The Swedish Princess Cake: One of the World's Most Popular Cakes

Sweden, despite its reputation as a country that takes exercise, healthy living and healthy eating to extreme lengths, is also a country that loves its cakes and pastries. In fact, one of the most common occurrences in Swedish workplaces is a coffee break, called a fika. It is a time for Swedes to take a break from their day to grab a hot drink and a sweet treat, before having a conversation and sharing in a sense of calmness. Swedes pair their coffee with a variety of delicious desserts, ranging from a sticky chocolate cake called kladdkaka to cinnamon buns to strawberry-filled biscuits.
Sweden’s greatest cake?
One cake, though, which has been enjoyed by everyone including the Swedish royal family for 70 years, stands above the rest. In fact, it received its name from the fact it was so beloved by the royals. Princess Cake has stood the test of time; it is a true Swedish classic.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.The first time you see this little slice of heaven, it can be easy to wonder both what is in it and why it is so loved by Swedes. First, it is quite an odd colour. It is usually a bright, Kermit-the-Frog green on the outside, which is not normally a colour associated with cake.

It also is often served in thick slices, which can make it seem a little overwhelming. However, when you first bite into it, any worries are dispelled and you realise why there is always a fika time rush to grab a slice.
It is a layered sponge cake, with alternating layers of sponge and pastry cream, with one thick top layer made from whipped cream. It is then covered with a layer of green marzipan with powdered sugar on top. The lovely sponge combines perfectly with the cream and the marzipan gives it a bit of bite. It is truly a delicious cake.
Where did it come from?
The origin of this green delight is with a creative and talented woman called Jenny Akerstrom and a cookbook that was published in 1948. Akerstrom was a renowned and popular home economics teacher, who was so well thought of that she was employed by Prince Carl of Sweden whose brother, Gustav V, was King of Sweden.

She taught Carl’s three daughters, the princesses, a myriad of skills related to cooking and other domestic tasks, alongside experimenting with new recipes. Her relationship with the princesses was clearly close, as when she released her first cookbook, The Princess Cookbook: Home Cooking and Holiday Food, they agreed to have their pictures on the cover.
The first edition of this legendary cookbook was released back in 1929 and it was so popular that it was re-released eight different times, with tweaks and small additions to each different edition of the book. The excellent blog Semiswede did a deep dive into these cookbooks and found that it wasn’t until an edition in 1948 that a recipe for something called ‘Green Cake’ appeared.
The Swedish home baking council also confirmed that ‘Green Cake’ is what became Princess Cake, and it seems that this is the best and most reliable story for how Princess Cake was created. As the three princesses adored it, the cake was named after them.

Its popularity is undoubted
Many Swedes share their love for it, and around 500,000 are sold in Sweden every single year. A whole week in September is devoted to the cake and for every cake sold, 10 SEK is given to a charity run by Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria, who aims to tackle social isolation and health issues.
It really is an iconic dish within Swedish food. The majority of Swedish towns have a patisserie called a konditori and they all serve this delightful cake.

It is well worth getting your hands on some in Sweden and having your very own fika.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.