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Easy Marble Cake Recipe with Chocolate Swirls

Classic chocolate vanilla cake · Dessert, snack, or celebration bake · Moist, swirled, simple, and beautiful
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: European-Inspired
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cake Batter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Spoon and level the flour for the best texture.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • Helps the cake rise evenly.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Balances the sweetness.
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • Gives the cake rich flavor and a tender crumb.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • Sweetens the batter and helps create a soft texture.
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • Room-temperature eggs mix more smoothly into the batter.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Use good vanilla for the best flavor.
  • 3/4 cup whole milk room temperature
  • Keeps the cake moist and smooth.
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
  • Adds tenderness and helps prevent dryness.
  • For the Chocolate Swirl
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Sift it first to prevent lumps.
  • 2 tablespoons hot water or warm milk
  • Helps the cocoa blend smoothly into the batter.
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • Softens the cocoa flavor.
  • Optional Finish
  • Powdered sugar
  • Chocolate glaze
  • Vanilla glaze
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream

Method
 

  1. Prepare the pan
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, 9-inch round cake pan, or small Bundt pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper if using a loaf or round pan.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  5. Cream the butter and sugar
  6. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  7. Add the eggs and vanilla
  8. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla and mix until smooth.
  9. Add the milk and dry ingredients
  10. Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Mix on low speed just until combined. Fold in the sour cream or yogurt.
  11. Make the chocolate batter
  12. In a small bowl, stir the cocoa powder, hot water or warm milk, and sugar until smooth. Scoop about 1 cup of the vanilla batter into the cocoa mixture and stir until evenly chocolatey.
  13. Layer the batters
  14. Spoon alternating dollops of vanilla batter and chocolate batter into the prepared pan. Repeat until all the batter is used.
  15. Create the marble swirl
  16. Run a butter knife or skewer through the batter in a few gentle figure-eight motions. Do not over-swirl, or the colors will blend together too much.
  17. Bake the cake
  18. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the pan, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  19. Cool before slicing
  20. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing or glazing.