This marble cake is a classic dessert that beautifully blends the indulgent flavors of vanilla and chocolate in a stunning, swirling design. With its soft, tender crumb and the rich interplay of light and dark batters, this cake is a wonderful balance of flavor and texture. The simple yet impressive pattern makes it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or served as a showstopper dessert, this marble cake is bound to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This marble cake is the perfect fusion of two beloved flavors—vanilla and chocolate. The buttery vanilla batter is light and fluffy, while the chocolate portion, enriched with cocoa powder and melted dark chocolate, provides a deep, rich contrast. The best part is the striking marbled effect, which makes every slice unique. This cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that’s ideal for any occasion. The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal preparation, but the result is a moist, flavorful cake that everyone will love.
The Perfect Occasion
This marble cake is ideal for celebrations, casual get-togethers, or even as an everyday treat. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, tea time with friends, or a family gathering, this cake will be a guaranteed hit. Its classic flavors are universally appealing, and its elegant appearance makes it suitable for everything from informal coffee breaks to special occasions. If you're looking for a versatile cake that is both delicious and visually appealing, this marble cake fits the bill perfectly.
Decoration Tips
For a simple yet elegant finish, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar. This creates a delicate, frosted look that adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the cake’s classic appeal. If you want to elevate the presentation, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top for a glossy finish, or adding some fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries on the side for a pop of color. You can also garnish with chocolate curls or a light sprinkle of cocoa powder to emphasize the chocolate elements of the cake.
Ingredients
- 150 g soft butter
- 150 g sugar
- 3 eggs (medium size)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200 g flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 100 ml milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp milk (for the chocolate batter)
- 50 g dark chocolate, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pan and Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), using top and bottom heat settings. Grease a 19 cm diameter cake pan with butter, dust it with flour, or line the bottom and sides with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the soft butter with the sugar and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating each egg into the mixture for about 30 seconds before adding the next.
Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the 100 ml of milk. Mix until a smooth batter forms.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Batter
Set aside two-thirds of the batter in a separate bowl for the vanilla portion. To the remaining third of the batter, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of milk, and the melted dark chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is fully incorporated, creating a rich, chocolatey batter.
Step 5: Layer the Batters
Start by spreading a layer of the vanilla batter in the bottom of the prepared cake pan. Follow this with a layer of the chocolate batter. Continue alternating between the vanilla and chocolate batters until both are used up, ending with a final layer of vanilla batter on top.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Place the cake on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. To check if the cake is done, insert a wooden skewer into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it’s still wet, give it another few minutes in the oven.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. After that, carefully remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once the cake has fully cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a classic and elegant finish. Alternatively, you can drizzle it with melted chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
Enjoy!
This delightful marble cake, with its perfect combination of vanilla and chocolate, is a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and stunning. Its soft, buttery texture and rich flavor make it the perfect treat for any occasion. Serve a slice and enjoy every bite!