Why choose between chocolate and vanilla when you can have both in the same delicious bite? That’s the magic of marble cake—a stunning swirl of light vanilla and rich chocolate, baked together into one show-stopping dessert. It’s the perfect cake for when you can’t decide, and it looks so impressive when sliced that no one will guess how simple it really is to make.
What Makes Marble Cake Special
Marble cake combines two batters into one: classic vanilla and chocolate. The fun part is swirling them together before baking, creating a striking marbled pattern inside. Every slice is different, and the balance of flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a classic marble cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup hot water
Tip: The hot water helps “bloom” the cocoa powder, bringing out a deeper chocolate flavor.
Step 1: Make the Vanilla Batter
Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with milk. The result is a smooth, creamy vanilla batter.
Step 2: Create the Chocolate Batter
Take about ⅓ of the vanilla batter and transfer it to a separate bowl. Stir in the cocoa powder mixed with hot water until fully combined. Now you have two batters—one vanilla, one chocolate.
Step 3: Layer and Swirl
Grease and line a loaf pan or bundt pan. Add alternating spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter until both are used up.
Using a butter knife, gently swirl the batters together in an “S” motion. Don’t over-swirl—you want clear patterns, not blended batter.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes, depending on your pan. The cake should be golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean (with just a few moist crumbs).
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once cooled, slice into thick pieces to reveal the gorgeous swirls inside. Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a drizzle of chocolate glaze for extra indulgence.
Extra Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature ingredients for the fluffiest texture.
- Don’t over-swirl—less mixing makes for more dramatic patterns.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, add a handful of chocolate chips to the chocolate batter.
- Store the cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices for later.
Final Thoughts
Marble cake is the best of both worlds—rich chocolate, classic vanilla, and a swirl of fun in every slice. It’s as impressive on the table as it is comforting with a cup of coffee or tea.
👉 Save this recipe so you can bake a beautiful, swirled marble cake whenever the craving for chocolate and vanilla strikes!
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