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!
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