Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Tender: The addition of sour cream ensures a soft and moist texture in every bite.
- Visually Appealing: The marbled pattern creates a stunning presentation without any extra decoration needed.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, or pair it with buttercream frosting, peanut butter, or almond butter for added indulgence.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible even for novice bakers.
Ingredients
- 175g unsalted butter, softened
- 175g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 200g all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 120g sour cream
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a 2-pound loaf tin with butter or line it with baking parchment.
- Make the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Create the Chocolate Batter:
- Transfer 2 cups of the batter into a small bowl.
- Add the cocoa powder and light brown sugar to this portion, mixing until the chocolate batter is smooth and uniform.
- Assemble the Loaf:
- Alternate spoonfuls of the vanilla and chocolate batters into the prepared loaf tin, creating a layered effect.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl through the batters, creating the marble effect.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 10 slices
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour and 15 minutes
Variations
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one orange to the vanilla batter for a refreshing citrus note.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Nutty Flavor: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm, heat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
What is the best way to create the marble effect?
To achieve a beautiful marble pattern, alternate spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batters in the loaf tin. Then, use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the batters together. Avoid over-mixing to maintain distinct swirls.
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, you can substitute sour cream with plain full-fat Greek yogurt in equal amounts. This will maintain the moist and tender texture of the cake.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it, the cake is done. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking and check again after a few minutes.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the cake’s structure.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar content?
You can reduce the sugar by up to 25% without significantly affecting the texture. However, reducing too much may alter the cake’s moisture and flavor balance.
Can I add frosting to this loaf?
While the cake is delicious on its own, you can top it with a simple glaze, buttercream frosting, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for added sweetness and decoration.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I bake this recipe in a different pan?
Yes, you can use a bundt pan or round cake pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as different pans may affect the cooking duration.
What type of cocoa powder is best for this recipe?
Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor. High-quality cocoa powder will yield the best taste.
Can I add other flavors to the batter?
Absolutely! Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or extracts such as almond or coffee, to enhance the flavor profile of your marble loaf.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Marble Loaf is a delightful treat that combines the classic flavors of vanilla and chocolate in a moist, tender cake
Chocolate Marble Loaf
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of rich chocolate and vanilla flavors with this moist and visually stunning Chocolate Marble Loaf. This versatile treat is ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert, and it’s simple enough for novice bakers to master.
Ingredients
- 175g unsalted butter, softened
- 175g caster sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 200g all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 120g sour cream
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
Instructions
. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a 2-pound loaf tin or line it with baking parchment.
2. Make the Batter:
- Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just combined.
3. Create the Chocolate Batter:
- Separate 2 cups of batter into a small bowl. Mix in cocoa powder and light brown sugar until smooth.
4. Assemble the Loaf:
- Alternate spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batters into the loaf tin. Swirl with a toothpick or skewer to create a marble effect.
5. Bake:
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For a citrusy twist, add orange zest to the vanilla batter.
- Enhance the chocolate flavor by folding in chocolate chips or using Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- This loaf pairs perfectly with butter, cream cheese, or a simple glaze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
