The Ultimate Princess Cake Recipe: A Royal Swedish Delight

Discover this authentic princess cake recipe with homemade sponge, pastry cream, and signature green marzipan. This traditional Swedish dessert is perfect for special occasions and celebrations.

Introduction

Nothing says elegance quite like a beautifully crafted princess cake. This iconic Swedish dessert, known as “prinsesstårta” in its homeland, combines layers of light sponge cake, rich pastry cream, sweet jam, and fluffy whipped cream, all wrapped in a distinctive dome of green marzipan. The princess cake has been a beloved centerpiece at celebrations for over a century, and once you taste this heavenly creation, you’ll understand why it earned its royal name.

This princess cake recipe might seem intimidating at first glance, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, you’ll create a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. The combination of textures and flavors makes this princess cake an unforgettable experience that’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion that deserves a touch of royal treatment.

Ingredients List

For the Sponge Cake:

• 6 large eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

For the Pastry Cream:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 6 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

• 1/2 cup raspberry jam
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 pound green marzipan
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. This forms the foundation of your princess cake. Gently fold in flour, cornstarch, and vanilla, then add melted butter. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and springy to touch.

Step 2: Make the Pastry Cream

Heat milk in a saucepan until just simmering. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale, then add cornstarch. Gradually pour hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Return to saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until thick. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla. Cover with plastic wrap touching the surface and refrigerate until completely cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Cream

In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This light, airy cream is essential for achieving the perfect princess cake texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Princess Cake

Once the sponge cake is completely cool, slice it horizontally into three equal layers. Place the bottom layer on your serving plate and spread half the raspberry jam over it. Add a layer of pastry cream, then place the middle cake layer. Repeat with remaining jam and pastry cream, then top with the final cake layer.

Step 5: Shape and Cover

Spread whipped cream over the entire cake, creating a smooth dome shape. This is crucial for achieving the classic princess cake silhouette. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Step 6: Apply the Marzipan

Roll out green marzipan on a surface dusted with powdered sugar until large enough to cover the entire princess cake. Carefully drape over the cake, smoothing gently to eliminate air bubbles. Trim excess marzipan, leaving about 1 inch around the base.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your princess cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Cut with a sharp knife, wiping clean between slices to maintain the beautiful layers. This elegant dessert pairs wonderfully with fresh berries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of additional whipped cream.

For special occasions, consider garnishing your princess cake with fresh flowers or decorative marzipan roses. The vibrant green exterior makes it a stunning centerpiece that’s sure to spark conversation at any gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make the princess cake ahead of time? A: Yes, the princess cake actually improves after sitting overnight in the refrigerator. The flavors meld together beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert.

Q: What if I can’t find green marzipan? A: You can color white marzipan with food coloring or purchase it from specialty baking stores. The traditional green color is essential for an authentic princess cake.

Q: How long does princess cake keep? A: Your princess cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when properly covered.

Q: Can I substitute the raspberry jam? A: While raspberry is traditional, you can use strawberry or apricot jam as alternatives in your princess cake recipe.

Conclusion

Creating the perfect princess cake requires patience and attention to detail, but the results are truly spectacular. This traditional Swedish dessert brings together the best of European baking techniques in one stunning package. The combination of light sponge cake, rich pastry cream, and sweet marzipan creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will have your guests asking for the recipe.

We encourage you to try this princess cake recipe and share your results with us. Don’t forget to leave a comment below about your baking experience and any creative variations you discovered. For more incredible dessert recipes and baking tips, make sure to bookmark www.bbrecipes.com and explore our extensive collection of homemade treats that will elevate your culinary skills to royal standards.