What is Smorgastarta?
Smörgåstårta is a Swedish savory cake or appetizer, where bread and savory creamy fillings are layered in several layers, garnished, sliced, and served. The most common fillings include hard-boiled eggs, cream cheese, smoked salmon, deli-sliced meats, olives, sliced vegetables, and fresh herbs. This delicious appetizer is also popular in other countries such as Finland, Estonia, and Iceland. Often served at family gatherings, parties, weddings, holidays (especially Midsommar), picnics, and even funerals. It’s a celebratory cake, I think of it just like how Russians serve Herring Under a Fur Coat Salad on every occasion!
The Ingredients
To make this sandwich cake, you will need the following ingredients: Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Bread: The most popular choice is rye bread so I use that or a loaf of wholemeal bread, but you can use any bread that you like as long as it’s sturdy. Do not go for white toast! As you can see in my images, the bread loaf that I used is made with walnuts which added an interesting texture to the appetizer.For the Frosting: You will need a block of softened cream cheese, and to flavor it we are using garlic powder, a little salt, and ground black pepper.For the Filling: I went for thin smoked salmon, cucumber, radishes, hard-boiled egg, carrots, peas and I garnished with fresh parsley. Other options include adding salami or ham slices, or cooked shredded chicken (I like to use rotisserie chicken!), shredded cheddar cheese, sliced tomatoes, pickles, and olives.
Decorating Smorgastarta Sandwich Cake
This savory cake is often decorated with fresh ingredients for a beautiful presentation! I like using the same ingredients that go in the filling of the cake, to decorate the top of the cake. I think it’s a great way to show the guests what to expect from this dish. A simple way to decorate is to create salmon roses by using thinly sliced salmon strips and rolling them into rose shapes. You can also make salami roses, I show you this technique in my Wreath Charcuterie Board. Another great idea is to make tomato roses! Here’s an excellent tutorial on how to make roses using tomatoes, avocado, and smoked salmon! Other ingredients can include capers, caviar, cooked shrimp, grapes, lemon or orange slices, lemon zest, thinly sliced cucumber (use a potato peeler!), edible flowers, and any fresh herbs.
Recipe Tips
Bread Shape: I went for a round loaf that I sliced in half, stuffed and covered in the cream cheese frosting. However, any shape of bread can work here. If all you have is sliced bread, you can use that and create a rectangular cake instead, and create as many layers as you’d like.Chill the Sandwich: I recommend that you let the sandwich cake chill in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours before serving. This will allow it to set, and hold its shape, and it will be easier to slice and serve too. The sandwich cake is typically served cold and sliced like a dessert cake.Other Frosting Options include egg-based mayonnaise mixed with cream cheese or mayonnaise mixed with plain yogurt.Storing: If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge covered for 1 day. Any longer than that, and the sandwich will become soggy.
Enjoy getting creative in the kitchen, and making and decorating a gorgeous sandwich cake! If you try this recipe, please share your experience in the comments section below. I love hearing from you! © Little Sunny Kitchen
