If you’d like to make one, here’s a simple, classic recipe for a Swedish Sandwich Cake (Smörgåstårta):
Swedish Sandwich Cake (Smörgåstårta)
Ingredients:
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1 loaf of white bread (preferably sliced sandwich bread, without crusts, so it’s easy to stack)
For the filling:
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1 cup mayonnaise
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1 cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 cup cooked shrimp (or smoked salmon, ham, or chicken if you prefer)
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1 can tuna in oil or water (drained and flaked, optional for variety)
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2 boiled eggs (chopped)
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1/4 cup fresh dill (chopped)
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1 tablespoon capers (optional, for tang)
For decoration:
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Sliced cucumber
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Cherry tomatoes
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Lettuce leaves
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Hard-boiled eggs (sliced)
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Caviar (optional for a touch of luxury)
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Smoked salmon or shrimp (for topping)
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Chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Bread:
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Start by trimming the crusts off the loaf of bread. You’ll be using these slices to layer the cake, so remove the crusts for a smooth, clean look.
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Make the Filling:
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In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
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Add your choice of protein. If you’re using shrimp, tuna, or smoked salmon, chop it up finely and mix it into the creamy filling.
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Add the boiled eggs, dill, and capers (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until the filling is well combined.
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Assemble the Sandwich Cake:
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On a large serving platter or cake stand, lay down the first layer of bread. Spread a generous layer of the filling mixture on top. Place another slice of bread on top of the filling, and repeat this process, alternating bread and filling until you’ve used up all the layers. You’ll want the top layer to be a slice of bread.
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Frost the Cake:
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Once you’ve assembled the layers, spread the remaining filling over the top and sides of the “cake” like you would with frosting. Make sure to coat it evenly for a smooth finish.
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Decorate:
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This is where the fun begins! Use sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce leaves to decorate the top and sides of the sandwich cake. You can also add slices of hard-boiled eggs, smoked salmon, shrimp, and even a small dollop of caviar or chopped parsley for garnish.
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Chill and Serve:
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Once decorated, cover the sandwich cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight, if you have time) to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
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Slice the cake just before serving. It should cut beautifully into layers like a traditional cake, but with the savory surprise of sandwich fillings!
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Tips and Variations:
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Bread choices: While traditional Swedish smörgåstårta uses white bread, you can experiment with rye or whole wheat for a different flavor and texture.
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Fillings: You can customize the fillings based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, try adding roast beef, grilled chicken, or even vegetarian fillings like avocado and roasted vegetables.
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Make it more festive: Add smoked salmon, caviar, or pickled herring for a more luxurious version of the sandwich cake.
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Cream cheese instead of mayo: For a richer texture, you can substitute some of the mayonnaise with cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
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Herb garnish: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives are fantastic for garnishing and add a refreshing taste.
This sandwich cake is perfect for holidays, birthdays, and any special occasion. It’s not only delicious but also a fun, creative way to serve a savory treat that’s bound to impress your guests!
Is this the kind of sandwich cake you were thinking of, or did you have something else in mind?