Introduction
Few desserts are as enchanting as the Princess Cake—a dome-shaped, marzipan-covered delight that has captured the hearts of cake lovers worldwide. But why is it called a princess cake? The story behind its name is as rich as its layers of sponge, jam, custard, and whipped cream.
Originating in Sweden nearly a century ago, this cake has deep ties to Swedish royalty, making it more than just a sweet treat—it’s a piece of history. Over time, its popularity spread beyond Sweden’s borders, evolving into a global sensation.
In this article, we’ll unravel the origins of Princess Cake, explore its royal connection, break down its unique ingredients, and even learn how to make one from scratch. If you’ve ever been curious about this elegant dessert, you’re in for a treat!
Now, let’s dive into its fascinating history.
The Origins of Princess Cake
A Royal Confection
The origins of the Princess Cake trace back to early 20th-century Sweden, where it was first introduced in the 1920s. But why is it called a princess cake? The answer lies with three Swedish princesses—Margaretha, Märtha, and Astrid.
Their home economics teacher, Jenny Åkerström, was a well-known cookbook author who specialized in refined, Scandinavian desserts. She included a recipe for a cake in her 1929 cookbook, Prinsessornas Nya Kokbok (The Princesses’ New Cookbook). This cake, featuring delicate sponge layers, vanilla custard, and whipped cream, quickly became the princesses’ favorite. And so, it was affectionately named Prinsesstårta, or Princess Cake.
From “Green Cake” to “Princess Cake”
Interestingly, the Princess Cake wasn’t always called by its royal name. Originally, it was known as Grön Tårta (Green Cake), referring to its iconic green marzipan covering.
Over time, as its association with the princesses grew stronger, the name changed to Prinsesstårta. The cake’s royal endorsement made it even more desirable, turning it into a symbol of luxury and elegance.
By the mid-20th century, Princess Cake was no longer just a treat for royalty—it had become a staple of Swedish celebrations, enjoyed at birthdays, weddings, and fika breaks. Today, it remains one of Sweden’s most beloved desserts, with variations popping up in bakeries around the world.
What Makes a Princess Cake Unique?
The Princess Cake isn’t just any ordinary cake—it’s a masterpiece of flavors and textures. But what exactly makes it stand out? From its delicate sponge layers to its signature green marzipan dome, this cake is a true Swedish delicacy.
Signature Ingredients
At first glance, the Princess Cake might seem simple, but its ingredients work together to create an unforgettable experience.
- Sponge Cake – The base is a light and airy vanilla sponge cake, which provides a soft and fluffy texture. Unlike heavier cakes, this one is meant to melt in your mouth.
- Raspberry Jam & Custard – A layer of sweet raspberry jam adds a slight tartness, perfectly balancing the rich, creamy vanilla custard.
- Whipped Cream – Unlike traditional buttercream, the Princess Cake is filled with fresh, fluffy whipped cream, giving it a light and airy bite.
- Marzipan Covering – The real showstopper is the thin sheet of green marzipan that wraps the entire cake, sealing in moisture and adding a nutty sweetness.
The Iconic Green Marzipan Dome
One of the most distinctive features of the Princess Cake is its smooth, green marzipan dome. But why is it called a princess cake if it was originally known as Grön Tårta (Green Cake)?
The answer lies in its transformation. The original green color came from a seasonal variation of marzipan, but when the cake became associated with the Swedish princesses, its name changed to Prinsesstårta. Since then, the green marzipan dome has remained a signature feature.
Some modern variations swap out the green marzipan for pink, white, or even chocolate versions, but traditionalists argue that a true Princess Cake should always be green.
The Rise of Princess Cake in Swedish Culture
The Princess Cake has evolved from a royal delicacy to a staple of Swedish culture. Today, it’s enjoyed at birthdays, weddings, and even fika—Sweden’s beloved coffee break tradition.
A National Treasure
In Sweden, the Princess Cake is more than just dessert—it’s a symbol of celebration. Every year, during Princess Cake Week, bakeries across the country showcase their finest versions of this classic treat.
But it wasn’t always this way. When Jenny Åkerström first introduced the recipe, it was considered a cake for the elite. Over time, as home bakers embraced it, the Princess Cake became a household favorite.
Swedish Princess Cake Goes Global
While the Princess Cake remains a Swedish icon, its popularity has spread worldwide. In places like the United States and Germany, you can find bakeries offering their own interpretations of this classic treat.
Some international versions use strawberry jam instead of raspberry or replace the marzipan with fondant, but the essence of the Princess Cake remains the same—a light, creamy, and utterly delicious masterpiece.
How to Make a Traditional Princess Cake
Now that we’ve explored the history and unique features of royal cake, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and make one from scratch! While this cake requires patience, the result is a beautiful, royal-worthy dessert that’s sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Before we start, let’s gather the ingredients:
Ingredients:
- For the sponge cake:
- 4 eggs
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- For the filling:
- 1 cup raspberry jam
- 2 cups vanilla custard
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (whipped)
- For the marzipan cover:
- 14 oz green marzipan
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- For decoration:
- 1 small pink marzipan rose
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Bake the Sponge Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until fluffy and pale.
- Gently fold in the sifted flour and baking powder.
- Add melted butter and mix carefully.
- Pour into a greased 9-inch cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let it cool completely before slicing.
- Prepare the Filling
- Spread a layer of raspberry jam over the bottom sponge layer.
- Top with a generous amount of vanilla custard.
- Place the second sponge layer on top and spread a thick layer of whipped cream.
- Shape the Dome
- Add more whipped cream on top, shaping it into a dome.
- Place the final sponge layer over the dome, gently pressing down.
- Cover with Marzipan
- Roll out the green marzipan on a surface dusted with powdered sugar.
- Carefully drape it over the cake, smoothing it down gently.
- Decorate
- Place a pink marzipan rose on top.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a final touch.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Making a Princess Cake can be tricky, but here are some tips to help:
- Collapsed Dome? Use stiff whipped cream to ensure the dome holds its shape.
- Marzipan Cracking? Roll it thin and handle it gently.
- Too Sweet? Balance the sweetness by adjusting the jam-to-custard ratio.
Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Stories
The royal cake isn’t just a delicious dessert—it’s a piece of history with plenty of interesting facts and surprising details.
Did You Know?
- The cake was once reserved only for Swedish royalty, making it a luxury treat.
- The green marzipan was originally a seasonal choice but became a permanent feature.
- Despite its light texture, this cake is quite filling due to its rich layers.
- Many bakeries now offer modern variations—from pink and chocolate versions to vegan-friendly options.
Records and Controversies
- The largest Princess Cake ever made weighed over 300 pounds and was served at a Swedish festival.
- Some debate whether a true Princess Cake should always be green or if other colors are acceptable.
- There’s even a National Princess Cake Week in Sweden, celebrating its delicious history!
FAQs – What People Also Ask
Over the years, royal cake has fascinated dessert lovers worldwide. From its origins to its ingredients, people have plenty of questions about this beloved Swedish treat. Here are some of the most common ones!
Why Is It Called a Princess Cake?
The cake got its name from three Swedish princesses—Margaretha, Märtha, and Astrid. Their home economics teacher, Jenny Åkerström, included the recipe in her cookbook, and since the princesses adored the cake, it was named Prinsesstårta, or Princess Cake. Originally, it was called Grön Tårta (Green Cake) because of its marzipan covering, but the royal connection gave it a more elegant title.
Is Princess Cake Only Found in Sweden?
No! While Princess Cake is a national treasure in Sweden, it has gained popularity worldwide. You can find versions of it in Germany, the United States, and even Japan. Some bakeries create unique variations, swapping the green marzipan for pink or chocolate. However, purists argue that a true royal cake should always have its signature green dome.
What Does Princess Cake Taste Like?
A royal cake offers a light, creamy, and balanced sweetness. The fluffy sponge cake, rich vanilla custard, and sweet raspberry jam blend perfectly with the nutty marzipan covering. The whipped cream adds a delicate, airy texture, making every bite soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Can You Make a Princess Cake Without Marzipan?
Yes! While marzipan is essential to the traditional recipe, some people prefer alternatives. Fondant, chocolate ganache, or even a thin layer of buttercream can replace marzipan. However, without marzipan, the cake loses some of its classic charm and nutty sweetness.
Conclusion – A Cake Fit for Royalty
From its royal origins to its worldwide fame, the royal cake has proven to be more than just a dessert—it’s a piece of history. But why is it called a princess cake? Because it represents elegance, tradition, and a touch of royalty.
This iconic Swedish cake continues to be a favorite at birthdays, weddings, and celebrations across the globe. Its delicate layers, smooth marzipan covering, and rich yet airy filling make it unforgettable. Whether you’re enjoying a slice at a café in Stockholm or making one at home, the royal cake is a treat that never goes out of style.
So, the next time you bite into this royal delight, remember—you’re tasting a cake once adored by real princesses! 👑🍰
💡 Looking for more classic European desserts? Explore our recipe collection and discover even more sweet inspirations!