How To Make Swedish Princess Cake Recipe prinsesstårta
How To Make Swedish Princess Cake Recipe 🍰 prinsesstårta is a medium Swedish recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Scandinavian Today on YouTube.
Prep: 1 hr 42 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 2 hrs 42 min
Cost: $76.77 total, $6.40 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 Large Eggs (separated yolks and whites)
- 3 oz Unsalted Butter (melted, cooled slightly)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (for sponge batter)
- 2.5 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Baking Powder
- 12 oz Fresh Raspberries (for jam/filling)
- 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar (raspberry jam)
- 2 tbsp Water (for raspberry jam)
- 1 tsp Cornstarch (mixed with a little water for raspberry jam)
- 2 cup Whole Milk (for vanilla custard)
- 4 Egg Yolks (custard) (separated from whites used for sponge)
- 0.5 cup Granulated Sugar (custard)
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch (custard)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (cold, for whipped cream and custard enrichment)
- 10 oz Almond Paste (Marzipan) (store‑bought or homemade)
- 1.5 cup Powdered Sugar (for sweetening marzipan)
- a few drops Green Food Coloring (to tint marzipan green)
- 1 Fresh Pink Rose (optional garnish)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the batter.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Separate Eggs
Separate the eight eggs, placing the yolks in a large bowl and the whites in a separate clean bowl.
Time: PT5M
Whip Egg Yolks
Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the yolks and beat with the mixer on medium speed until the mixture turns pale yellow and thickens.
Time: PT5M
Whip Egg Whites
Using clean beaters, whip the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form.
Time: PT5M
Fold First Half of Whites
Take half of the whipped whites and gently fold them into the yolk‑sugar mixture until just combined.
Time: PT3M
Fold Remaining Whites
Add the remaining whites and fold until the batter is uniform and airy.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift together 2½ cups flour, ½ tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. Gently fold the dry mixture into the batter.
Time: PT3M
Add Melted Butter
Drizzle the melted butter over the batter and fold just until incorporated.
Time: PT2M
Divide Batter
Evenly divide the batter among three greased 6‑inch round cake pans.
Time: PT2M
Bake Sponge Layers
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack and let them cool completely (about 30 minutes).
Time: PT30M
Make Raspberry Jam Filling
In a saucepan, combine 12 oz fresh raspberries, 1 tbsp sugar, and 2 tbsp water. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the berries break down. Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with a little cold water, add to the pan, and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
Time: PT10M
Prepare Vanilla Custard
Heat 2 cups milk in a saucepan until just simmering. In a bowl whisk 4 egg yolks, ½ cup sugar, 2 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tsp vanilla. Slowly pour the hot milk into the yolk mixture while whisking, then return everything to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, cool slightly, then fold in ⅓ of the whipped cream.
Time: PT15M
Whip Remaining Cream
Whip the remaining 2 / 3 cup heavy cream to stiff peaks. Set aside for layering and topping.
Time: PT5M
Sweeten and Color Marzipan
In a bowl, knead 10 oz almond paste with 1½ cup powdered sugar until smooth. Add a few drops of green food coloring and continue kneading until the color is even but not too dark.
Time: PT5M
Roll Marzipan
Place the marzipan between two sheets of parchment paper and roll out to a circle large enough to completely cover the assembled cake (about 12‑inch diameter).
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Cake
Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of raspberry jam, then a layer of vanilla custard, and top with a thin layer of whipped cream. Place the second layer and repeat the fillings. Add the third layer, spread the remaining whipped cream on top, creating a slightly higher dome in the centre. Finally, drape the rolled green marzipan over the cake, smoothing it with your hands or an offset spatula. Trim excess marzipan.
Time: PT15M
Garnish and Serve
Decorate the top with fresh raspberries and, if desired, a pink rose on the side. Slice with a hot, wet knife for clean cuts.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains nuts, Contains gluten
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Tree nuts (almond), Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large Eggs: Egg replacer (for vegans)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, vegetable oil (use less)
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar, caster sugar
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Baking Powder: Cream of tartar + baking soda
- Instead of Fresh Raspberries: Strawberry jam, store‑bought raspberry jam
- Instead of Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder
- Instead of Whole Milk: Almond milk (will change flavor)
- Instead of Egg Yolks (custard): Egg yolk substitute
- Instead of Cornstarch (custard): Arrowroot powder
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean paste
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: Cold half‑and‑half (less stable)
- Instead of Almond Paste (Marzipan): Store‑bought marzipan
- Instead of Green Food Coloring: Matcha powder (natural)
- Instead of Fresh Pink Rose: Edible flower
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Fine Mesh Sieve (optional)
- Round Cake Pans (6‑inch)
- Oven
- Toothpick (optional)
- Saucepan
- Small Bowl
- Silicone Spatula
- Rolling Pin
- Plastic Wrap (Saran Wrap)
- Offset Spatula (optional)
- Wire Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Whipping egg whites to stiff peaks
- Folding the whites into the yolk mixture without deflating
- Baking until a toothpick comes out clean
- Rolling marzipan to the correct size
- Layering the cake evenly and covering with marzipan
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use room‑temperature butter for a smoother batter.
- Sift the flour and baking powder together to ensure even distribution.
- Chill the assembled cake for 30 minutes before slicing; this helps the layers set.
- For a brighter green marzipan, add a drop of yellow food coloring along with green.
Troubleshooting
Cake is dense and does not rise.
Make sure egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks and folded gently. Over‑mixing or under‑whipping will deflate the batter.
Marzipan cracks when covering the cake.
Roll the marzipan between parchment and keep it slightly warm; if it cracks, gently rehearse over a low heat for a few seconds.
Custard is grainy.
Cook the custard over medium heat while stirring constantly and strain through a fine mesh sieve before cooling.
Raspberry jam is too runny.
Add a little more cornstarch slurry and cook a minute longer until the mixture reaches a thick, jam‑like consistency.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the assembled cake, covered, for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Unassembled layers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before assembling.
Room temperature: Do not keep the cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to the dairy fillings.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the sponge layers a day ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap.
- Prepare raspberry jam and custard up to 2 days in advance; keep chilled.
- Whip the cream just before assembling to maintain volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Princess Cake in Swedish cuisine?
Princess Cake, or Prinsesstårta, originated in Sweden in the early 20th century and became associated with royal celebrations, especially birthdays of princesses. It is a staple at Swedish birthdays, weddings, and graduations, symbolizing elegance and festivity.
What are the traditional regional variations of Princess Cake within Sweden?
While the classic version uses green marzipan and raspberry jam, some regions add a layer of strawberry jam or use pink marzipan for special occasions. In the north, a hint of lingonberry jam is sometimes used instead of raspberry.
How is Princess Cake traditionally served in Sweden?
Traditionally the cake is presented on a decorative platter, topped with a fresh pink rose and a dusting of powdered sugar. It is sliced with a hot, wet knife to produce clean, elegant wedges.
What occasions or celebrations is Princess Cake traditionally associated with in Swedish culture?
Princess Cake is most commonly served at birthdays, especially for children and royal family members, as well as at weddings, christenings, and graduation parties throughout Sweden.
What makes Princess Cake special or unique in Swedish cuisine?
The combination of light sponge, tangy raspberry jam, silky vanilla custard, airy whipped cream, and a smooth green marzipan coating makes Princess Cake a multi‑textured masterpiece that is both visually striking and deliciously balanced.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Princess Cake versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include egg‑based sponge, fresh raspberries, vanilla custard, heavy cream, and almond‑based marzipan. Acceptable substitutes are strawberry jam for raspberry, gluten‑free flour blend for all‑purpose flour, and store‑bought marzipan if homemade is unavailable.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Princess Cake at home?
Common mistakes include over‑mixing the batter, not whipping egg whites to stiff peaks, under‑baking the layers, and using cold marzipan that cracks when draped. Follow the folding technique and ensure the cake is fully baked before cooling.
Why does this Princess Cake recipe fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture instead of beating them together all at once?
Folding the whipped egg whites preserves the air incorporated during whipping, giving the sponge its light, airy texture. Mixing them all together would deflate the batter and result in a dense cake.
Can I make Princess Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Bake and cool the sponge layers, then wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Prepare the raspberry jam, custard, and whipped cream separately and store each in airtight containers. Assemble the cake a few hours before serving and keep it chilled.
What does the YouTube channel Scandinavian Today specialize in?
The YouTube channel Scandinavian Today specializes in traditional and modern Scandinavian home cooking, showcasing classic recipes like Princess Cake, smørrebrød, and Nordic pastries with clear step‑by‑step tutorials.
How does the YouTube channel Scandinavian Today's approach to Swedish baking differ from other cooking channels?
Scandinavian Today focuses on authentic regional techniques, uses locally sourced ingredients, and often explains cultural background, whereas many other channels adapt recipes to generic Western styles without the same emphasis on tradition.
Last updated: August 30, 2026








