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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Fold Raspberries into Pastry Cream

    Gently fold the whole raspberries into the chilled vanilla pastry cream, being careful not to crush them.

    Time: PT5M

  7. 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

  8. Whip Topping Cream

    Whip the remaining 200 ml heavy cream with a pinch of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Keep chilled.

    Time: PT5M

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

Last updated: April 16, 2026

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How To Make Swedish Princess Cake

Recipe by Waitrose & Partners

A classic Swedish Princess Torta featuring light vanilla sponge layers, raspberry‑filled vanilla pastry cream, fruit‑infused whipped cream and a smooth marzipan coating. Traditionally served at celebrations, this cake brings a touch of Stockholm’s fika culture to your home.

MediumSwedishServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 50m
Prep
35m
Cook
17m
Cleanup
2h 42m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.55
Total cost
$1.05
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oven and pans with oven mitts
  • Do not over‑whip cream to avoid butter formation
  • Ensure pastry cream reaches 165°F (74°C) to safely cook eggs

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Princess Torta in Swedish cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is Princess Torta traditionally served in Sweden?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions are Princess Torta associated with in Swedish culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Princess Torta versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of Princess Torta exist within Sweden?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other Swedish dishes pair well with Princess Torta during a fika?

A

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).

cultural
Q

How has Princess Torta evolved over time in Swedish bakery tradition?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Princess Torta at home?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this Princess Torta recipe use a fruit‑infused whipped cream (gir) instead of plain whipped cream?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Waitrose & Partners specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Waitrose & Partners' approach to Swedish baking differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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