Korvapuusti

The korvapuusti is one of Finland’s most iconic baked goods: a soft, cardamom-scented yeast bun rolled with butter, sugar and cinnamon. Its name literally means “a slap on the ear”, referring to the bun’s distinctive shape, which was thought to resemble a swollen or folded ear.

Recipe

Flour

Oat drink

White Sugar

Cardamom

Salt

Fresh Yeast

Plant based butter

Neutral vegetable oil

500g

245g

90g

4g

7.5g

25

100g

50g

  • Prepare the liquid
    Warm 245 g oat milk until lukewarm, approximately 30–35°C. Crumble in 25 g fresh yeast and stir until dissolved.

  • Combine the dough
    In a large bowl, combine:

    • 500 g all-purpose flour

    • 90 g white sugar

    • 4 g ground cardamom

    • 7 g salt

    Add the oat milk and yeast mixture and mix until a rough dough forms.

  • Add the fats
    Add 100 g softened Eleplant and 50 g rapeseed oil. Knead for approximately 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic and well combined.

  • First rise
    Cover the bowl and leave the dough at room temperature for approximately 45–60 minutes, until visibly risen and relaxed.

  • Prepare the filling
    Mix together:

    • 90 g softened Eleplant

    • 55 g white sugar

    • 25 g brown sugar

    • 11 g ground cinnamon

  • Roll and fill
    Roll the dough into a large rectangle, approximately 3mm thick. Spread the filling evenly over the dough.

  • Shape
    Roll the dough into a tight log. Cut into approximately 12 triangles. Stand the triangle up so the narrow end is pointing upwards. Gently press down with the side of your hand.

  • Final proof
    Place the buns on a baking-paper-lined tray. Cover loosely and proof at room temperature for approximately 30–45 minutes, or until noticeably soft, expanded and aerated.

  • Finish
    Heat a fan oven to 210°C. Brush the buns lightly with oat milk and sprinkle with pearl sugar.

  • Bake
    Bake for approximately 10–13 minutes, until well risen and deeply golden. Transfer to a rack and allow to cool for at least 10 minutes. Brush with sugar syrup to create a nice gloss.

  • Eat
    Allow to cool slightly before eating. Korvapuusti can still be eaten 2-3 days after baking.