Festive Salmon & Cream Cheese Sandwich Cake

This stunning Scandinavian-inspired sandwich cake (smörgåstårta) is the ultimate showstopper for special occasions! Layers of tender bread are filled with luxurious cream cheese and fresh salmon, then “frosted” with herbed cream cheese and beautifully decorated. It looks like a traditional cake but tastes like the most elegant savory feast.

Ingredients

For the Bread Base:

• 1 large unsliced white sandwich loaf (or 2 regular loaves)
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

For the Cream Cheese Base:

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and white pepper to taste

For the Salmon Filling:

• 1 lb smoked salmon, thinly sliced
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill
• Fresh cracked black pepper

For the Cucumber Layer:

• 2 large English cucumbers
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

For the Egg Salad Layer:

• 8 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Decoration:

• 8 oz smoked salmon, for roses
• 1 English cucumber, for ribbons
• 2 tablespoons capers
• Fresh dill sprigs
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Lemon wedges
• Radish roses (optional)
• Fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bread (15 minutes)

1. Slice the bread: Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the loaf horizontally into 4 even layers, each about 1/2 inch thick. If using regular loaves, cut each into 2 layers.
2. Trim crusts: Carefully trim all crusts to create clean, even rectangles.
3. Butter the bread: Mix softened butter with chopped dill. Lightly spread this mixture on one side of each bread layer to prevent sogginess.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Base (10 minutes)

1. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add flavors: Mix in sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, chives, and garlic powder.
3. Season: Add salt and white pepper to taste. The mixture should be smooth and spreadable.
4. Divide: Reserve 1 1/2 cups for “frosting” the outside. Use the rest for filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Fillings (20 minutes)

Cucumber Layer:

1. Slice cucumbers: Using a mandoline or sharp knife, cut cucumbers into paper-thin rounds.
2. Season: Toss with salt and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Dress: Rinse, pat dry, and toss with vinegar, sugar, and dill.

Egg Salad:

1. Chop eggs: Roughly chop hard-boiled eggs.
2. Mix: Combine with mayonnaise, chives, mustard, salt, and pepper.

Salmon Preparation:

1. Prepare filling salmon: Flake 3/4 of the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
2. Mix: Combine with softened cream cheese, capers, red onion, dill, and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake (30 minutes)

1. First layer: Place bottom bread layer on serving platter. Spread 1/3 of the cream cheese base evenly over the surface.
2. Add salmon: Distribute the salmon mixture evenly over the cream cheese.
3. Second layer: Add second bread layer. Spread with cream cheese base, then add the cucumber layer, overlapping slightly.
4. Third layer: Add third bread layer. Spread with cream cheese, then add the egg salad mixture.
5. Final layer: Top with final bread layer. Press gently to compress slightly.

Step 5: “Frost” the Cake (20 minutes)

1. Cover completely: Using the reserved cream cheese mixture, spread a thin layer over the entire cake – top and all sides. This is your “crumb coat.”
2. Chill: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
3. Final coating: Apply a smooth, even layer of the remaining cream cheese mixture, just like frosting a regular cake.

Step 6: Decorate (25 minutes)

Salmon Roses:

1. Create roses: Roll thin slices of salmon into rose shapes. Start with a tight center and wrap additional slices around.

Cucumber Ribbons:

1. Make ribbons: Use a vegetable peeler to create long cucumber ribbons.

Final Assembly:

1. Arrange decorations: Place salmon roses on top of the cake.
2. Add garnishes: Arrange cucumber ribbons, capers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh dill sprigs artistically.
3. Finish: Add lemon wedges around the base and sprinkle with fresh chives.

Step 7: Chill and Serve (4+ hours)

1. Final chill: Refrigerate the completed cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows flavors to meld and makes slicing easier.
2. Serve: Cut with a sharp knife, cleaning between cuts. Serve chilled.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sandwich Cake

• Bread choice: Use day-old bread that’s slightly firmer for easier slicing
• Even layers: Use a ruler to ensure even bread layers
• Moisture control: The dill butter prevents soggy bread
• Smooth frosting: Use an offset spatula for professional-looking smooth sides
• Make ahead: This cake is actually better the next day as flavors develop

Serving Suggestions

• Portion size: Cut into squares – this is quite rich, so smaller portions work well
• Accompaniments: Serve with crisp crackers, pickled vegetables, or a light salad
• Beverages: Pairs beautifully with champagne, white wine, or aquavit
• Presentation: Garnish individual plates with extra dill and lemon

Variations

• Shrimp version: Replace salmon with cooked shrimp and add avocado
• Vegetarian: Use roasted vegetables and different herb combinations
• Tuna option: Substitute with high-quality tuna and add olives
• Crab deluxe: Use crab meat with fresh herbs and lemon

Storage and Make-Ahead

• Advance preparation: Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead
• Storage: Keep covered in refrigerator for up to 2 days
• Freezing: Not recommended due to fresh ingredients
• Transport: Very stable for parties – travels well when chilled

Troubleshooting

• Soggy bread: Ensure dill butter layer and don’t over-moisten fillings
• Sliding layers: Chill between assembly steps
• Uneven slicing: Use a sharp, thin knife and clean between cuts
• Dry filling: Add a bit more cream cheese or mayonnaise as needed

Special Occasion Ideas

• Holidays: Perfect for Christmas, Easter, or New Year’s
• Celebrations: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations
• Brunch: Excellent centerpiece for elegant brunch gatherings
• Parties: Great for cocktail parties or special dinners

Serves: 12-16 people
Prep time: 2 hours
Chill time: 4+ hours
Total time: 6+ hours

This festive sandwich cake is absolutely stunning and incredibly delicious! The combination of fresh salmon, creamy fillings, and beautiful presentation makes it the perfect centerpiece for any special occasion. Every layer offers different flavors and textures, creating a truly memorable dining experience that your guests will be talking about for years to come!