Sandwich Layer-Cake
Smörgåstårta or sandwich cake is a typical Swedish party dish, not to be confused with Smörgåsbord. The sandwich cake is a very rich sandwich with so much filling it resembles a cake. It is excellent for receptions and parties since it is served cold and can be prepared in advance. It is also possible to have great variation in the fillings to accompany most peoples taste. The dish can be served as a cake or in smaller piece as appetizers.
- Prep
- 19 min
- Cook
- 1 hr 52 min
- Total
- 2 hr 11 min
- Servings
- As written in source
- Difficulty
- Advanced
Timings are approximate — worked out from the method, not measured in a test kitchen.
Ingredients
Quantities are retained as written by the source and do not scale automatically. Tap an ingredient to check it off as you go.
Cooking instructions
Procedure
Boil the eggs until hard, and peel the shrimp.
Procedure
Set aside some shrimp (about ⅓) for garnishing. Chop the remaining shrimp, which will be used for filling.
Procedure
Mix 1 dl mayonnaise with 1 dl sour cream in a cup or bowl, place in the refrigerator.
Procedure
Mix the remaining mayonnaise with the cottage cheese in another bowl together with the chopped shrimp; this is the filling.
Procedure
Cut the bread lengthwise to make eight 1 cm thick slices. Discard the top and bottom slice.
Procedure
Place two slices next to each other, preferably on a cutting board. Spread one third of the filling on top of the bread slices. Add two more bread slices on top. Spread half of the remaining filling and repeat for the final layer. The cake should now have four layers of bread with three layers of filling between them.
Procedure
If necessary even out the edges of the cake with a sharp knife.
Procedure
Take the mayonnaise/sour cream mix out of the refrigerator and spread it thinly and evenly on the sides of and on top of the cake.
Procedure
Cover the sides of the cake with chopped parsley or dill. Garnish with shrimp, sliced eggs, and dill sprigs or lemon slices.
Notes, tips, and variations
The recipe above describes a four layer cake with only one type of filling. It is possible to use different fillings in different layers of the cake. However, make sure that the tastes of the fillings "fit" together. It is also possible to do a three layer cake.
Notes, tips, and variations
Instead of serving the sandwich cake in cake form it is possible to cut it into pieces before serving. This makes an excellent appetizer or it can be more convenient way to serve the cake since guests do not have to cut it.
Notes, tips, and variations
Since the sandwich cake can be quite heavy it is usually served with a mixed salad. Tortilla chips, various kinds of nuts, or almonds (roasted or fresh) can also be served on the side.
Notes, tips, and variations
When preparing the sandwich cake in "appetizer style" do not cut the bread lengthwise, instead cut normal slices. It is also possible to use pre-sliced bread. Only use two layers for the appetizers and use a tooth-pick to hold it together.
Notes, tips, and variations
The basic filling consists of about 50/50 mayonnaise and cottage cheese. The proportions can be varied by taste. For a low fat version use more cottage cheese and/or substitute the mayonnaise for low-fat (do not use non-fat) mayonnaise. Different flavorings can be added to the basic filling, some examples follow.
Notes, tips, and variations
Chopped canned tuna
Notes, tips, and variations
Chopped pâté and pickled cucumber
Notes, tips, and variations
Smoked ham and paprika
Notes, tips, and variations
Eggs, pickled cucumber, and curry
Photo: Mereman at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ · Photo source and licence
Wikibooks contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0 · https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ · Adapted; quantities retained as written. · Original source
Read it through first
Skim all 18 steps before you start — it is the difference between cooking and firefighting.
Scale it
Use the quantities listed in the original recipe. Adjust them manually if making a different batch size.
Storage
Cool completely, then keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheating
Reheat gently with a splash of water in a covered pan, rather than blasting it, so nothing dries out.
Approximate values per serving. Worked out from the ingredient list — treat them as a guide, not a measurement.
Reviews
No reviews yet. If you cook this, come back and tell everyone how it went.
