Birthdays are a funny thing. They can be bittersweet for some like Mr NQN who never liked them owing to receiving somewhat strange presents growing up. If he had his way, he wouldn’t even celebrate it. Not for me however. A birthday is an excuse for cake and any occasion that calls for cake is a good thing. And what comes with every birthday is presents and a dinner so for the food obsessed (moi) it is a great excuse to have a weekend long party. And this upcoming weekend is my birthday, something that thrills me to no end, even if those around me remain bewildered by my happy dances (I’m looking at you Mr NQN 
).
I know there are some out there that just don’t sweets. I’m not one of them and I suspect if I tried to tell you that you’d probably all laugh quite loudly as my predilection for cakes and sweet is rather obviously catalogued in this blog. For some though, a piece of sweet cake isn’t quite as enticing as a savoury one and for them I offer this recipe, an alternative cake which you can make large, and is more often made large for gatherings.
I do feel a distinct affinity with Nordic countries as Mr NQN is half Finn and visiting Finland last year was a real treat. The food was a real eye opener – lots of gorgeous seafood including crayfish as well as exotic things like wild boar, reindeer and bear. They do open face sandwiches which are great if you eat low carb. The bread is used as a vehicle for transporting the toppings never overwhelming them or making the sandwich too dry. Combine that with the delicious spreads on top and a nice topping and you’ve got a delicious lunch (albeit a touch calorific but it’s all about having a good time not a long time right? ).
I don’t really do repeat recipes on the blog but the first time I did was so many moons ago that I thought it was time for a revival as it was not only delicious rather kitsch too – a combination I find rather irresistible. Don’t be scared with the amount of ingredients, it is really making a sandwich and you can substitute or remove the fillings and dips or spreads that you use according to taste. The earlier one I made was for a friend that didn’t like fish so I made it a smoked meats sandwich cake and it went down a treat. It can also be made ahead of time particularly if you use thicker bread like rye which can soak up the dips. And the main motivation for having this as a birthday cake is to fulfil a birthday wish to have cake for breakfast, lunch and dinner!
So tell me Dear Reader, do you eat a low carb diet or is that you idea of torture?
Swedish Sandwich Cake
Makes 4 individual cakes
- 16 slices of bread
- 200gram container smoked trout dip (or your favourite dip)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 slices Jarlsberg cheese
- 16 slices ham
- 4 large slices smoked salmon
- 1 bunch radishes, washed and thinly sliced
- 2 cherry tomatoes
- 1 lebanese cucumber
- Pomegranate seeds for decoration (I used Royal Pom pomegranates)
You will also need a round cookie cutter and a vegetable peeler
Cut out a round using a cookie cutter
OK I probably didn’t need to show you how to spread mayonnaise on a piece of bread did I?
Pac man in cheese!
Your sandwich tower in progress
1. Use cookie cutter to cut out circles from bread. Cut out circles from Jarlsberg cheese, ham and smoked salmon (and eat the rest of course-chef’s treat! ). Spread one layer with mayonnaise and then place a piece of cheese on it. Place another round of bread on top of this and spread it with mayonnaise and then place 2 circles of ham on it. Then top with another round of bread and spread this with mayonnaise and then place a circle of smoked salmon on it. Then top with the fourth round of bread.
See, it doesn’t have to be particularly neat
2. Now spread some of the dip on and around the sandwich tower. It’s like icing a cake but you don’t have to get the sides as perfect as you’ll be wrapping the cucumber strips around them. Take the cucumber and a vegetable peeler and peel some strips lengthwise down the cucumber. You’ll discard the first 2 or 3 strips as they will be just the skin and they’ll be too small. Then using the dip as an adhesive, wrap the cucumber strips around the cake.
Wrapping in cucumber strips
3. Cut the cherry tomato in half-I did it using a zig zag pattern with a small, sharp knife. Then fan radish discs around the outside of the top of the cake and place cherry tomato in the centre. Then place pomegranate seeds around tomato-you might wonder if I had lost my mind when suggesting this when you get to your 6th pomegranate seed so please feel free to leave these off if it feels all too fiddly.
Topping with radish discs
Napkins and twig spoons by Citta Designs
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90 Comments | Add your own
Yum! Sounds so yummy and cute! I’ll have one of these for lunch, and then a sweet cake for dessert, please!
Oh, and HAPPY (upcoming) BIRTHDAY!! I know just what you mean — they’re so much fun. My family chipped in and bought me a KitchenAid mixer for my birthday a couple of weeks ago, and we all had a lovely meal.
Aw you make me home sick Lorraine!These cakes are a stable at every birthday or in fact any other celebration in Finland and Sweden.Do I follow a low carb diet?I’m a Finn. How could I do such a thing??
What a lovely sandwich, Lorraine. I suppose you’ll eat this with knife and fork
I wish you a very happy birthday. I hope Mr NQN spoils you rotten.
Cheers
What a beautiful sandwich cake! Sandwich cakes are something that are served at so many occasions in Finland.
I love the idea of savory cakes. Especially when they’re as pretty as this one! The smoked trout dip sounds delicious too.
Happy Birthday week! WEEK, I tell you.
They are so dainty!!! I love the idea! Perfect for the summertime.
Cheers,
Rosa
Lorraine, what a great idea…my husband b’day is coming up…this will be a great sandwich cake for him
They look so pwetty!
I am someone who loves both sweet and savoury, though sweet would probably win in a fight. It would be great to have a meal that was cake for every course. To eat no carbs at all would be a fate worse than death but limiting the amount of white stuff is a good idea for me….. not that I’m a slave to good ideas. Our birthdays are exactly a week apart. We’re almost twins
It’s freaking me out a little
This looks so pretty – although I have to say I’m a sweets girl.
Happy Birthday, Lorraine! Hope you have a fabulous celebratory weekend!
Yum, smoked trout and radishes! I definitely don’t eat a low carb diet – personally, I wouldn’t care about giving up bread, but I love my oatmeal and my sugar-filled chocolate too much to turn them down!
What a cute idea!!
I had my birthday a couple of weeks ago, and I had no less than 5 dinners and 3 cakes……infact, there was even a mars bar sundae included. All in all, it was a pretty tops birthday!!
Happy birthday for the weekend – hope you have a fantastic day!!
What an interesting ‘cake’ indeed!
Oh and this girl loves her carbs!!!
Happy (early) birthday, Lorraine! I always get so excited for my birthday too (isn’t it fun to be queen for a day
)…I wish I were there to celebrate yours with you! I LOVE these savory cakes. They’re absolutely brilliant, and so pretty as well!
Very cute for those with a savoury tooth. But give me a sweet cake for my birthday- anyday.
This is a fun way to switch up the typical birthday treat. Very nice gift!
Now, I find that a most unusual way of serving sandwiches!
As for low-carb diets, it’s a resounding NO! A lot of people in my part of the world have been opting for these, but I’ve yet to see any results. Till then, give me my rice (bread, cake,…)!
LOVE these tea sandwiches! These are too cool Lorraine.
Very creative with the cake, perfect for people with a savoury tooth!
Low carb diet – does that mean I can eat whole lot of meat instead haha! That doesn’t sound to bad, doest it?
That is such an interesting idea. It looks so pretty! I love smoked fish with cucumber. And since I am incredibly unpleasant when not supplied with a constant stream of carbs, it is in everyone’s best interest that I eat them.
Love, love, love.
It’s a cake, it’s a sandwich. It would perfectly accompany a glass of bubbly.
What more to say.
Thank you for this recipe.
SSG xxx
These are BEEYOOTIFUL, Lorraine!
My family is from Denmark so I grew up eating open faced sandwiches. Delish! 
I don’t think I eat low-carb, but I try to eat good carb. 
Ooh that looks yummy, Happy Birthday for this weekend! hope you get lots of goodies.
Yay for May Birthdays!! mine is not this week but the next.
I’m a huge (and I mean) smoked salmon lover, but there’s no way I could give up cake on my birthday.
That said, Maybe I’d give this a whirl before cake!
Oh this looks so unusual Lorraine!
Low carb for me but do indulge in Birthday cake every now and then
What a fantastic idea!
Must say I am a bit of a carbs queen!
This looks very nice, but I must say that I will be HUGELY disappointed if I got this on my birthday instead of something sweet, preferably chocolate. Good one to remember for somebody who has problems with sweets. Poor people.
What an amazing ‘cake’. It’s my other half’s birthday today who is half Dutch and despite this being a milestone has refused to celebrate. Maybe it’s a European thing.
Low Carb? Diet? not really words used around this household.
Looks delicious
Lorraine, what a delightful piece of art they look… congratulations on this creative idea.
Also wishing you a very happy birthday in advance. May you have a wonderful weekend and fab new year ahead.
Ive had similar at our International Food Day at work. It was absolutely delicious. Such a great alternative to this that dont have a sweet tooth.
What a delightful sight and there would be a never-ending list of fillings to make this a customised ‘cake’, to suit all tastes! I love the idea , these would be great made a little smaller as bite size entrees for parties. Another to add to my ‘must-do’ list
Drum roll please, *she sings*
“Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday Dear Lorraine,
Happy Birthday to Youuuuuuuuuuuuuu.”
Wishing you the BEST birthday .
Interesting, I’ve never had a savory cake before.
Happy birthday Lorraine, may all your wishes come true and have a wonderful year ahead x
I totally know people that don’t do the sweets, however, I am not one of them either. I just eat basically what I want–although I’m trying to stay away from too much wheat/gluten, for a health issue. But, I’m still not perfect in that respect either…it’s hard!
This is an ingenious idea, Lorraine! Lots of sweets and good times to you on your b day next weekend!
OMG! That is such a great idea and I will love to have that as a birthday cake. Something different will be awesome.
Happy birthday sweetie!
Interesting – give me a sweet birthday cake every time! But that one sure looks pretty!
As I’m sitting here munching on delicate crispy crostoli as I read I’d have to say no on the low carb thing. I always think people who who eat low carb must never have tasted a really good rustic loaf of sourdough – how could you do without!
It’s so beautiful, brillant idea for those who suffer from diabetic and cannot have sugar!
You never fail to inspire and you’ve done it again! I can’t wait to impress my husband when his birthday comes around, he doesn’t eat desserts at all….I know, we need to feel sorry for him.
Happy Birthday and may you have many more to come.
Yay! I’ve been looking forward to this one! So lovely!
Happy Birthday for this weekend!
The sandwich cake looks so cute and too good to eat. My boyfriend’s birthday is coming up soon as well. I might try and make him some to take to work.
I will give anything a try and won’t judge it until I’ve tasted it.
Ps. I love your blog!
Gorgeous presentation and photo’s and a lovely idea for afternoon tea!
What a fab idea for a party! I could see assembling a few of these lovelies when I have my gal pals over for a fine afternoon lunch.
Happy Birthday, Lorraine! I’m guessing you’re turning a mere 22 from the looks of your photo.
Happy birthday for this weekend! This is so cute, like an inside-out cucumber sandwich lol. I love birthdays cos it means going out for gratuitously expensive dinners
Those look lovely! Though the pomegranate might be too fiddly, I will attempt the tomato slicing. And perhaps smoked salmon dip rather than trout. I’m from British Columbia, and we West Coast Canadians can’t get enough salmon!
Nope, no low-carb diet here – though I try to eat fruit & veg especially if I’ve been loading up on the carbs.
Happy birthday!
This is absolutely gorgeous, Lorraine- and what a great idea!
Happy birthday in advance by the way!
i love sandwich cakes. i used to go hunting for them in downtown helsinki in the middle of the afternoon, scouring the cafes for a slice. during our last visit, i had a great smoked salmon and roe one at stockmann’s. i probably ingested a pound of mayonnaise though. i wonder how other americans would like sandwich cakes…
and no, i’m not a low-carb person.
oh and happy early birthday!
hmm… I’m trying to shift some very stubborn kilos at the moment and unfortunatley for me – the only way that happens – it low/no carb. And considering I’m a complete Carb-Skank – it doesn’t make for a very happy time!!
Love your pics – absolutely gorgeous!!
Happy Birthday! That sandwich cake is adorable! Not being much of a sweet lover this is perfect!
what an adorable twist on the humble sandwich,I can see this being oooowed and aaaahed over at high teas, baby showers or any event where women and food come together in an attempt to be elegant.
I do wonder however how easy they are to actually eat and if perhaps they should be reserved for sit down affairs.
what a cute idea and great alternative indeed! I love the different textures and colors. smart.
Happy birthday Lorraine! Hope you have a wonderful, delicious day x
This is a very cute cake. I would love to pull it out of my lunch box at work and dig in. Happy Birthday.
Hope you have an awesome birthday this coming weekend!
Love the sandwich idea.. certainly a new way, and much more appealing looking sandwich! yummmmm!
What a great idea – a savoury cake!
As for low carb, I don’t think I know the meaning of that, I’m afraid.
It really is the best looking sandwich ever… brilliant idea I can’t wait to try and impress the girls!
So chic, NQN! This is the sort of sandwich you have to dress up in fancy clothes to eat… oooh, need to shop for a new outfit!
I do hope you have something special planned for the weekend – we can’t wait to hear all about it! xxx
you’re obsessed with food? i had no idea!
as cakes go, sweet would be my preference, but this is a nifty creation.
Lorraine, this cake is FOR ME. I’d like this for my birthday please. I don’t do sweets, so this is just perfect! SO impressive and original, too!
Gosh! This looks so delicate! I don’t thing I can even bring myself to devour such a creation. Well…I’d wait about 5 mins after taking a few photos and giving it its deserved admiration- then I’d unleash the mouth!
such beautiful cakes Lorraine! you have such a way with making things look so pretty!Ive never seen anything like it.
)
Lorraine they look gorgeous! Have never tried a savoury cake so this is definitely going into my list of things to make.
I try to eat less carbs but sometimes when you find something so good you can’t just say NO.
Interesting… but I prefer my cake chocolate
That is just beautiful. Maybe something that looks like this will entice me to eat more savoury food.
*kisses* HH
I LOVE this! Cake for breakfast indeed. So gloriously kitsch too
Best wishes for your upcoming birthday, hope it’s nothing short of fabulous Lorraine.
It’s actually my birthday today! I’m glad I didn’t get a cake like that though..sugar and butter all the way for me!
Happy birthday for next week!
That’s the coolest thing ever!
Love this! So pretty, and very Heston-esque.
I’ll have to keep this in mind for a special meal.
YUMMY!!!
and very pretty too =)
This is a terrific idea! A fantastic savory “cake” for a birthday party! Beautiful!
That is so amazing, you have great imagination. I am a bit partial to sweet things, but I am sure I would love that very pretty sandwich cake. Love your website!
happy bday little taurus!
it’s my sister’s 30th today too.
love the look of your smörgåstårta too. it’s the prettiest one i’ve seen.
i’ve had a bad smörgåstårta experience before, after a long drive from stockholm to vänersborg in the back of a hot car . . . i’m not such a fan anymore
no doubt i’ll see plenty of them when i’m back in göteborg in 3 wks.
Individual smörgåstårta!! I love it! And not just because of the cheesy pacman either
I guess my diet is pretty low carb, especially at night time. I’ll rarely get stuck into a big plate of pasta or rice, as it makes my tummy unhappy which in turn makes me quite unhappy. Love me some breakfast oat carbs though! Nom nom..
This is absolutely my kind of cake cos it is an alternatively savory cake. It looks gorgeous.
girl, we are like long lost twins.
This would have been perfect for my birthday as I am not a cake person (but I love baking them for others), alas I was gifted with a packet cake from my mother who still does not remember that I have never liked cake!
Happy Birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEETHEART! Oh, girl, I can only imagine the cake you’ll want for your party. I love this savory sandwich cake; it looks not only party-pretty-perfect but delicious as well. But I’m with you! There had better be a regular birthday cake following! Enjoy and celebrate big!
They are so pretty! And happy birthday! May babies rock
those are gorgeous – glad you reposted for those like me who never saw it first time around – I am wondering if I could do this with a dip like hummus for a veg option?
Happy Birthday!
these are so cute but…. how do you eat them? it seems a shame to destroy their beauty.
Your savoury cake looks wonderful and really tasty with all those layers. It goes perfectly with your paper napkin too !!
Another “ripper” idea for the collection, just keep them coming PLEEEEAAAASSSE!!!
Happy Birthday and best wishes for many more of them, You’re a treasure.
John
Fabulous!!! Have a wonderfully HAPPY BIRTHDAY
) Cheers, Elaine
Fabulous idea! Have a fabulously HAPPY BIRTHDAY Cheers, Elaine
)
omg this is making me hungry
Birthdays are never complete without a cake. This alternative recipe for the sweet treat is indeed great. The preparation is very easy and everyone will surely enjoy trying this one. Thanks for sharing.
These are too cute! I pinned a picture onto Pinterest… I hope you don’t mind!
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