Why is It Called a Princess Cake? The Sweet Swedish Story Behind This Royal Dessert
Ever wondered why it's called a princess cake? Discover the real story behind Sweden's prettiest dessert, its royal roots, and the secrets to making your own.
Princess Cake (Prinsesstårta) – Classic Swedish Treat
If you’ve never tried a prinsesstårta, you’re missing a piece of Swedish baking history. It’s a light sponge cake layered with raspberry jam, vanilla‑custard, and a fluffy whipped‑cream topping, all wrapped in a smooth green marzipan. The look is simple, but the taste is bright and fresh. Below you’ll get a quick rundown of the basic recipe and some fun ways to dress it up, whether you’re using traditional cake toppers or a quirky red‑car theme.
Ingredients & Simple Baking Steps
Start with a basic sponge: 4 eggs, 120 g sugar, 120 g flour, and a pinch of salt. Beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture is thick and pale, then fold in the sifted flour gently. Pour into a 20‑cm round tin and bake at 180 °C for about 20‑25 minutes. While the cake cools, prepare two key fillings – a sweet raspberry jam (store‑bought works fine) and a vanilla custard made from milk, egg yolks, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Whip heavy cream with a little sugar until soft peaks form.
Once the sponge is completely cool, slice it horizontally into three even layers. Spread a thin layer of jam on the bottom, then a generous spoonful of custard, followed by a layer of whipped‑cream. Repeat the process for the second layer, leaving the top cake layer plain. The final layer gets a thick coat of whipped‑cream all around – this helps the marzipan stick later.
Decorating with Cake Toppers and Fun Themes
The classic look uses green marzipan rolled out and draped over the whole cake. To keep it smooth, dust the work surface with a little powdered sugar and gently pull the marzipan over the cake, smoothing any air bubbles. If you want a modern twist, try a pastel pink or a bold red‑car design. Our site offers custom cake toppers, so you can add a tiny red car figurine or a printable “Happy Birthday” flag that snaps onto the cake.
When you choose a topper, think about its size and weight. A small plastic car or a lightweight edible topper works best – you don’t want it to sink into the cream. Place the topper right after the marzipan is set, then add a dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh raspberries for extra color. If you prefer a clean look, skip the marzipan and use a smooth buttercream frosting, then sprinkle edible glitter or a tiny sugar ribbon.
No matter how you decorate, the key is to keep the cake chilled for at least an hour before serving. This helps the layers set and the marzipan stay firm. Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts, and enjoy the gentle balance of sponge, jam, custard, and cream. Whether you serve it at a birthday, a fika, or just because, a prinsesstårta always feels special.
Ready to try your own version? Grab the basic ingredients, pick a topper from our collection, and let your creativity drive the design. The classic recipe is forgiving, so feel free to experiment with different jams or add a splash of liqueur to the custard. Happy baking!
