Swedish Sandwich Cake with Shrimp & Smoked Salmon (Lyxig Smörgåstårta med Räkor och Lax)
A true Swedish celebration classic, Smörgåstårta ("sandwich cake") combines the flavors of a seafood sandwich with the presentation of a layered cake. Filled with shrimp, smoked salmon, eggs, and creamy fillings, it's a staple at birthdays, graduations, Midsummer celebrations, and summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Bread
- 6 slices sandwich cake bread (landgångsbröd) or crustless white sandwich bread
Shrimp & Salmon Filling
- 9 oz (250 g) peeled shrimp, chopped
- 1¾ oz (50 g) cold-smoked salmon, finely sliced
- 1 small bunch fresh dill, chopped
- 3 tbsp (75 ml) crème fraîche
- 1¾ oz (50 g) cream cheese
- 3 tbsp (75 ml) mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Egg Filling
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 3 tbsp (75 ml) crème fraîche
- 1¾ oz (50 g) cream cheese
- 3 tbsp (75 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 box cress (about ½ cup chopped)
- ½ tsp salt
Frosting
- ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp (100 ml) crème fraîche
- 1¾ oz (50 g) cream cheese
- ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp (100 ml) mayonnaise
Garnish
- 3½ oz (100 g) peeled shrimp
- 3½ oz (100 g) sliced cold-smoked salmon
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 1 box cress
- 1 bunch radishes, thinly sliced
- Fresh dill sprigs
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Seafood Filling
In a bowl, combine:
- Chopped shrimp
- Smoked salmon
- Dill
- Crème fraîche
- Cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Make the Egg Filling
In another bowl, combine:
- Chopped hard-boiled eggs
- Crème fraîche
- Cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Cress
- Salt
Mix well.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Place 2 slices of bread side-by-side on a serving tray.
Spread the shrimp and salmon filling evenly over the bread.
Add another layer of 2 bread slices.
Spread the egg filling evenly on top.
Finish with the remaining 2 bread slices.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
Mix together:
- Crème fraîche
- Cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
Spread the mixture evenly over the top and sides of the sandwich cake.
Cover with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Step 5: Decorate
Just before serving:
- Slice the radishes thinly
- Chop the cress
- Arrange the shrimp, smoked salmon, egg slices, dill, and radishes decoratively on top
Serve chilled.
Notes
What Is Smörgåstårta?
Smörgåstårta literally means "sandwich cake."
Despite its appearance, it isn't sweet. Instead, it's a layered savory cake made from bread, creamy fillings, seafood, meats, vegetables, and herbs.
Make It Ahead
This is one of Sweden's favorite make-ahead dishes.
In fact, it often tastes better the next day because the fillings have time to soften and flavor the bread.
Bread Options
Traditional Swedish landgångsbröd can be difficult to find outside Scandinavia.
Good substitutes include:
- Thick white sandwich bread
- Pullman bread
- Crustless sandwich bread
Remove the crusts for the most authentic look.
Perfect For
- Midsummer
- Graduation parties
- Birthdays
- Baby showers
- Summer buffets
- Holiday gatherings
Nordic Recipe Box Note
Few dishes are more Swedish than Smörgåstårta. Equal parts impressive centerpiece and crowd-pleasing comfort food, it's a beloved fixture at celebrations across Sweden and one of the most recognizable dishes in modern Swedish cuisine.
Recipe source: Arla.se
