Name: princess cake
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: Sponge Cake: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; Vanilla Custard: 2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 4 large egg yolks; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Whipped Cream: 2 cups heavy cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Raspberry Jam: 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam; Marzipan: 1 pound green marzipan; Powdered sugar, for dusting

princess cake

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princess cake

Home

Desserts

princess cake

April 22, 2025

Author : Megan C

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Princess Cake: A Royal Delight of Layers and Marzipan 👑🍰✨

1. Introduction

The Princess Cake, or “Prinsesstårta,” is a classic Swedish cake renowned for its elegant dome shape, its symphony of delicate sponge cake layers, creamy fillings, and a flawlessly smooth marzipan coating. This princess cake recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience! Perfect for elevating special occasions into unforgettable moments, it offers a delightful combination of contrasting textures and harmonious flavors. Whether you affectionately refer to it as a royal cake recipe or a classic Swedish princess cake, this dessert is guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates. You might even want to explore other dessert options in our desserts section. The real beauty of diving into your own marzipan cake recipe is the boundless creative freedom it unlocks – you can customize each layer precisely to your liking, resulting in a truly unique and utterly memorable treat. Follow along with our detailed guide as we lead you through each and every step, empowering you to create your very own Princess Cake masterpiece!

Finished Princess Cake with marzipan rose, ready to be served.

2. Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you embark on this culinary adventure, gather the necessary ingredients. The best results come from using high-quality ingredients, so choose wisely!

Sponge Cake: All-purpose flour, granulated sugar, fresh eggs, baking powder (for that perfect lift!), whole milk, and unsalted butter.
Vanilla Custard: Whole milk, granulated sugar, fresh egg yolks (for richness!), cornstarch (to achieve the perfect consistency), and pure vanilla extract.
Whipped Cream: Heavy cream (make sure it’s cold!), powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar), and pure vanilla extract.
Raspberry Jam: Seedless raspberry jam (for a smooth texture).
Marzipan: Green marzipan (the traditional color!), and powdered sugar (for dusting your work surface).

3. Equipment Required

Having the right tools will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mixing bowls (various sizes)
Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
Baking pans (two 8-inch round pans are ideal)
Saucepan
Whisk
Spatula
Cake stand or serving plate (for displaying your masterpiece!)

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions for the best possible Princess Cake.

1. Bake the Sponge Cake

First, preheat your oven to a precise 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round baking pans meticulously; this prevents sticking and ensures easy release. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light, airy, and fluffy – this is crucial for a tender crumb. Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour and baking powder, pre-sifted for best results) alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This prevents gluten development and keeps the cake tender. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, using a scale for perfect symmetry, and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the very center emerges clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is essential to prevent the fillings from melting later on. If you’re in the mood for other baking recipes, why not check out our baking section for more inspiration?

Preparing the sponge cake layer for a Princess Cake.

2. Prepare the Vanilla Custard

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until thoroughly combined and smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula, until the mixture thickens dramatically and coats the back of a spoon evenly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat immediately and stir in the pure vanilla extract. Pour the luscious custard into a clean bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap (pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent an unsightly skin from forming), and refrigerate until it is completely chilled and set. Patience is key here!

Making vanilla custard for the Princess Cake filling.

3. Assemble the Cake

This is where the magic truly begins! Level the cooled sponge cakes meticulously by trimming off any domed tops with a long, serrated knife; this ensures a stable and even cake. Place one cake layer carefully on your prepared serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thin, even layer of seedless raspberry jam over the surface of the cake – this adds a delightful burst of fruity flavor. Next, spread a generous and even layer of your chilled vanilla custard over the jam. In a separate, chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff, glossy peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip! Gently spread a layer of this freshly whipped cream evenly over the custard. Finally, carefully place the second sponge cake layer directly on top of the whipped cream.

Spreading raspberry jam on the sponge cake for Princess Cake.

4. Cover with Marzipan

Now for the signature dome! Shape the cake into a pleasing dome shape by carefully mounding extra whipped cream strategically on top of the second cake layer. Aim for a smooth, symmetrical dome. On a clean, impeccably flat surface, dust generously with powdered sugar. Roll out the vibrant green marzipan into a large circle, ensuring it’s generously big enough to completely cover the entire cake with some overhang to spare. Carefully and gently drape the rolled-out marzipan over the prepared cake, smoothing it down meticulously to create a seamless, elegant dome. Trim off any excess marzipan neatly around the base with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Finally, decorate your Princess Cake with a meticulously crafted marzipan rose or any other decorative elements you desire – let your creativity shine! Refrigerate the finished princess cake for a minimum of 1 hour before serving, allowing the delightful flavors to meld together beautifully. Remember, this royal cake recipe is always best served thoroughly chilled. For an alternative, quick and easy dessert, you might be interested in our Easy Strawberry Cheesecake Rolls Recipe.

Assembling and covering the Princess Cake with green marzipan.

5. Tips for Success

These helpful tips will elevate your Princess Cake from good to outstanding!

Sponge Cake: Always ensure your sponge cake layers are baked evenly to a golden brown and cooled completely before you even think about assembling the cake – this is vital to prevent the fillings from melting and creating a soggy mess.
Vanilla Custard: It’s imperative to continuously stir the custard diligently while it’s cooking to prevent any scorching on the bottom of the pan, and to guarantee a perfectly smooth, lump-free texture.
Whipped Cream: Chill your mixing bowl and your whisk or beaters thoroughly in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before whipping the cream – this ensures you achieve a stable, light, and exceptionally fluffy consistency that holds its shape beautifully.
Marzipan: Knead the marzipan very well before rolling it out; this makes it much more pliable, easier to work with, and less prone to cracking. Generously dust your work surface with powdered sugar to prevent any sticking disasters. Thinking ahead can save a lot of frustration!

6. Variations and Customizations

Unleash your inner pastry chef and experiment with these delicious variations!

Flavor Variations: Try adding a touch of finely grated lemon zest to your sponge cake batter for a bright, citrusy note, or a hint of almond extract to the vanilla custard for a delicate, nutty flavor that complements the marzipan perfectly.
Fruit Fillings: Get creative with different types of high-quality jam, such as sweet strawberry or tangy blueberry, or add a generous scattering of fresh, seasonal berries to the whipped cream layer for a delightful burst of freshness and color. For a different twist, you could try our Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies for inspiration.
Marzipan Colors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with a whole spectrum of different marzipan colors for a truly unique and festive look that’s perfect for birthdays or themed parties!

7. Serving Suggestions

The classic Swedish princess cake is traditionally served chilled as a delectable dessert. It pairs exceptionally well with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a soothing cup of herbal tea. You can also elevate the experience by serving it with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or an extra dollop of freshly whipped cream for an added touch of pure indulgence. This stunning princess cake recipe is the perfect choice for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or any other special occasion that calls for a truly memorable and impressive dessert. If you need another recipe for a party, check out our Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Creamy Custard Pie.
To learn more about this cake’s origins, you can visit King Arthur Baking’s website for additional information and recipes.

8. Storage Instructions

To maintain its optimal freshness and flavor, store any leftover princess cake meticulously in the refrigerator, covered securely with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to a maximum of 3 days. Please be aware that the marzipan may become slightly sticky over time due to the moisture in the refrigerator, but rest assured that the cake will still retain its delicious taste and texture.

9. Conclusion

Creating a Princess Cake might initially seem like a significant labor of love, but we promise that the extraordinary end result is undoubtedly well worth every ounce of effort you invest. This exquisite marzipan cake recipe is a true show-stopping dessert that elegantly combines delicate layers of light sponge cake, velvety smooth and rich creamy custard, a luscious layer of sweet raspberry jam, and a flawlessly smooth and vibrant marzipan coating. Whether you’re meticulously following this royal cake recipe for a truly special occasion or simply want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something extraordinary, the Princess Cake is guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates. Enjoy the process of making and sharing this timeless and utterly delightful Swedish classic! Perhaps you’d also enjoy something savory, so check out our easy no-bake cheesy bread.