Before the princess cake took over Instagram, it was already a beloved treat in San Francisco. This story begins with Angel Davis, the owner of Millay wine bar in Mission Dolores, who was enjoying a riesling on the deck of a Lake Tahoe cabin with industry friends. The celebration included a Swedish princess cake from Schubert's Bakery, a local favorite. However, the cake didn't last long as a black bear strolled in and devoured it, leaving no crumbs behind. This incident highlights the cake's allure, as it has since become a viral sensation. But how did this trend start? The answer lies in the history of Schubert's Bakery, which has been crafting European cakes for over a century. The princess cake, with its fluffy white sponge, raspberry filling, and Lubeck marzipan, has been a staple for birthdays and weddings. The current owners, the Wenzel brothers, have seen a surge in demand, selling up to 200 whole cakes and 250 slices weekly. The bakery's classic version is a tribute to the traditional Swedish recipe, beloved by Princesses Margaretha, Martha, and Astrid. What makes the princess cake so appealing? It's the perfect balance of lightness and tartness, with the whipped cream absorbing the almond flavor of the marzipan and the raspberry filling. But the trend didn't start in Sweden; it began in San Francisco. Hannah Ziskin, at Quarter Sheets, is credited with popularizing the cake in the past five years. Her new-school version adds a savory edge with Californian olive oil and mascarpone, creating a colorful log cake. The trend has since spread to other cities, with pop-ups like Cuivre offering their own interpretations. However, Schubert's remains the go-to choice for many San Franciscans, with Davis eating one on her birthday every year and receiving 15 additional cakes as gifts. The princess cake's popularity is not just about its taste; it's about the experience it offers. The act of draping marzipan and twirling the cake is a ritual, a moment of joy and celebration. So, the next time you see a princess cake on Instagram, remember that it's not just a trend; it's a piece of history, a moment of joy, and a testament to the power of food to bring people together.
