HOW TO PREPARE PRINSESSTARTA.

Prinsesstårta, or Princess Cake, is a traditional Swedish dessert that consists of layers of sponge cake, pastry cream, whipped cream, and a layer of marzipan. It’s typically topped with a marzipan dome and often decorated with a pink marzipan rose. Here’s how you can prepare Prinsesstårta at home:

Ingredients:

For the Sponge Cake:

4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pastry Cream:

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Whipped Cream:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly and Decoration:

200g marzipan
Green food coloring (optional)
Seedless raspberry or strawberry jam
Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

Prepare the Sponge Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder. Gradually fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract, until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Pastry Cream:

In a saucepan, heat the milk until just simmering.
In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth and pale yellow.
Gradually whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture to temper the eggs.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate until chilled.

Prepare the Whipped Cream:

In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Prinsesstårta:

Slice the cooled sponge cake horizontally into three even layers.
Place one layer of cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thin layer of raspberry or strawberry jam over the cake layer.
Spread a thick layer of pastry cream over the jam, followed by a layer of whipped cream.
Repeat with the second layer of cake, jam, pastry cream, and whipped cream.
Place the third layer of cake on top, pressing gently.

Cover with Marzipan:

Knead the marzipan until smooth. Roll it out on a surface dusted with powdered sugar into a circle large enough to cover the cake and drape down the sides.
Carefully lift the marzipan and drape it over the cake. Smooth the marzipan around the cake, pressing gently to adhere.
Trim any excess marzipan from the bottom of the cake.

Decorate the Prinsesstårta:

If desired, tint a small portion of marzipan with green food coloring and shape it into leaves.
Shape the remaining marzipan into a dome or use a round cookie cutter to create a round shape for the top of the cake.
Dust the cake with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Optionally, decorate with a marzipan rose or other decorations made from marzipan.

Chill and Serve:

Refrigerate the Prinsesstårta for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the cake to set.
Slice and serve this delightful Swedish Princess Cake!

Tips:

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sponge cake, pastry cream, and whipped cream ahead of time. Assemble the cake and cover with marzipan a few hours before serving.
Storage: Store any leftover Prinsesstårta in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 2-3 days.

Prinsesstårta is a beautiful and delicious dessert that’s perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or whenever you want to enjoy a taste of Swedish culinary tradition. Enjoy making and savoring this delightful treat!