Princess Cake Recipe

Princess Cake is a visually stunning Swedish dessert that’s as delicious as it is elegant. With layers of light, fluffy sponge cake, silky pastry cream, and fresh whipped cream, all encased in smooth green marzipan, this cake is a showstopper at any celebration. It’s the perfect dessert for birthdays, weddings, or holidays, and it’s sure to impress your guests.

The cake’s marzipan covering is delicate and slightly sweet, complementing the rich, creamy filling and light sponge cake. This combination of flavors and textures creates a refreshing dessert that’s both satisfying and light. While it takes a bit of effort to make, the result is well worth it—a beautiful and delicious cake that’s a true crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re hosting a special event or just treating yourself to something indulgent, Princess Cake is the perfect dessert to elevate any occasion.

Princess Cake is a beautiful Swedish treat made with layers of light sponge cake, creamy pastry cream, and whipped cream, all covered in smooth green marzipan. The marzipan’s subtle sweetness and the creamy fillings contrast wonderfully with the lightness of the cake, making it a delicious and visually striking dessert. It’s a popular choice for special occasions, and its showy presentation will certainly impress your guests.

Although this cake requires a bit of time and patience to prepare, it’s a fun, rewarding project that’s well worth the effort. Whether you’re looking to serve it for a birthday, a holiday celebration, or simply want to create something special, Princess Cake is the ultimate dessert to leave a lasting impression.

Exciting Story:

I first came across Princess Cake during a trip to Sweden and was instantly captivated by its beauty. The cake was unlike anything I had ever seen—bright green marzipan wrapped around a delicate sponge, with luscious layers of cream and pastry filling. I knew I had to recreate it when I got home.

The first time I made it, I was amazed at how much my family loved it. Not only was it stunning to look at, but the combination of the marzipan, creamy fillings, and sponge cake was just perfect. Since then, I’ve made this cake for birthdays, family gatherings, and even just as a treat on special occasions. It’s become one of my go-to recipes for celebrations, and I’m always proud to serve it.

Why This Princess Cake:

• Visually Impressive: The green marzipan covering makes this cake a true showstopper at any event.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or holiday celebration, this cake is ideal for any special event.
• Delicate and Light: The sponge cake, pastry cream, and whipped cream create a light, delicate flavor that isn’t overly sweet.
• Customizable: Change the flavor of the filling or color the marzipan to suit the theme of your event.
• Fun to Make: While it takes a bit of time and patience, making this cake is a rewarding experience that’s sure to impress.

What You Need For Princess Cake:

For the sponge cake:

• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the pastry cream:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
• 5 large egg yolks
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the whipped cream:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the marzipan:

• 8 oz marzipan (store-bought or homemade)
• Green food coloring (for coloring the marzipan)

For the assembly:

• 1/4 cup apricot jam (optional, for glazing the cake)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

How to Make Princess Cake:

1. Make the sponge cake:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together and gently fold into the egg mixture. Be careful not to deflate the batter.
   • Fold in the melted butter until incorporated.
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the pastry cream:
   • In a saucepan, heat the milk and vanilla bean over medium heat until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch together until smooth.
   • Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
   • Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil.
   • Remove from heat and whisk in the butter. Let the pastry cream cool completely in the fridge.
3. Make the whipped cream:
   • In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
4. Prepare the marzipan:
   • If the marzipan is not already colored, knead in a few drops of green food coloring until evenly distributed.
5. Assemble the cake:
   • Once the sponge cake has cooled, slice it into two even layers.
   • Place one layer on a cake board or serving platter. If using apricot jam, warm it slightly and spread a thin layer over the cake to help the layers stick.
   • Spread a generous amount of pastry cream on top of the bottom layer.
   • Top with a layer of whipped cream.
   • Place the second layer of cake on top and gently press down.
   • Roll out the marzipan into a large, even circle that’s about 1/8-inch thick. Carefully drape it over the cake, smoothing out any wrinkles.
   • Trim off any excess marzipan and decorate the top with whipped cream rosettes or other decorations, if desired.
6. Serve: Dust the finished cake with powdered sugar and serve chilled. Enjoy your beautiful, delicious Princess Cake!

Tips for Princess Cake:

• Make ahead: You can make the sponge cake and pastry cream a day ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. Assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it.
• Marzipan tips: If you find the marzipan difficult to work with, warm it slightly in the microwave or knead in a little powdered sugar to make it more pliable.
• Decorations: You can get creative with decorations by adding flowers, edible glitter, or other colorful elements on top of the marzipan.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Different fillings: You can swap the pastry cream for lemon curd or raspberry jam for a different flavor profile.
• Non-dairy: Use dairy-free butter and non-dairy whipped cream to make this cake vegan-friendly, and substitute the pastry cream with a vegan custard.
• Other toppings: Top with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a fresh twist.

Make a Healthier Version:

• Lower sugar: Reduce the sugar in the pastry cream and whipped cream, or use a sugar substitute like Stevia for a lighter version.
• Whole Wheat Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a more fiber-rich version of the cake without sacrificing flavor.
• Lightened-Icing: Use a light cream cheese option or reduced-fat butter to reduce the fat content in the icing.

Closing for Princess Cake:

And there you have it! Princess Cake is a stunning, delicious treat that’s perfect for any celebration. With its light sponge, creamy filling, and marzipan coating, this cake is a showstopper that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, Princess Cake is the perfect dessert to elevate any gathering. Let us know how your cake turns out, and be sure to check out more of our festive, flavorful dessert recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions For Princess Cake:

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the sponge cake and pastry cream a day ahead. Just assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it.
2. What other fruits can I use in this cake?
   You can add fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries as a garnish or layer them with the whipped cream.
3. How do I store leftovers?
   Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
4. Can I use store-bought marzipan?
   Yes, store-bought marzipan works just fine for this cake, but if you prefer homemade, it’s easy to make at home.
5. How can I make the marzipan easier to work with?
   If the marzipan is too hard, gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds or knead it with a bit of powdered sugar.
6. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
7. Can I freeze this cake?
   Yes, you can freeze the cake after assembling it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
8. Can I add food coloring to the marzipan?
   Yes, you can add food coloring to marzipan to create different colored coverings, though green is traditional.
9. Can I substitute the whipped cream with a non-dairy version?
   Yes, use a non-dairy whipped cream alternative, like coconut cream, for a dairy-free version.
10. How can I make this cake lighter?
    You can use light whipped cream and a reduced-fat marzipan to make the cake slightly lighter while still maintaining its delicious flavor.
11. Can I add nuts to the cake?
    Yes, you can add crushed almonds or pistachios to the filling or as a garnish on top for added texture and flavor.
12. How do I avoid the marzipan from tearing when covering the cake?
    Roll the marzipan on a lightly powdered surface and make sure it’s evenly thick. If it’s too thin, it can tear during handling.
13. Can I use a different cake flavor?
    While the traditional Princess Cake uses vanilla sponge, you can experiment with chocolate sponge or other flavors to suit your tastes.
14. What is the best way to serve this cake?
    Serve this cake chilled for the best texture and flavor, as the marzipan becomes softer at room temperature.
15. Can I use other types of jam?
    Yes, you can use raspberry, apricot, or strawberry jam instead of the apricot jam for a different flavor.
16. Can I make the cake in a different shape?
    Yes, you can use a different sized pan or a different shape like a square or heart-shaped pan to make this cake your own!

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This Princess Cake is a stunning, delicious treat, perfect for any celebration. Enjoy making and serving this beautiful cake!