Indulge in this Exquisite Marble Cake, a classic treat redefined with its beautiful swirls of vanilla and chocolate, making each slice a delightful surprise. Complemented by a rich chocolate glaze and a sprinkle of crunchy hazelnuts, this cake is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. Each component of this cake harmonizes beautifully, providing layers of texture and flavor that are sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This:
- Elegant Marble Effect: The meticulous layering of vanilla and chocolate batters creates stunning marble patterns that are unique to each slice.
- Decadent Chocolate Glaze: The smooth and shiny glaze not only enhances the cake's appearance but also adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- Crunchy Hazelnut Topping: The addition of hazelnuts offers a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft, moist crumb of the cake.
Perfect Occasion: This marble cake is ideal for celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, or any festive gathering. It also makes for an elegant dessert at dinner parties or a special treat to enjoy with afternoon tea.
Decoration Tips:
- Dust with Cocoa Powder: For an extra touch of elegance, lightly dust the top of the glazed cake with cocoa powder.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: Accompany each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added luxury.
- Garnish with Gold Leaf: For a truly spectacular presentation, garnish the cake with edible gold leaf after glazing.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 250g butter
- 200g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 4 eggs
- 300g flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 4 tbsp milk
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- Additional 3 tbsp milk for chocolate batter
- For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 200ml heavy cream
- 120g dark chocolate
- 250g chocolate for melting
- A bit of vegetable oil for thinning the glaze
- For Topping:
- Hazelnuts, chopped
Preparation Steps:
- Prepare the Cake:
- Cream together butter, sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add eggs, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift together flour and baking powder and alternately add to the batter with milk, starting and ending with flour.
- Divide the batter into two parts. Mix cocoa powder with 3 tablespoons of milk and blend into one part of the batter.
- In a greased and floured loaf pan, alternate spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter. Use a skewer to swirl the batters together for a marbled effect.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (347°F) for about 60 minutes.
- Make the Chocolate Glaze:
- Heat cream in a saucepan and add chocolate, allowing it to melt. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Chill for 5-6 hours or overnight. Once set, whip until creamy and apply to the cooled cake.
- Final Touches:
- Melt additional 250g of chocolate with a bit of oil to achieve a pourable consistency. Ensure the chocolate is not too hot.
- Pour over the cake, creating a smooth, shiny finish.
- Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over the glaze before it sets.
- Chill the cake for at least an hour to set the glaze.
Enjoy this beautifully crafted Marble Cake, where the classic charm of vanilla and chocolate comes together with luxurious chocolate glaze and crunchy hazelnuts to create a dessert that’s both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying.