Marble Cake

Marble Cake is a classic dessert that beautifully swirls together rich chocolate and vanilla batters into a moist, tender cake. It’s visually stunning and deliciously balanced, offering the best of both flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Marble Cake recipe gives you the joy of two cakes in one. It’s easy to prepare, looks impressive with its gorgeous swirls, and delivers a soft, buttery crumb. Perfect for celebrations, afternoon tea, or whenever you can’t choose between chocolate and vanilla.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk
• Cocoa powder
• Hot water

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or bundt pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
6. Divide the batter into two bowls. Stir the cocoa powder and hot water mixture into one bowl to create the chocolate batter.
7. Drop alternating spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter into the prepared pan.
8. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together for a marbled effect.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10-12 slices. Preparation takes approximately 20 minutes, baking requires around 50-60 minutes, and cooling takes an additional 20-30 minutes. Total time is about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Addition: Stir mini chocolate chips into the chocolate batter for extra texture.
• Citrus Twist: Add orange zest to the vanilla batter for a fresh, zesty flavor.
• Mocha Marble: Use coffee instead of water to dissolve the cocoa powder for a mocha flavor.
• Nutty Version: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

Store Marble Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature. If you prefer the cake warm, microwave individual slices for about 10 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?

Yes, buttermilk will make the cake even more tender and flavorful.

How do I get perfect swirls in marble cake?

Use a skewer or butter knife and gently swirl the batters together without over-mixing.

What type of cocoa powder should I use?

Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best balance of flavor.

Can I bake this cake in a bundt pan?

Yes, a bundt pan works beautifully and gives the cake a decorative shape.

Why is my marble cake dry?

Overbaking can cause dryness; check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overcooking.

Can I make cupcakes with this batter?

Yes, you can divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes.

How should I freeze marble cake?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, and thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Butter is preferred for flavor, but you can substitute with oil for a slightly different texture.

What can I serve with marble cake?

It’s perfect with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Can I add other flavors to the batters?

Absolutely, almond extract in the vanilla batter or espresso powder in the chocolate batter are great additions.

Conclusion

Marble Cake is the perfect dessert for those who want the best of both chocolate and vanilla worlds. Easy to make and stunning to serve, it’s a timeless favorite for family gatherings, birthdays, or an everyday treat. Make it once, and it’ll surely become a regular in your baking rotation.

Print