When you think of a cake that’s not only visually stunning but also deliciously layered, the Princess Cake, or Swedish Prinsesstårta, definitely comes to mind. You’ll appreciate the balance of flavors from the light sponge, sweet raspberry jam, and fluffy whipped cream, all enveloped in a smooth marzipan coating. Understanding the intricacies of assembling this cake can elevate your baking skills, but there are specific techniques you’ll want to master to achieve that perfect finish. Curious about what those might be?
Ingredients
To make a delicious Princess Cake, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Start with the sponge cake, which is the base of this delightful dessert. You’ll want about four eggs, 100 grams of sugar, and 100 grams of flour. Don’t forget the baking powder—just a teaspoon will do—to give your cake that perfect rise.
Next, you’ll need some raspberry jam, about 200 grams. This adds a sweet and tangy layer that pairs beautifully with the cream.
For the frosting, grab 500 milliliters of heavy cream and a tablespoon of powdered sugar; this will create a luscious whipped topping.
Finally, for that iconic green marzipan layer, you’ll need 250 grams of marzipan, plus a drop or two of green food coloring. This gives your cake its signature look. You might also want to have a bit of icing sugar on hand for dusting.
Gathering these ingredients will set you up for success. The combination of flavors and textures is what makes the Princess Cake a beloved treat.
Now that you’ve got everything ready, you’ll be well on your way to creating this stunning dessert!
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake cools, prepare the pastry cream. In a saucepan, heat the milk until it’s steaming but not boiling.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale. Gradually stir in the hot milk, then return the mixture to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Remove from heat, add vanilla extract, and let it cool.
When the cake is cool, slice it into three layers. Fill each layer with pastry cream and whipped cream, stacking them carefully to create your Princess Cake.
Notes
When making your Princess Cake, keep in mind a few important notes to ensure the best results. First, use high-quality ingredients. Fresh eggs, real butter, and good-quality marzipan make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. Don’t skimp on the vanilla extract; it elevates the cake’s taste significantly.
Next, the cake layers should be allowed to cool completely before assembling. If they’re still warm, they can become soggy and affect the overall structure.
When it comes to whipping the cream, remember to chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand. This helps the cream whip up faster and achieve the right consistency.
Also, consider the marzipan’s thickness. Aim for about 1/8 inch; too thick can make the cake overly sweet and difficult to cut.
When you’re ready to decorate, use a light dusting of powdered sugar on your work surface to prevent sticking.
Lastly, let the assembled cake sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your baking adventure, and don’t forget to savor each slice!
Conclusion
Enjoy your homemade Princess Cake, a true celebration of flavors and textures! With its light sponge, sweet raspberry jam, and creamy filling, all wrapped in delightful marzipan, this cake is bound to impress at any gathering. Don’t forget to dust it with icing sugar for that perfect finishing touch. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a special treat, you’ve created a stunning dessert that’s sure to delight everyone. Happy baking!
