Easy Make-Ahead Sandwich Cake (Smorgastarta) for Any Occasion

Imagine a cake, but instead of sweet layers, you have savory ones. That's exactly what a Sandwich Cake is… a creative and delicious twist on the classic sandwich. To make this fun and flavorful dish, you'll layer slices of bread with a creamy mixture of cream cheese and mayonnaise. For added protein and taste, drained tuna is a popular choice, but feel free to experiment with other fillings like chicken salad or egg salad. Fresh vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes and salad greens, add a vibrant touch and a healthy boost. With minimal cooking involved, this recipe is a breeze to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or easy entertaining.

What is a Sandwich Cake?

Sandwich cake is a creative dish made by stacking layers of bread, and spread with various fillings. Think of it as a savory version of a traditional cake but with a more substantial and savory. Typically, the filling includes a combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and other ingredients like tuna, chicken, or egg salad, along with fresh vegetables and seasonings.

Sandwich cakes are popular in Scandinavian countries, where they’re known as smorgastrata, voileivatort, voileipakakku, or brauoterta. With no strict rules on fillings or decorations, sandwich cakes offer endless possibilities for creativity and experimentation.

Tips

• You can make your own spread for the sandwich cake by processing cream cheese with beets of peas to create a smooth, colorful spread.
• Feel free to use any bread you like. For this recipe, we used white bread, but rye or wholewheat bread also works well.
• For a lighter cake, use a combination of yogurt (or sour cream) and mayonnaise.
• Drain tuna thoroughly. Excess liquid can make the filling watery.
• Spread the filling evenly on each layer for consistent flavor.
• Avoid pressing down too hard on the layers to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Chilling the assembled cake helps set the flavors and firm up the filling.
• Consider edible flowers or other edible garnishes for a decorative touch.

What Can I Use as A Filling for Sandwich Cake?

Popular fillings include tuna salad, chicken salad, egg salad, and vegetarian options like avocado or hummus. You can also experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and vegetables.

Is Sandwich Cake Good for A Party?

Yes, sandwich cake is a great option for parties as it's visually appealing, easy to make, and can be customized to suit different tastes.

What kind of bread is best for sandwich cake?

A good bread for sandwich cake is slightly stale and has a firm texture. This will help prevent the bread from becoming soggy. Some popular choices include: sourdough, whole wheat, brioche or ciabatta.

How Do I Decorate a Sandwich Cake?

There are many ways to decorate a sandwich cake. Here are a few ideas:

sprinkle with chopped dill, chives, or parsley; add a touch of elegance with edible flowers; use sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or radishes for a colorful display; pipe a simple border around the cake with cream cheese frosting.

What Are Some Low-Calorie Options for Sandwich Cake?

Use whole-grain bread for added fiber and nutrients. Opt for low-fat or fat-free cream cheese and mayonnaise. Include plenty of vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. Choose lean protein options like grilled chicken or turkey. Limit high-calorie add-ins like bacon or cheese.

How to Store Sandwich Cake

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the bread will become soggy because of the moisture from other ingredients.

How To Make Sandwich Cake

Combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, drained tuna, diced cherry tomatoes, salad, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

Mix until well combined.

Spread half the filling on the bottom slice of bread.

Add another slice and top with the remaining mixture. Cover with a third slice.

Wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Decorate with mayonnaise and red and yellow cherry tomatoes before serving.