If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting a Princess Cake, you’re in for an absolute treat! This Swedish classic, known as Prinsesstårta, is a showstopper—layers of light sponge cake, luscious pastry cream, and fluffy whipped cream, all wrapped in a smooth, pastel-green marzipan shell. It’s delicate, elegant, and downright irresistible!
This cake isn’t just about looks—it’s a dream to eat. Every bite melts in your mouth, balancing the richness of the cream with the airy sponge and the subtle sweetness of marzipan. If you love European pastries, this cake will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Princess Cake
- Visually stunning – That signature green marzipan coating with a dusting of powdered sugar makes it fit for royalty.
- Decadent yet light – The combination of soft sponge cake, airy whipped cream, and silky pastry cream is simply divine.
- Perfect for special occasions – Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or holiday, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
- A fun baking challenge – It’s a bit more involved than a simple sponge cake, but the effort is so worth it!
The History of Princess Cake: A Royal Swedish Tradition
The Princess Cake (Prinsesstårta) has a charming history that dates back to the early 20th century in Sweden. It was originally known as Grön tårta (Green Cake) due to its signature pastel-green marzipan layer. The cake’s modern name comes from its association with three Swedish princesses—Margaretha, Märtha, and Astrid—who adored this delicate dessert.
Their home economics tutor, Jenny Åkerström, played a key role in the cake’s popularity. She wrote a famous Swedish cookbook in the 1920s, which featured the cake as a luxurious treat. Over time, as the princesses frequently requested it, the cake became widely known as Princess Cake.
Initially, the cake was reserved for royalty and special occasions, but its popularity quickly spread. Today, it is a beloved Swedish tradition, served at birthdays, weddings, and even National Princess Cake Week in late September. Swedish bakeries sell thousands of these cakes yearly, and it remains a symbol of elegance and celebration.
Though traditional Princess Cake follows a strict set of ingredients and preparation methods, modern bakers have put their own spins on it. Variations include different colors of marzipan, additional fruit fillings, and even mini Prinsesstårtor for individual servings. No matter how it’s made, the cake remains a testament to Swedish baking excellence—a dessert fit for royalty but enjoyed by all.
If you’ve never tried making a Princess Cake before, embracing this piece of Swedish culture in your kitchen is a delightful experience!
What Does a Princess Cake Taste Like?
The flavor is a beautiful harmony of vanilla, almond, and cream. The marzipan gives it a delicate nutty sweetness, while the pastry cream and whipped cream keep it light and luxurious. The sponge cake adds just enough structure without being heavy. It’s the kind of dessert that feels fancy but disappears from your plate in seconds!
Ingredients for Princess Cake
To make this classic Swedish cake, you’ll need a few key components:
For the Sponge Cake:
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Pastry Cream:
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 1 ½ cups (200g) raspberry jam
- 14 oz (400g) marzipan (plus extra for decorations, if desired)
- Green food coloring (if your marzipan isn’t already green)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- A pink marzipan rose (optional, but traditional!)
Essential Tools for Making Princess Cake
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (for whipping the cream)
- Saucepan (for the pastry cream)
- Rolling pin (to roll out the marzipan)
- Offset spatula (for even frosting layers)
How to Make Princess Cake
1. Bake the Sponge Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale, thick, and tripled in volume (about 5 minutes).
- Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing into three even layers.
2. Make the Pastry Cream
- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and butter, then let it cool completely.
3. Whip the Cream
- Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
4. Assemble the Cake
- First layer: Spread half of the raspberry jam onto the bottom sponge cake layer.
- Second layer: Spread the cooled pastry cream evenly on top.
- Third layer: Pile the whipped cream into a dome shape over the top layer of cake.
- Chill: Place the cake in the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up.
5. Cover with Marzipan
- Knead the marzipan with green food coloring (if needed) until evenly colored.
- Roll it out into a thin, large circle (about 14 inches in diameter).
- Gently drape it over the cake, smoothing it down the sides.
- Trim off any excess and dust with powdered sugar.
- Decorate with a pink marzipan rose for the perfect finishing touch!
What to Serve with Princess Cake
This cake is already a star, but you can serve it with:
- Fresh berries – Strawberries or raspberries balance the sweetness.
- A cup of coffee or tea – The Swedish way!
- A glass of dessert wine – A light Riesling pairs beautifully.
Tips for Making the Perfect Princess Cake
- Chill between steps – This helps the layers stay firm and easy to assemble.
- Don’t overwork the marzipan – It can dry out if rolled too much.
- Use a serrated knife to slice – It prevents the cake from squishing.
- Store in the fridge – It tastes best within 1-2 days but can last up to 3 days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Princess Cake
Princess Cake is a labor of love, but a few missteps can affect the final result. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure a perfectly layered and elegant cake:
1. Rushing the Cooling Process
Each layer—sponge cake, pastry cream, and whipped cream—needs to be completely cooled before assembling. If any layer is too warm, the cream can melt, and the cake can collapse. Always allow ample chilling time between steps.
2. Overwhipping the Cream
Whipped cream should be light and fluffy, not stiff and grainy. Overwhipping can cause the cream to become too dense, which affects the texture of the cake. Stop whisking when the cream holds soft peaks, ensuring a silky-smooth finish.
3. Rolling Marzipan Too Thin
The marzipan layer is one of the trickiest parts of making a Princess Cake. If rolled too thin, it can tear while draping over the cake. Ideally, roll it to ⅛ inch (3mm) thick to provide enough coverage without being overwhelming.
4. Skipping the Crumb Coat
Applying a thin layer of whipped cream before covering the cake with marzipan helps it adhere smoothly. This step prevents bumps and keeps the surface even.
5. Using the Wrong Knife to Slice
To get clean, elegant slices, use a serrated knife and cut in a gentle sawing motion. Pressing too hard with a regular knife can squish the layers, making them uneven.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll achieve a professional-looking Princess Cake that tastes just as dreamy as it looks!
FAQs About Princess Cake
1. Can I use store-bought sponge cake?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made sponge cake, but homemade always tastes better.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the sponge cake and prepare the pastry cream a day in advance. Assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it.
3. Can I use a different jam?
Traditional Prinsesstårta uses raspberry jam, but you can swap it for strawberry or even apricot.
4. What if I don’t like marzipan?
Marzipan is essential for an authentic Princess Cake, but you can use fondant if you prefer a different texture.
Princess Cake Variations and Creative Twists
While the traditional Swedish Princess Cake is made with green marzipan, raspberry jam, and vanilla pastry cream, there are many creative variations that add unique flavors and visual appeal.
1. Chocolate Princess Cake
For a richer twist, replace the classic vanilla pastry cream with chocolate pastry cream and use chocolate ganache under the marzipan. You can even tint the marzipan light brown for an elegant, cocoa-colored finish.
2. Berry-Infused Princess Cake
Instead of just raspberry jam, try incorporating fresh berries between the layers. Blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries add extra freshness and a natural tartness that complements the cream.
3. White or Pastel-Colored Marzipan
While green is traditional, some bakers opt for white, pink, or even lilac marzipan for a modern twist. This is especially popular for weddings and baby showers, where soft colors fit the theme better.
4. Lemon or Almond Variations
If you love citrus flavors, consider adding lemon zest to the sponge cake and using lemon curd instead of raspberry jam. Alternatively, an almond-flavored pastry cream enhances the marzipan’s natural nuttiness.
5. Mini Princess Cakes
Perfect for individual servings, mini Princess Cakes use cupcake-sized sponge layers and are assembled just like the classic version. They’re great for afternoon tea or elegant parties.
Whether you stick to tradition or experiment with flavors, Princess Cake remains a timeless dessert, offering endless ways to customize it while keeping its royal charm.
Final Thoughts – A Royal Cake Worth the Effort!
With its rich history, delicate flavors, and stunning presentation, Princess Cake is truly one of the most exquisite desserts you can make. Yes, it requires a bit of patience, but the result is a showstopping cake that’s well worth the effort. Whether you prepare it for a birthday, a wedding, or just because you love Swedish treats, this cake is bound to impress!
Now it’s your turn—will you go classic with green marzipan, or will you try a fun variation? Either way, I’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on Pinterest and let me know in the comments how your Princess Cake turned out.
Happy baking! 🎂💚
More Delightful Cake Recipes
If you loved this, try these other showstopping cakes:
- Swedish Almond Cake (Mandeltårta)
- Raspberry Cream Cake
- Classic Victoria Sponge Cake
Enjoy every sweet bite! 💚