If you’ve never tried a princess cake, they’re seriously missing them. A few years ago, I came across this pastel green beauty during a cafe hopping adventure in Stockholm a few years ago. dramatic? perhaps. that’s right? 100%.
In what exactly is Princess Cake, why is he so famous, you need to try to find him (spoiler: yes)? Whether you’re looking for a dessert nerd, a casual cake browser, or someone looking for the next photogenic sweetness on Instagram, this deserves your radar location. Let’s dig deeper.
What is Princess Cake, Anyway?
Princess cake (or “Prinsesstårta” in Swedish) is a layered dessert such as sponge cake, pastry cream, whipped cream, and a dome of colourful inexperienced marzipan. Sometimes there`s a skinny layer of raspberry jam too, relying on who is making it.
It`s just like the Scandinavian cousin of a trifle, however with extra elegance, a less attackable structure, and a fondant-like shell that makes it sense adore it got here from a fairytale. A marzipan rose on pinnacle is almost mandatory.
A Royal History of Princess Cake
Despite the regal call, princess cake wasn`t invented in a castle. It changed into created withinside the Nineteen Thirties through Jenny Åkerström, a domestic economics instructor who labored with Swedish royalty. The recipe were given its call as it changed into a fave of the 3 Swedish princesses she taught—Margaretha, Martha, and Astrid.
So yes, it’s got royal approval. Imagine having a cake named after your sweet tooth preferences. Goals.
First Encounter: My Love Story with Princess Cake
I was in Stockholm with two friends, walking along Gamla Stan with frozen fingers and caffeine cravings. We ducked into a warm little café and there it was: a lime-green dome with a single pink rose sitting like a crown.
Of course, we ordered it. Of course, we fell in love.
Biting into that soft sponge layered with rich cream and marzipan was like wrapping yourself in a dessert hug. It wasn’t cloyingly sweet, which honestly shocked me. Scandinavian desserts really have a thing for balance.
It’s Not Just Pretty, It’s Deeply Layered
Here’s the breakdown of the magic inside a traditional princess cake:
- Sponge Cake: Light and fluffy, often vanilla-flavored.
- Raspberry Jam (Optional): Just enough to cut through the richness.
- Pastry Cream: Adds a custardy depth.
- Whipped Cream: Because life is better with whipped cream.
- Marzipan: The green coating, almondy and slightly chewy.
- Decor: One delicate pink marzipan rose, sometimes with powdered sugar.
Each bite is a mix of textures and flavors that just work.
Where to Find the Best Princess Cake
While it’s obviously easier to find this cake in Sweden, there are several bakeries around the world that specialize in Scandinavian desserts.
In Sweden:
- Vete-Katten, Stockholm – Historic and beloved by locals.
- Gunnarsons Specialkonditori – Known for nailing the classic version.
Outside Sweden:
- Fika, NYC – Swedish-inspired cafes with seasonal princess cake.
- Scandinavian Kitchen, London – A great spot for Scandi treats.
- IKEA Cafes – Not as fancy, but a decent intro to the flavor profile!
Tip: Order a slice with coffee. The slight bitterness of coffee pairs beautifully with the marzipan.
Can You Make It at Home?
Short answer: yes. Long answer: Yes, but clear your afternoon.
Princess cake is a labor of love. You’ll need to bake sponge layers, chill pastry cream, whip cream to the right consistency, and then gently wrap the entire thing in marzipan without it tearing or getting sticky.
You also need to tint your marzipan that signature green, unless you’re okay with going rogue (which, hey, I respect).
Tips for DIY Princess Cake:
- Chill Everything: Cold layers are easier to work with.
- Use a Bowl to Shape the Dome: Build it upside down and flip.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Prevents sticky marzipan disasters.
- Don’t Stress the Perfection: Uneven marzipan? Call it rustic.
The Marzipan Divide
Let’s address the almond-flavored elephant in the room: marzipan. People either love it or side-eye it.
I was once a marzipan skeptic. It constantly felt just like the bizarre cousin of chocolate. But princess cake transformed me. The marzipan layer is skinny sufficient to enhance, now no longer overwhelm. It offers the cake structure, and a faint nuttiness that makes it greater than simply candy fluff.
Still not convinced? Try starting with a thinner layer or a bite-sized slice.
Why It’s Trending (Again)
Social media has given princess cake a second wind. It’s aesthetically pleasing—hello, pastel green dome—and oddly satisfying to cut into.
Plus, with the rise of Scandinavian minimalism, people are leaning into Nordic lifestyles, food included. Swedish fika culture (aka a cozy coffee-and-cake break) has been trending on TikTok. Naturally, princess cake is along for the ride.
Fun Twists on the Classic
Like any iconic dessert, there are riffs and spins. Here are a few I’ve seen or tried:
- Chocolate Princess Cake: Cocoa sponge, chocolate cream, and a darker marzipan.
- Rainbow Prinsesstårta: Multiple colored layers for Pride or just a party.
- Mini Versions: Think cupcake-sized domes.
- Vegan Princess Cake: Coconut cream and almond paste swap-ins.
Some might call it sacrilege. I call it creativity.
How to Impress at a Party with One
Bringing a princess cake to a potluck is an instant conversation starter. People will either think you’re super cultured or super fancy. Maybe both.
Here’s how to present it like a pro:
- Use a cake stand. Bonus points if it’s vintage.
- Slice dramatically. Don’t be shy.
- Mention the royal backstory. You’re the dessert historian now.
Pairings That Make It Even Better
You can totally enjoy it on its own, but here’s what elevates the experience:
- Coffee (obviously)
- Dry sparkling wine – Cuts the sweetness perfectly.
- Berries – Fresh tartness balances creamy layers.
- Quiet afternoon and a book – Optional, but highly recommended.
A Dessert with Personality
Princess cake isnt loud or flashy. Its now no longer screaming for interest with sprinkles or molten fillings. Instead, it`s subtly charming, sweet-but-now no longer-too-sweet, and weirdly comforting.
It`s just like the dessert equal of your buddy who attire in neutrals, reads poetry, and usually smells faintly of vanilla.
Final Verdict: Worth the Hype?
Absolutely. If you want cakes which can be soft, dreamy, a bit whimsical, and fairly nuanced—princess cake ought to be for your bucket list.
Whether youre tasting it in Sweden, looking it down in a area of expertise bakery, or giving it your pleasant DIY shot, its a deal with really well worth the effort.
And if nothing else, it makes you feel a bit royal, even if only for a bite.
FAQs
1. What does princess cake taste like? It’s creamy, lightly sweet, with hints of vanilla, almond, and sometimes raspberry.
2. Is princess cake overly sweet? Nope! It’s well-balanced. The marzipan adds sweetness but doesn’t overpower.
3. Can I find princess cake outside of Sweden? Yes, in Scandinavian bakeries and even IKEA cafés in many countries.
4. Is it hard to make princess cake at home? It’s a bit complex but doable with patience and a good recipe.
5. Why is it green? The green color is traditional and meant to be eye-catching—plus, it looks cool in photos.
