Marble cake, or “Marmorkuchen” as it’s called in Germany, is a classic dessert that features beautiful swirls of chocolate and vanilla batter, creating a delightful pattern when sliced. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual afternoon snack, a special celebration, or a tea-time treat. The rich cocoa in the chocolate batter perfectly complements the smooth vanilla, making each bite a delicious combination of both flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this marble cake because it’s light, airy, and simple to make, yet delivers a stunning visual effect with its swirled layers. The combination of cocoa and vanilla flavors provides the perfect contrast, giving the cake a unique taste that appeals to both chocolate and vanilla lovers. Its soft texture and moist crumb make it an irresistible treat that can be enjoyed plain or dusted with powdered sugar. Plus, it’s made with pantry staples, making it easy to prepare anytime you crave a homemade dessert.
Perfect Occasion
This marble cake is perfect for casual gatherings, family dinners, or as a sweet addition to your coffee or tea break. It’s also great for birthdays, brunches, or holiday celebrations where you want to serve something classic but with a touch of elegance. Its long shelf life makes it ideal for preparing in advance, so you can enjoy it over several days or pack it as a snack for work or school.
Decoration Tips
For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the cake with powdered sugar after it cools. You can also drizzle a chocolate glaze or melted white chocolate over the top for added sweetness and visual appeal. If you’re serving the cake for a special occasion, garnish it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for a festive look.
Ingredients:
For the Batter:
- 3 large eggs
- 220g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- A pinch of salt
- 200ml oil (neutral, like sunflower or vegetable oil)
- 200ml milk
- 2 packets baking powder (about 16g)
- 450g all-purpose flour
For the Chocolate Batter:
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon sweetened cocoa powder (such as drinking cocoa)
- 50ml milk
Instructions:
- Prepare the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes light and frothy. Gradually add the oil and milk while continuing to mix. - Add the Dry Ingredients:
Sift the flour and baking powder into the egg mixture and gently fold until all the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain its light texture. - Divide the Batter:
Split the batter in half, placing one portion aside. In the other half, mix in the unsweetened cocoa powder, drinking cocoa, and 50ml of milk to create the chocolate batter. - Layer the Batter:
Grease and flour a bundt pan or a cake tin of your choice. Pour alternating layers of vanilla and chocolate batter into the pan. You can either spoon the batters in or pour them for a more fluid layering. Once the batter is in, use a wooden skewer or knife to swirl through the layers, creating the marble effect. - Bake the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) with top and bottom heat (Ober/Unterhitze). Bake the cake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check the cake around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking. - Cool and Decorate:
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust the cake with powdered sugar for a simple finish, or add your favorite glaze for extra flavor.
Enjoy your classic, homemade marble cake!
