Sandwich Cake (Savory Party Cake)
A sandwich cake is a stunning savory centerpiece made with layers of soft bread and creamy, flavorful fillings, then decorated like a cake. Popular in Scandinavian cuisine—especially Sweden—this dish combines the comfort of sandwiches with the elegance of a celebration cake.
Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, brunches, holidays, and potlucks, a sandwich cake is easy to prepare ahead of time and endlessly customizable. Best of all, it requires no baking and actually improves in flavor as it chills.
Why You’ll Love This Sandwich Cake
-
No baking required
-
Make-ahead friendly (even better the next day)
-
Perfect for parties and gatherings
-
Customizable fillings and decorations
-
Impressive presentation with minimal effort
This savory cake slices beautifully and feeds a crowd, making it ideal for entertaining.
What Is a Sandwich Cake?
A sandwich cake is made by layering sliced bread with creamy fillings—much like a layered cake, but savory. The outside is coated in a smooth cream cheese or mayonnaise-based frosting and decorated with meats, vegetables, herbs, or seafood.
Once chilled, the bread absorbs moisture from the fillings, creating a soft, cohesive texture that’s easy to slice and serve.
Ingredients (Serves 10–12)
Bread Layers
-
2 loaves white or wheat sandwich bread (crusts removed)
Creamy Filling Base
-
2 cups cream cheese, softened
-
1 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
-
1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Filling Options (Choose 2–3)
-
2 cups cooked chicken, finely chopped
-
1½ cups tuna or salmon (canned or cooked)
-
1 cup sliced ham or turkey
-
½ cup finely chopped pickles or cornichons
-
½ cup grated cheese
-
¼ cup finely chopped red onion or chives
“Frosting”
-
1½ cups cream cheese
-
½ cup sour cream or mayonnaise
Decorations (Optional)
-
Cherry tomatoes
-
Cucumber slices
-
Radishes
-
Smoked salmon
-
Fresh herbs (dill, parsley)
-
Hard-boiled eggs
How to Make a Sandwich Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Remove crusts from the bread slices for a smooth, uniform look. Arrange the first layer of bread on a serving platter, trimming to form a square or rectangle.
Step 2: Make the Filling Base
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise (or sour cream), lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Divide the mixture into separate bowls and mix in your chosen fillings (for example: chicken salad, tuna salad, or ham and cheese).
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Spread a generous layer of filling over the first bread layer. Top with another layer of bread and gently press down.
Repeat with different fillings, finishing with a top layer of bread. You should have 3–4 layers total.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
Mix the frosting ingredients until smooth. Spread evenly over the top and sides of the sandwich cake, just like frosting a regular cake.
Step 5: Chill
Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the bread to soften and flavors to meld.
Step 6: Decorate
Just before serving, decorate with vegetables, herbs, meats, or seafood. Keep the decoration simple and elegant for best results.
Tips for the Best Sandwich Cake
-
Chill overnight for the best texture and flavor
-
Use soft sandwich bread—avoid crusty loaves
-
Moist fillings are key so the bread doesn’t dry out
-
Don’t overfill—thin, even layers slice better
-
Decorate last to keep vegetables fresh
Popular Flavor Combinations
Classic Scandinavian
-
Shrimp or smoked salmon filling
-
Cream cheese and dill
-
Cucumber and lemon
Chicken & Herb
-
Chicken, mayonnaise, celery, herbs
-
Cream cheese frosting
-
Tomato and parsley topping
Ham & Cheese
-
Ham, grated cheese, mustard
-
Creamy sour cream frosting
-
Pickles and chives
Vegetarian
-
Egg salad
-
Cream cheese and roasted vegetables
-
Cucumber, radish, and herbs
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
-
Refrigerator: Up to 24–36 hours, well covered
-
Not freezer-friendly due to fresh ingredients
-
Keep chilled until ready to serve
If transporting, keep the cake in a cooler with ice packs.
How to Serve a Sandwich Cake
Slice with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean slices. Serve cold with:
-
Green salad
-
Potato salad
-
Soup
-
Sparkling water or lemonade
One sandwich cake typically feeds 10–12 people, depending on slice size.
Final Thoughts
A sandwich cake is the ultimate make-ahead party dish—beautiful, practical, and endlessly adaptable. With layers of creamy fillings and soft bread, it’s comforting yet elegant, making it perfect for both casual gatherings and special celebrations.