princess cake

Princess Cake Recipe: A Regal Delight of Layers and Elegance 👑🍰✨

1. Introduction

The Princess Cake, or “Prinsesstårta” as it’s known in Sweden, is a classic confection that exudes elegance and charm. This multi-layered cake, featuring a light and airy sponge, generous fillings of pastry cream and whipped cream, and a smooth dome of green marzipan, is truly a regal treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a sophisticated dessert, mastering the princess cake recipe will undoubtedly impress. Are you in the mood for more dessert inspirations? Check out our collection of delicious desserts here. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to creating your own traditional princess cake. From baking the perfect sponge to achieving that flawless marzipan finish, you’ll have everything you need to create a show-stopping dessert. Ever wondered what other delightful cakes are out there? Perhaps a Lemon Poppy Seed Cake would also capture your attention! Ready to learn how to make princess cake? Let’s embark on this delightful culinary journey!

2. History and Significance

The princess cake has a rich history, originating in Sweden in the early 20th century. It was created by Jenny Åkerström, a teacher to Princess Margaretha, Princess Märtha, and Princess Astrid. The cake was initially called “Prinsessornas tårta” (Princesses’ Cake), and it quickly became a favorite among the royal family. Over time, it became known simply as “Prinsesstårta.” Its elegant design and delicious flavor made it a staple for celebrations and special occasions. The cake’s green marzipan symbolizes hope and growth, adding to its appeal. The history alone makes learning how to make princess cake worthwhile! Today, the Swedish princess cake is not only a beloved dessert in Sweden but also gaining popularity worldwide. You can find similar takes on this cake and explore its variations on websites like King Arthur Baking.

3. Essential Ingredients for Princess Cake

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth baking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sponge Cake: Eggs, sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and vanilla extract.
• Pastry Cream: Milk, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and butter.
• Whipped Cream: Heavy cream and powdered sugar.
• Marzipan: Green marzipan (store-bought or homemade) and powdered sugar for dusting.
• Optional Decoration: Powdered sugar for dusting and a marzipan rose.

4. Equipment Needed

Having the right equipment will make the baking process easier and more efficient:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Sifter
• Spatula
• Baking pans (round, preferably 8-inch)
• Parchment paper
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Cake stand or serving plate
• Rolling pin

5. Step-by-Step Princess Cake Recipe

Ready to whip up a classic Swedish Prinsesstårta? Let’s dive into the details and explore how to make princess cake!

1. Prepare the Sponge Cake

Start by making the sponge cake, which forms the base of the traditional princess cake. The secret to a good princess cake is a well-made sponge – light, airy, and slightly sweet. A great sponge cake can elevate your princess cake recipe.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper – this ensures the cake releases easily.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. This may take several minutes. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a light sponge.
3. Sift together the flour and baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter. Add vanilla extract. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so be gentle!
4. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the oven, as baking times can vary.
5. Let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling them completely prevents the cake from becoming soggy.

2. Make the Pastry Cream

Next, prepare the pastry cream, a key component of the princess cake recipe. The pastry cream adds a rich, creamy layer that perfectly complements the sponge and whipped cream.

1. In a saucepan, heat the milk until it’s almost boiling. Heating the milk beforehand helps the cream thicken faster.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth. This mixture is the base of your pastry cream.
3. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking. Tempering the eggs is crucial to avoid scrambled eggs in your cream.
4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Be patient, as the cream will thicken rather quickly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Pour the pastry cream into a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap (pressing the wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until completely cool. Allowing the cream to cool completely is essential for a good consistency.

3. Prepare the Whipped Cream

Whip the cream to create a light, fluffy layer for the cake. This step is essential when considering how to make princess cake. A good whipped cream should be stable enough to hold its shape but still light and airy.

1. In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip. Overwhipped cream can turn into butter, so keep a close eye on it.
2. Refrigerate the whipped cream until ready to assemble the cake. Chilled whipped cream holds its shape better during assembly.

4. Assemble the Princess Cake

Now it’s time to put all the elements together to create your magnificent princess cake. Assembling the cake can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry, you will get that perfect dome with practice!

1. Level the sponge cakes by trimming the tops with a serrated knife. This ensures even layers and a stable cake.
2. Place one layer of sponge cake on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous layer of pastry cream over the cake. A generous layer of pastry cream adds a lovely richness.
3. Top with a layer of whipped cream. Place the second sponge cake layer on top and repeat the layers of pastry cream and whipped cream. Building the layers evenly is key to a balanced cake.
4. Shape the cake into a dome by mounding the whipped cream on top. This dome shape is characteristic of the princess cake.
5. On a clean, flat surface, dust with powdered sugar and roll out the green marzipan large enough to cover the entire cake. The marzipan should be thin enough to drape easily but thick enough to not tear.
6. Carefully drape the marzipan over the cake, smoothing it down the sides. Trim any excess marzipan from the bottom. Smoothing the marzipan with your hands creates a seamless look.
7. Decorate the cake with a marzipan rose and dust with powdered sugar before serving. The marzipan rose adds a touch of elegance and is the perfect finishing touch.

6. Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Princess Cake

Mastering how to make princess cake involves a few key techniques. Let’s summarize the best tips and tricks!

• Sponge Cake: Ensure your eggs and sugar are beaten until light and fluffy for a perfect sponge. This creates airiness that is crucial for the cake’s texture.
• Pastry Cream: Continuously stir the pastry cream to prevent burning and ensure a smooth texture. Burnt pastry cream can ruin the whole batch, so pay attention!
• Marzipan: Roll out the marzipan evenly to avoid tearing when draping it over the cake. Uneven marzipan can result in cracks and an imperfect finish.
• Assembly: Chill the cake for at least an hour after assembly to allow the layers to set. Chilling helps the cake retain its shape and prevents it from sliding.

7. Variations and Creative Twists

While the traditional princess cake is a masterpiece, there are ways to add creative twists. There are endless possibilities for innovating on this classic dessert!

• Flavorings: Add citrus zest or flavored extracts to the sponge or cream for a unique taste. Lemon or orange zest can add a bright, refreshing flavor.
• Fruit: Incorporate fresh berries or fruit compote between the layers for added texture and flavor. Raspberries or strawberries work particularly well.
• Marzipan Colors: Use different colored marzipan for a vibrant and personalized look. Pink or yellow marzipan can make for a beautiful presentation.

8. Serving and Storage Suggestions

The princess cake is best served chilled. Store leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The marzipan may become slightly sticky over time, but the cake will still taste delicious. Proper storage ensures your cake stays fresh and flavorful.

9. Conclusion

Creating a princess cake recipe may seem daunting, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, you can make a stunning and delicious dessert. From the delicate sponge to the creamy filling and the elegant marzipan dome, every element contributes to its regal charm. Now that you know how to make princess cake, you can impress your friends and family with this Swedish princess cake for any special occasion. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures that make this cake a truly unforgettable treat!

princess cake

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• Author: JENNY
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Not specified, contains dairy, gluten, and eggs

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Description

Indulge in the elegance of a Princess Cake, a classic Swedish ‘Prinsesstårta’ featuring layers of airy sponge, creamy pastry cream, whipped cream, and a signature green marzipan dome. Perfect for special occasions, this detailed princess cake recipe guide provides step-by-step instructions to create a show-stopping dessert. Learn how to make princess cake that will impress your friends and family!

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Ingredients

• Sponge Cake:
  • Eggs
  • Sugar
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Vanilla extract
• Pastry Cream:
  • Milk
  • Sugar
  • Egg yolks
  • Cornstarch
  • Vanilla extract
  • Butter
• Whipped Cream:
  • Heavy cream
  • Powdered sugar
• Marzipan:
  • Green marzipan (store-bought or homemade)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
• Optional Decoration:
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Marzipan rose

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Sponge Cake:
   1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
   2. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. This may take several minutes.
   3. Sift together the flour and baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter. Add vanilla extract.
   4. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   5. Let the cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Pastry Cream:
   1. In a saucepan, heat the milk until it’s almost boiling.
   2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
   3. Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking.
   4. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
   5. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter. Pour the pastry cream into a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap (pressing the wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until completely cool.
3. Prepare the Whipped Cream:
   1. In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
   2. Refrigerate the whipped cream until ready to assemble the cake.
4. Assemble the Princess Cake:
   1. Level the sponge cakes by trimming the tops with a serrated knife.
   2. Place one layer of sponge cake on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous layer of pastry cream over the cake.
   3. Top with a layer of whipped cream. Place the second sponge cake layer on top and repeat the layers of pastry cream and whipped cream.
   4. Shape the cake into a dome by mounding the whipped cream on top.
   5. On a clean, flat surface, dust with powdered sugar and roll out the green marzipan large enough to cover the entire cake.
   6. Carefully drape the marzipan over the cake, smoothing it down the sides. Trim any excess marzipan from the bottom.
   7. Decorate the cake with a marzipan rose and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

• Sponge Cake: Ensure your eggs and sugar are beaten until light and fluffy for a perfect sponge.
• Pastry Cream: Continuously stir the pastry cream to prevent burning and ensure a smooth texture.
• Marzipan: Roll out the marzipan evenly to avoid tearing when draping it over the cake.
• Assembly: Chill the cake for at least an hour after assembly to allow the layers to set.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 450 Kcal
• Sugar: 40g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: princess cake, prinsesstårta, swedish princess cake, princess cake recipe, how to make princess cake, traditional princess cake, marzipan cake, sponge cake, pastry cream, whipped cream, dessert, cake recipe