Description
Classic Marble Cake featuring moist vanilla and chocolate swirls, perfectly balanced and baked to golden perfection. This timeless loaf cake combines a buttery base with rich cocoa for a visually stunning and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
Chocolate Batter
- 1/4 cup (30g) cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp hot water
Instructions
- Prepare Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf or bundt pan to prepare for baking. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, using a mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor into the batter.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Alternately add the sifted dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Make Chocolate Batter: Divide the batter into two equal parts. In one portion, thoroughly mix the cocoa powder with hot water until smooth, then fold this chocolate mixture into one half of the batter to create a rich chocolate component.
- Create Marble Effect: Spoon alternating portions of vanilla and chocolate batter into the prepared pan. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl through the batter to create the distinctive marbled pattern without over-mixing.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not over-mix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
- The swirling technique is key to a beautiful marble effect; use a light hand to avoid blending the batters too much.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For enhanced flavor, use good-quality cocoa powder and pure vanilla extract.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Keywords: marble cake, vanilla chocolate swirl cake, buttery loaf cake, classic marble cake recipe
