The Swedish Princess Cake, or Prinsesstårta, is an iconic Scandinavian dessert known for its vibrant green marzipan covering and delicate layers of sponge, whipped cream, and raspberry jam. The combination of light, airy sponge and rich cream makes each bite a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, while the marzipan adds a touch of elegance. This dessert is traditionally served at birthdays, weddings, and special occasions in Sweden, but its beauty and taste have made it popular worldwide. Whether you’re celebrating something big or simply craving a luxurious treat, this royal cake will impress both your eyes and taste buds.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup raspberry jam
- 7 oz marzipan (green food coloring optional)
- Powdered sugar (for rolling marzipan)
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the pan)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar together until thick and pale. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Sift together flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Once the cake has cooled, slice it into three even layers. Spread raspberry jam over the bottom layer, then spread whipped cream over the jam. Repeat this with the second layer.
- Cover the entire cake with the remaining whipped cream, smoothing it out evenly.
- Knead the marzipan until soft, then add a drop of green food coloring (if desired) and roll it out on a surface dusted with powdered sugar until it’s large enough to cover the entire cake.
- Gently drape the marzipan over the cake, smoothing it down with your hands. Trim any excess marzipan from the bottom. Dust the top lightly with powdered sugar.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 8
A Brief History of Prinsesstårta
The Swedish Princess Cake was created in the early 20th century by Jenny Åkerström, a Swedish baking instructor who taught the daughters of Prince Carl, Duke of Västergötland. The cake was originally named “Green Cake” due to its signature green marzipan coating, but it was later renamed Prinsesstårta because it became a favorite of the princesses Margaretha, Märtha, and Astrid.
Over the years, this cake has become a staple at Swedish celebrations, including birthdays, weddings, and national holidays like Midsommar. It’s considered a symbol of luxury and festivity in Sweden, with its layers representing the perfect combination of lightness and richness. Though the cake is traditionally covered in green marzipan, there are also variations that feature pink or white marzipan, especially for weddings.
The Layers of Flavor
What makes Swedish Princess Cake so special is its perfect balance of layers. Each bite is a medley of textures and flavors that come together beautifully. Here’s a closer look at what makes this cake stand out:
- Sponge Cake Base: The base of the cake is made from a classic sponge, which is light, fluffy, and absorbs the flavors of the whipped cream and raspberry jam. Sponge cakes are known for their airy texture, and in this cake, they provide the foundation for the other ingredients.
- Raspberry Jam: The tartness of the raspberry jam contrasts with the sweetness of the cream, adding a bright, fruity flavor that cuts through the richness of the cake. The use of raspberry jam not only adds a beautiful color to the layers but also gives the cake a refreshing twist.
- Whipped Cream: The heart of the Prinsesstårta lies in its generous layer of whipped cream, which gives the cake a light, airy quality. The cream is whipped until soft peaks form, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with the sponge and jam.
- Marzipan Covering: Perhaps the most iconic feature of the Princess Cake is its marzipan shell. Marzipan, made from ground almonds and sugar, is rolled out into a thin sheet and draped over the cake. Traditionally, the marzipan is dyed green to give the cake its signature look, though some variations use other colors. The marzipan adds a slightly nutty flavor and a smooth texture that complements the other elements of the cake.
Why Prinsesstårta is the Best Choice
- Visual Appeal: One of the most striking aspects of the Prinsesstårta is its visual beauty. The smooth, domed marzipan covering gives it a clean and elegant appearance, making it the perfect centerpiece for any celebration. The green marzipan is often garnished with a delicate pink rose made from marzipan or sugar paste, adding to its royal presentation.
- Versatility for Any Occasion: While traditionally served at birthdays, the Princess Cake can be adapted for almost any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a wedding, or a special family dinner, this cake brings a sense of elegance to the table. It can be customized with different colors of marzipan, flavored creams, or jams, making it as versatile as it is beautiful.
- Unique Flavors: The combination of almond-flavored marzipan, fluffy sponge, and rich whipped cream creates a unique dessert that’s unlike most cakes you’ll find. The blend of these elements results in a perfectly balanced cake—not too sweet, but rich and indulgent. The marzipan adds a slightly nutty depth to the cake, while the whipped cream lightens the overall feel, ensuring that each bite is satisfying without being overwhelming.
- A Cake Fit for Royalty: As its name suggests, the Princess Cake carries a sense of royalty with it. Its history of being loved by Swedish princesses adds a luxurious element to the cake, making it feel like a treat worthy of a celebration. When you serve this cake, you’re not just offering a dessert; you’re sharing a piece of Swedish culinary history that has been cherished for generations.
The Benefits of Making Swedish Princess Cake
Beyond its taste and visual appeal, the Prinsesstårta offers a few key benefits:
- Impressive Yet Manageable: While it may look intricate, the Swedish Princess Cake is surprisingly approachable for home bakers. The components—sponge cake, whipped cream, jam, and marzipan—are all easy to prepare. With a little practice, you can achieve a bakery-worthy result that will leave your guests amazed.
- Customizable: One of the great things about this cake is that it’s highly customizable. You can use different fruit jams like apricot, strawberry, or blackberry if you’re not a fan of raspberry. You can also experiment with flavored whipped cream, such as adding a hint of vanilla, almond, or even citrus zest for a unique twist.
- A Gluten-Free Option: Since the cake is primarily composed of sponge and whipped cream, it’s easy to adapt the recipe for those with gluten sensitivities. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative, and you’ll have a dessert that’s both indulgent and suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
- Perfect for Advanced Cake Decorators: If you enjoy decorating cakes, the Princess Cake offers a wonderful canvas to showcase your skills. You can play around with marzipan colors, create intricate marzipan flowers, or even add edible gold leaf for an extra touch of glamour. The smooth dome shape of the cake makes it ideal for decorators who want to try their hand at marzipan work.
The Perfect Cake for Special Occasions
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a wedding, or a special family gathering, the Swedish Princess Cake is a perfect choice. Its classic flavors, stunning presentation, and rich history make it a dessert that stands out on any dessert table.
Many people have fond memories of enjoying Prinsesstårta during special occasions, and its enduring popularity in Sweden speaks to its appeal. There’s something magical about cutting into the smooth marzipan layer to reveal the delicate layers of sponge and cream inside.
Conclusion
Swedish Princess Cake, or Prinsesstårta, is more than just a dessert—it’s a symbol of celebration, elegance, and indulgence. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this cake is a must-try for anyone who loves a challenge and wants to create something truly special. Its layers of sponge, raspberry jam, whipped cream, and marzipan come together to form a unique flavor experience that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.
So the next time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones like royalty, consider making a Prinsesstårta. Its balance of flavors, beautiful presentation, and deep roots in Swedish culture make it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
