy breakfast recipe that the whole family will love!

More Pancake Recipes:

• Buttermilk Pancakes
• Dutch Baby Pancakes
• Finnish Pancakes
• German Pancakes
• Sheet Pan Pancakes

READ: Authentic Finnish Pancakes Recipe [+Video]