Savory Layered Cake with Dill

Featured in: Everyday Meal Ideas

This savory pickle cake surprises with layers of moist, flavorful sponge infused with dill, complemented by a creamy dill frosting. Perfect for serving as a centerpiece or appetizer, this dish is ideal for gatherings that crave something adventurous. The cake's rich, savory flavor combined with the tangy frosting creates a unique culinary experience. Enjoy chilled for the best taste.

Updated on Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:21:38 GMT
Savory pickle cake with tangy dill frosting, a unique layered appetizer for guests. Pin it
Savory pickle cake with tangy dill frosting, a unique layered appetizer for guests. | cozytazult.com

Discover a one-of-a-kind appetizer that’s guaranteed to intrigue and delight your guests: the savory Pickle Cake with Dill Cream Frosting. This remarkable creation reimagines the classic layer cake by infusing every bite with the zesty tang of dill pickles and the aromatic freshness of herbs, all enveloped in a creamy, dreamy frosting. If you love bold flavors and unforgettable presentation, this savory cake will quickly become the talk of your next gathering.

Savory pickle cake with tangy dill frosting, a unique layered appetizer for guests. Pin it
Savory pickle cake with tangy dill frosting, a unique layered appetizer for guests. | cozytazult.com

This savory layer cake is an invitation to step outside the ordinary. Moist sponge infused with dill pickles and brine adds unexpected depth, while a luscious dill cream cheese frosting brings creamy contrast to every forkful. Dress it up for parties or tap into its quirky fun for casual get-togethers—either way, it’s an amazing conversation starter that might just inspire a new tradition.

Ingredients

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  • For the Savory Pickle Cake Layers
    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 tsp baking powder
    • ½ tsp baking soda
    • 1 tsp fine kosher salt
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • ½ cup pickle brine (from dill pickles)
    • ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
    • 4 large eggs
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 1 cup finely diced dill pickles
    • ½ cup finely chopped fresh dill
    • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • For the Dill Cream Frosting
    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
    • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
    • 1 tbsp pickle brine
    • ¼ tsp garlic powder
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For Garnish (Optional)
    • Sliced baby pickles
    • Fresh dill sprigs

Instructions

1.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3.
In a large bowl, cream butter until smooth and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add sour cream, pickle brine, and buttermilk, mixing until well combined.
4.
Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing only until incorporated. Fold in diced pickles and chopped dill.
5.
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6.
Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool layers in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto racks to cool completely.
7.
For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until light and smooth. Add sour cream, fresh dill, pickle brine, and garlic powder. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Beat until creamy and well combined.
8.
Once cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread with ⅓ of the dill cream frosting. Top with the second layer and frost the entire cake, smoothing as desired.
9.
Garnish with sliced baby pickles and fresh dill sprigs if desired. Chill at least 30 minutes before slicing for neat layers.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für noch mehr Würze kann dem Dill-Cream-Frosting etwas grobkörniger Senf oder einige gehackte Kapern hinzugefügt werden. Achte darauf, die Böden komplett auskühlen zu lassen, damit das Frosting beim Zusammensetzen nicht schmilzt. Am besten gelingt das Auftragen der Creme mit einer Palette oder einem breiten Messer.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Wenn du eine glutenfreie Variante möchtest, ersetze das Weizenmehl durch ein glutenfreies Mehl deiner Wahl. Für noch mehr Frische kannst du zusätzlich frische Schnittlauchröllchen einstreuen. Die Garnitur mit Baby-Gurken und Dill lässt sich nach Lust und Anlass variieren — probiere auch Radieschenscheibchen oder Kapern als Topping.

Serviervorschläge

Serviere die Pickle Cake als Vorspeise auf einer festlichen Tafel oder als überraschendes Highlight bei deinem Brunch. Am besten kommt sie leicht gekühlt zur Geltung. Sie passt wunderbar zu einem trockenen Riesling oder einem frischen Weizenbier.

Beautifully frosted pickle cake, a surprising and moist savory delight for any party. Pin it
Beautifully frosted pickle cake, a surprising and moist savory delight for any party. | cozytazult.com
Beautifully frosted pickle cake, a surprising and moist savory delight for any party. Pin it
Beautifully frosted pickle cake, a surprising and moist savory delight for any party. | cozytazult.com

Trau dich an diese ungewöhnliche Kombination – du wirst von der Balance aus Frische, Würze und Cremigkeit begeistert sein! Die Pickle Cake mit Dill-Cream-Frosting sorgt für Aha-Momente und bleibt garantiert in Erinnerung.

Recipe FAQs

What is a savory cake?

A savory cake is a cake that is not sweet and often incorporates ingredients like herbs, vegetables, or cheese, offering a unique flavor profile suitable for appetizers or main courses.

Can I use different herbs in the frosting?

Yes, you can experiment with various herbs such as chives or parsley to customize the flavor of your dill frosting.

What pairs well with this cake?

This savory pickle cake pairs excellently with crisp, dry Riesling or wheat beer, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Can this cake be made ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Just ensure to chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving to maintain its layers and flavors.

Is this cake vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, this savory cake is vegetarian, as it contains no meat or animal by-products.

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Savory Layered Cake with Dill

A savory cake with tangy dill frosting.

Prep time
35 minutes
Time to cook
30 minutes
Total duration
65 minutes
Recipe by Paisley Arnold


Skill level Medium

Cuisine Modern American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary details Meat-free

What You'll Need

For the Savory Pickle Cake Layers

01 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
02 2 tsp baking powder
03 ½ tsp baking soda
04 1 tsp fine kosher salt
05 1 cup buttermilk
06 ½ cup pickle brine (from dill pickles)
07 ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
08 4 large eggs
09 ½ cup sour cream
10 1 cup finely diced dill pickles
11 ½ cup finely chopped fresh dill
12 1 tsp ground black pepper

For the Dill Cream Frosting

01 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
03 ½ cup sour cream
04 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
05 1 tbsp pickle brine
06 ¼ tsp garlic powder
07 Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish (Optional)

01 Sliced baby pickles
02 Fresh dill sprigs

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 02

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Step 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream butter until smooth and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add sour cream, pickle brine, and buttermilk, mixing until well combined.

Step 04

Combine Batter: Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing only until incorporated. Fold in diced pickles and chopped dill.

Step 05

Fill Pans: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.

Step 06

Bake: Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool layers in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto racks to cool completely.

Step 07

Make Frosting: For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter until light and smooth. Add sour cream, fresh dill, pickle brine, and garlic powder. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Beat until creamy and well combined.

Step 08

Assemble Cake: Once cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread with ⅓ of the dill cream frosting. Top with the second layer and frost the entire cake, smoothing as desired.

Step 09

Garnish & Chill: Garnish with sliced baby pickles and fresh dill sprigs if desired. Chill at least 30 minutes before slicing for neat layers.

What You Need

  • 2 x 8-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula (for frosting)

Allergy info

Double-check every ingredient for allergen risks. If unsure, speak to a healthcare expert.
  • Contains: Gluten (wheat), Eggs, Milk (butter, sour cream, cream cheese).
  • May contain: Mustard (if used), check pickles for additional allergen ingredients.
  • Always double-check ingredient labels if you have allergies.

Nutritional info (per portion)

These nutrition details are just a guide. For medical advice, consult a professional.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 7 g

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