voileipäkakku

voileipäkakku, which translates to "sandwich cake" in English, is a savory layered dish originating from Finland. It is a popular centerpiece for celebrations such as birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. The structure of a voileipäkakku resembles a sweet cake, but its ingredients are entirely savory.

The base of a voileipäkakku typically consists of slices of dense rye bread or other sturdy bread, which are layered to form the cake's structure. Between these bread layers, a filling is spread. Common filling ingredients include various types of pâté, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and finely chopped ingredients like ham, smoked salmon, shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, or vegetables such as dill, chives, and cucumber.

The exterior of the voileipäkakku is then decorated, mirroring the appearance of a sweet cake. This decorative layer is often made from a spread of cream cheese, sour cream, or mayonnaise, which is then garnished with an assortment of savory toppings. These garnishes can include slices of cold cuts, cheese, fish, pickles, olives, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley. The visual presentation is a key aspect of voileipäkakku, with many variations designed to be elaborate and appealing. It is served chilled and is typically cut into wedges for serving.