Princess Cake Recipe: 5 Steps to Make This Royal Treat
If you love light, fluffy cakes with a creamy, dreamy filling, then you’re in for a royal treat! [Princess cake] is a stunning Swedish dessert that combines layers of soft sponge cake, luscious pastry cream, fruity jam, and a beautiful marzipan topping. It’s a cake fit for royalty—hence the name! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something decadent, this recipe is perfect for you.
Did you know that the Princess cake originated in Sweden and was named after three princesses who adored it? This elegant dessert has been a staple in Swedish bakeries for decades. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home, and when you slice into that delicate marzipan dome to reveal the creamy layers, you’ll feel like a professional pastry chef.
Compared to a traditional layer cake, a Princess cake is unique because of its airy texture and the signature green marzipan covering. It’s a show-stopping centerpiece for any dessert table. If you’ve tried our Classic Victoria Sponge Cake, you’ll love the similar fluffy texture of this one—but with an extra luxurious twist. Let’s get baking and make this delightful treat together!
Table of Contents
What is Princess Cake?
The name might sound regal, but don’t worry—you don’t need a royal invitation to enjoy this cake! [Princess cake] (or Prinsesstårta in Swedish) got its name because it was favored by three Swedish princesses in the early 20th century. Imagine being so lucky that your favorite dessert gets named after you!
The cake is light yet indulgent, with a delightful combination of sponge cake, vanilla pastry cream, raspberry jam, and a smooth marzipan dome. And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t love a cake covered in marzipan? As they say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this cake has certainly won hearts across the world. So, grab your apron and let’s whip up a slice of Swedish royalty.
Why You’ll Love This Princess Cake
- A Show-Stopping Treat: The smooth, pastel-colored marzipan topping makes this cake look as elegant as it tastes. Perfect for birthdays, tea parties, or just because!
- Budget-Friendly: Store-bought [Princess cake] can be pricey, but making it at home saves money while giving you full control over the ingredients.
- Irresistible Layers: A soft sponge cake, rich pastry cream, tart raspberry jam, and smooth marzipan combine for a perfect balance of flavors.
If you love delicate and fluffy cakes like our Japanese Strawberry Shortcake, this Swedish beauty will be your new favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe!
How to Make Princess Cake
Quick Overview
Making a [Princess cake] may look complicated, but don’t worry! We’ll break it down into five simple steps:
- Bake the soft sponge cake.
- Prepare the rich pastry cream.
- Assemble the layers with jam and whipped cream.
- Cover with marzipan.
- Decorate and serve!
Key Ingredients for Princess Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Large eggs | 4 |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Egg yolks | 3 |
| Cornstarch | 3 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Raspberry jam | 1/2 cup |
| Heavy cream (whipped) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Marzipan (green-colored) | 8 oz |
| Powdered sugar | For dusting |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bake the Sponge Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat eggs and sugar until fluffy. Fold in flour, baking powder, and vanilla. Bake in a greased 8-inch pan for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely.
- Prepare the Pastry Cream: Heat milk and sugar. Whisk egg yolks with cornstarch, then temper with warm milk. Cook until thick, then stir in vanilla. Cool before using.
- Assemble the Cake: Slice sponge cake into three layers. Spread raspberry jam on the first layer, pastry cream on the second, and whipped cream on top.
- Cover with Marzipan: Roll out marzipan thinly and drape over the cake, smoothing it carefully.
- Decorate: Dust with powdered sugar and add a small marzipan rose for a classic finish.
Idea Decorations for Princess Cake
- Classic Look: Dust with powdered sugar and top with a marzipan rose.
- Modern Twist: Use pastel-colored marzipan for a unique look.
- Festive Touch: Add edible gold leaf or sprinkles for extra elegance.
- Personalized: Pipe chocolate or royal icing designs on top.
What to Serve Princess Cake
A slice of [Princess cake] pairs beautifully with:
- Coffee or Tea: The delicate flavors complement a cup of Earl Grey or Swedish coffee.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with raspberries or strawberries for extra freshness.
- Whipped Cream: A little extra on the side never hurts!
Top Tips for Perfecting Princess Cake
- Chill the Cake Before Assembling: This prevents the layers from sliding and makes handling easier.
- Use High-Quality Marzipan: It enhances both the look and taste of the cake.
- Roll Marzipan Thinly: A thick layer can be overwhelming—aim for an even, delicate covering.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Let frozen slices thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
FAQ
1. Can I use different flavors for the jam? Yes! While raspberry jam is traditional, strawberry or apricot jam works great too.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the cake a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
3. Is marzipan necessary? Marzipan is traditional, but you can substitute it with rolled fondant if preferred.
4. Can I make a mini version? Absolutely! Use smaller cake pans and adjust ingredient quantities accordingly.
Now that you know how to make this delicious [Princess cake], why not give it a try? Happy baking!
