• Creating a Princess Cake takes time and patience, but the end result is stunning. Follow these steps carefully to achieve the perfect cake.

Baking the Cake Layers

• A soft and fluffy sponge cake is the foundation of a great Princess Cake.
• Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two round cake pans with parchment paper.
• Whisk Eggs and Sugar – In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until the mixture turns pale and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
• Sift Dry Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gently fold this into the egg mixture using a spatula.
• Add Butter and Vanilla – Carefully pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, folding everything together until smooth.
• Bake the Cake – Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool Completely – Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before assembling.

Preparing the Pastry Cream (Custard Filling)

• This creamy filling adds a rich and delicious layer to the cake.
• Heat the Milk – In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until it starts to steam. Do not let it boil.
• Mix Sugar, Cornstarch, and Egg Yolks – In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth.
• Temper the Eggs – Slowly pour about ½ cup of warm milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
• Cook the Custard – Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens (about 5 minutes).
• Add Vanilla and Butter – Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
• Cool Completely – Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it against the custard to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate until chilled.

Whipping the Cream

• Fluffy whipped cream makes the cake light and airy.
• Chill Your Tools – Place a mixing bowl and whisk in the fridge for 15 minutes before starting.
• Whip the Cream – Pour the cold heavy cream into the bowl and beat on medium speed until it starts to thicken.
• Add Sugar and Vanilla – Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue beating until stiff peaks form.
• Store in the Fridge – Keep whipped cream refrigerated until ready to use.

Assembling the Cake

• Now it’s time to put everything together!

Steps for Layering:

• Slice the Cake Layers – If your cakes have domed tops, level them with a serrated knife. Then, carefully slice each cake layer in half horizontally, creating 3-4 thin layers.
• Spread Raspberry Jam – Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam on top.
• Add Pastry Cream – Spoon a generous amount of pastry cream over the jam and spread evenly.
• Repeat the Layers – Place another cake layer on top and repeat the process with more jam and pastry cream.
• Shape the Cake – Place the final cake layer on top. Use a spatula to spread a thick layer of whipped cream over the entire cake, shaping it into a dome.
• Chill the Cake – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the layers set.

Covering with Marzipan or Fondant

• The smooth marzipan or fondant layer gives the cake its signature look.
• Color the Marzipan – Knead a few drops of green food coloring into the marzipan until the color is evenly distributed.
• Roll it Out – Dust a clean surface with powdered sugar. Roll the marzipan into a large, thin circle (about ¼-inch thick).
• Cover the Cake – Carefully lift the marzipan and drape it over the cake. Gently press it down to smooth out any wrinkles.
• Trim the Edges – Use a sharp knife to cut off any excess marzipan around the bottom.
• For a Disney Princess Cake, you can use colored fondant instead of marzipan to match different princess themes.

Final Decoration

• Now, it’s time to add the finishing touches!

For a Swedish Princess Cake:

• Marzipan Rose – Roll pink marzipan into a small rose and place it on top.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting – Lightly dust the cake with powdered sugar for a classic look.

For a Disney Princess Cake:

• Princess Cake Toppers – Place small plastic or edible princess figurines on the cake.
• Edible Glitter & Pearls – Add sparkles for a magical effect.
• Buttercream Piping – Use colored frosting to decorate the edges or create a princess dress design.

Let the Cake Set & Serve

• Chill the Cake – Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the layers firm up.
• Slice and enjoy – Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices and serve!

Now you’re ready to enjoy a Perfect Princess Birthday Cake!