Sushi Cake Recipe – A Show-Stopping Japanese Delight

Sushi Cake Recipe
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 50 mins
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 200  F
Estimated Cost: $  25
Calories: 320
Best Season: Summer, Spring
Description

Sushi Cake is a stunning, deconstructed version of traditional sushi, layered like a cake and perfect for celebrations or gatherings. This visually striking dish combines seasoned sushi rice, fresh sashimi-grade fish, avocado, cucumber, and nori, all stacked beautifully and topped with colorful garnishes like tobiko, sesame seeds, and sliced scallions. It delivers the classic flavors of sushi in a fun, shareable format — no rolling required!

Ingredients
  • For the Sushi Rice:
  • 2 cups sushi rice
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • For the Fillings & Toppings:
  • 200 g sushi-grade salmon (thinly sliced)
  • 200 g sushi-grade tuna (thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • 4 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 2 sheets nori (seaweed)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (black and white for contrast)
  • 2 tbsp masago (fish roe)
  • 1/4 cup pickled radish (optional for extra crunch)
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • For the Garnish:
  • 1 tbsp wasabi paste
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (for serving)
  • 1 tbsp pickled ginger (for palate cleansing)
Instructions
  1. 1
    Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. 2
    Cook the rice using a rice cooker or stovetop method.
  3. 3
    Once cooked, mix with rice vinegar, sugar, and salt while still warm. Let it cool completely.
  4. 4
    Line a springform pan or round cake mold with plastic wrap.
  5. 5
    Press half of the sushi rice evenly into the bottom of the pan.
  6. 6
    Layer with cream cheese, cucumber, avocado, and a sheet of nori.
  7. 7
    Add the second half of the sushi rice, pressing down gently.
  8. 8
    Cover with thinly sliced salmon and tuna, arranging them decoratively.
  9. 9
    Sprinkle sesame seeds, masago, and chopped green onions on top.
  10. 10
    Carefully remove the cake from the mold and place it on a serving plate.
  11. 11
    Serve with wasabi, soy sauce, and pickled ginger on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 320kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g13%
Sodium 520mg22%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Protein 22g44%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.