Princess cake
In its own language: Prinsesstårta
Swedish layer cake wrapped in green marzipan and topped with a marzipan rose
Princess cake is a Swedish dessert made from layers of sponge cake, pastry cream, whipped cream, and jam, all enclosed in a smooth green marzipan shell. It is often finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a pink marzipan rose, and is enjoyed on special occasions as well as in everyday life.
- Covered in green marzipan and topped with a pink marzipan rose
- Created by Jenny Åkerström for Swedish princesses
- First appeared in a 1948 Swedish cookbook
- Modern versions often include raspberry jam
What is Princess cake?
Princess cake is a Swedish confection built from several layers of light sponge cake, creamy custard, and fluffy whipped cream. These are stacked and then enveloped in a sheet of marzipan, which is usually dyed a pale green. The cake is rounded on top, giving it a dome-like shape. A dusting of powdered sugar and a small pink marzipan rose are typical decorations. Modern versions often add raspberry jam or fresh raspberries between the layers, bringing a touch of tartness to the sweet and creamy flavors.
Where does Princess cake come from?
The cake first appeared in a Swedish cookbook published in 1948 by Jenny Åkerström, who taught the daughters of Prince Carl. It was originally called 'green cake' because of its distinctive color. The name changed to 'princess cake' after the three princesses—Margaretha, Märtha, and Astrid—were said to have been especially fond of it. Over time, the cake became a classic treat in Sweden, associated with celebrations and admired for its elegant appearance.
How is Princess cake made?
To make a princess cake, bakers start by preparing thin rounds of sponge cake. These are layered with rich custard and a generous amount of whipped cream. Some versions include a layer of raspberry jam or fresh raspberries. The assembled cake is then shaped into a dome and covered with a thin, even layer of marzipan, which is usually tinted green. A dusting of powdered sugar and a decorative marzipan rose are added on top before serving.
How and when is Princess cake eaten?
Princess cake is enjoyed throughout Sweden at birthdays, parties, and other gatherings, but it is also found in cafés and bakeries for everyday enjoyment. It is sliced into wedges and served as a dessert or with coffee. The cake’s soft texture and balance of sweet marzipan, cream, and tart berries make it a popular choice for both festive occasions and casual treats.
Kinds of Princess cake
While the earliest versions of princess cake did not include fruit, many modern recipes add a layer of raspberry jam or fresh raspberries for extra flavor. The marzipan covering is most often green, but some bakers use different colors for special events. The cake may also appear in smaller, individual portions called 'prinsessbakelse.'
What Princess cake means
Princess cake is closely tied to Swedish culture and is a familiar sight at celebrations and in pastry shops. Its association with royalty and its elegant look have made it a symbol of Swedish baking. The cake’s distinctive green marzipan and pink rose are instantly recognizable, and it is often chosen for birthdays and festive occasions.
Questions people ask about Princess cake
What is princess cake made of?
Princess cake is built from layers of sponge cake, custard, whipped cream, and often raspberry jam, all covered in green marzipan and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and a marzipan rose.
Where does princess cake come from?
Princess cake comes from Sweden and was first published in a cookbook in 1948 by Jenny Åkerström, who taught the daughters of Prince Carl.
Why is the marzipan green?
The marzipan is colored green to give the cake its signature look. The original name was 'green cake' before it became associated with Swedish princesses.
Does princess cake always have fruit?
The earliest recipes did not include fruit, but many modern versions add raspberry jam or fresh raspberries between the layers.
Is princess cake vegetarian?
Yes, princess cake is vegetarian as it contains no meat or fish, but it does include dairy and eggs.
Good reading and sources
- Princess cake on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Princess cake", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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