How To Make Swedish Princess Cake
How To Make Swedish Princess Cake is a medium Swedish recipe that serves 12. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Waitrose & Partners on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min
Cost: $12.55 total, $1.05 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 200 g Caster Sugar (fine granulated)
- 200 g All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 100 g Unsalted Butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 300 ml Whole Milk (full‑fat)
- 3 Egg Yolks (separated from the eggs above)
- 30 g Cornstarch (for thickening pastry cream)
- 150 g Fresh Raspberries (washed, stems removed)
- 400 ml Heavy Cream (cold, divided 200 ml for fruit cream and 200 ml for topping)
- 30 g Powdered Sugar (for sweetening whipped topping)
- 200 g Marzipan (green or white, rolled thin)
- 1 drop Green Food Coloring (optional for green marzipan)
Instructions
Prepare the Sponge Batter
Separate the eggs. In a mixing bowl whisk the 4 whole eggs with 200 g caster sugar until pale and fluffy (about 5 minutes). Sift in the flour and baking powder, fold gently, then stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until just combined.
Time: PT10M
Pre‑heat the Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat while you line the cake tin with parchment paper.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Bake the Sponge Layers
Divide the batter evenly into three 9‑inch round tins (or bake one layer at a time). Bake for 20 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Rotate the tins halfway through for even browning.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool the Cakes
Remove the cakes from the oven, run a knife around the edges, and turn them onto a cooling rack. Let cool completely (about 30 minutes).
Time: PT30M
Make Vanilla Pastry Cream
In a saucepan heat 300 ml milk until just simmering. In a bowl whisk 3 egg yolks with 50 g caster sugar and 30 g cornstarch until smooth. Temper the yolk mixture with a little hot milk, then return everything to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in ½ tsp vanilla extract, and cover with plastic wrap touching the surface. Chill for 10 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Fold Raspberries into Pastry Cream
Gently fold the whole raspberries into the chilled vanilla pastry cream, being careful not to crush them.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Fruit‑Infused Whipped Cream (Gir)
Whip 200 ml cold heavy cream with 30 g powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add a spoonful of raspberry puree (optional) and a splash of vanilla extract, then fold gently to combine.
Time: PT5M
Whip Topping Cream
Whip the remaining 200 ml heavy cream with a pinch of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Keep chilled.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Cake
Place the first sponge layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of the raspberry‑vanilla pastry cream. Add the second sponge layer, then spread the fruit‑infused whipped cream (gir). Place the third sponge layer on top and spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
Time: PT10M
Cover with Marzipan
If using green marzipan, knead a few drops of green food coloring into the marzipan until evenly colored. Roll the marzipan to a 3‑mm thickness on a surface dusted with powdered sugar. Drape over the cake, smoothing with an offset spatula. Trim excess at the base.
Time: PT10M
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to set the fillings and marzipan. Slice with a hot, wet knife for clean cuts.
Time: PT30M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains nuts, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Wheat, Almonds, Butter
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large Eggs: Egg replacer (for vegans)
- Instead of Caster Sugar: Granulated sugar
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Cake flour
- Instead of Baking Powder: Baking soda (use half amount)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean paste
- Instead of Whole Milk: Half‑and‑half
- Instead of Egg Yolks: Egg yolk substitute
- Instead of Cornstarch: Plain flour (double amount)
- Instead of Fresh Raspberries: Frozen raspberries (thawed)
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Whipping cream
- Instead of Powdered Sugar: Granulated sugar (blended)
- Instead of Marzipan: Almond paste
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer or Whisk
- Sieve
- 9‑inch (23 cm) Round Cake Tin
- Parchment Paper
- Cooling Rack
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Offset Spatula
- Kitchen Scale
- Plastic Wrap
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Baking the sponge layers to the correct doneness
- Cooling the cakes completely before handling
- Making a smooth, lump‑free vanilla pastry cream
- Covering the cake with evenly rolled marzipan without tearing
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh, ripe raspberries for the best flavor and color.
- Sift the flour twice for an ultra‑light sponge.
- Chill the cake tin before pouring batter to help the sponge rise evenly.
- For a glossy finish, lightly brush the marzipan with a thin layer of apricot jam.
Troubleshooting
Cake layers are dry or crumbly
Do not over‑mix the batter and bake at the correct temperature; add a tablespoon of milk if batter seems thick.
Pastry cream is lumpy
Whisk constantly over medium heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve before chilling.
Marzipan cracks or sticks
Roll marzipan between two sheets of parchment and keep it covered with a damp cloth until use.
Cream separates on top of the cake
Ensure all fillings are fully chilled before assembly and keep the cake refrigerated until serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store covered cake in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil; freeze up to 1 month. Thaw in fridge before serving.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to dairy fillings.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the sponge layers a day ahead and store wrapped in plastic.
- Pastry cream can be prepared 24 hours in advance and kept chilled.
- Assemble the cake up to the marzipan step; keep covered and refrigerated.
- Marzipan‑covered cake can be frozen after assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Princess Torta in Swedish cuisine?
Princess Torta, created in the 1920s by baker Jenny Åström for the Swedish royal princesses, became a national celebration cake. It is traditionally served at birthdays, graduations, and other milestones, embodying Sweden’s fika tradition of coffee and cake breaks.
How is Princess Torta traditionally served in Sweden?
In Sweden the cake is typically sliced and enjoyed with coffee during a fika. It is often presented whole on a platter, allowing guests to take a piece, and is sometimes decorated with fresh berries on top of the marzipan.
What occasions are Princess Torta associated with in Swedish culture?
Swedish families serve Princess Torta for birthdays, school graduations (studentexamen), name‑days, and even when receiving good news such as a new job or engagement. It is a symbol of celebration and good fortune.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Princess Torta versus acceptable substitutes?
The classic cake uses vanilla sponge, raspberry‑filled vanilla pastry cream, whipped cream, and a smooth marzipan coating. Substitutes can include strawberry puree instead of raspberries, or almond‑flavored marzipan for a different hue, but the texture and flavor profile should remain light and creamy.
What regional variations of Princess Torta exist within Sweden?
In southern Sweden some bakers use strawberry jam instead of fresh raspberries, while in the north a light pink marzipan is preferred over green. Some modern versions add a thin layer of almond paste for extra richness.
What other Swedish dishes pair well with Princess Torta during a fika?
Princess Torta pairs beautifully with strong Swedish coffee, lingonberry jam on the side, and light pastries such as kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) or kardemummabullar (cardamom buns).
How has Princess Torta evolved over time in Swedish bakery tradition?
Originally a simple vanilla sponge with raspberry jam, the cake evolved in the 1950s to include the signature vanilla pastry cream and marzipan coating. Contemporary bakers now experiment with flavored creams and colored marzipan while keeping the classic layered structure.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Princess Torta at home?
Common errors include over‑baking the sponge, which makes it dry; not chilling the pastry cream before folding in raspberries, leading to a runny filling; and rushing the marzipan covering, which can cause cracks. Follow the critical points listed in the recipe for best results.
Why does this Princess Torta recipe use a fruit‑infused whipped cream (gir) instead of plain whipped cream?
The fruit‑infused whipped cream adds a subtle raspberry flavor that complements the raspberry‑filled pastry cream, creating a balanced fruit profile throughout the layers while keeping the texture light and airy.
What does the YouTube channel Waitrose & Partners specialize in?
The YouTube channel Waitrose & Partners focuses on high‑quality home cooking tutorials, seasonal recipes, and product showcases using ingredients available at Waitrose supermarkets, emphasizing approachable techniques for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Waitrose & Partners' approach to Swedish baking differ from other cooking channels?
Waitrose & Partners highlights authentic ingredient sourcing from their stores, provides detailed step‑by‑step guidance, and often includes cultural context, whereas many other channels may simplify or adapt traditional recipes without emphasizing the heritage behind dishes like Princess Torta.
Last updated: August 29, 2026








