Classic Moist Marble Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Moist – The balanced ratio of butter, sugar, and milk ensures a soft and tender texture.
• Rich Vanilla & Chocolate Flavors – Enjoy the best of both worlds in every bite.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and steps make this an accessible recipe for any baker.
• Beautiful Swirl Design – The marbled effect creates a stunning visual appeal.
• Versatile – Serve it plain, with powdered sugar, or drizzled with ganache.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake Batter:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

For the Chocolate Swirl:

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup hot water

Directions

Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Prepare the Chocolate Swirl

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and hot water until smooth.
2. Take 1 cup of the vanilla batter and mix it with the cocoa mixture to create the chocolate batter.

Create the Marble Effect

1. Spoon half of the vanilla batter into the prepared pan.
2. Add dollops of the chocolate batter on top, followed by the remaining vanilla batter.
3. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake the Cake

1. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Marble Pound Cake – Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for a finer texture.
• Extra Chocolatey – Add chocolate chips to the chocolate batter for a richer taste.
• Citrus Twist – Add orange zest to the vanilla batter for a hint of citrus.
• Nutty Addition – Fold in chopped walnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture.
• Gluten-Free – Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week. Wrap in plastic wrap to retain moisture.
• Freezer: Freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back moisture.

FAQs

How do I get a perfect marble swirl?

Use a butter knife to swirl the batters together gently. Avoid overmixing to keep the distinct patterns.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Butter adds richness, but you can use 3/4 cup of vegetable oil instead for a lighter texture.

Why is my marble cake dry?

Overbaking or adding too much flour can dry out the cake. Be sure to measure correctly and check for doneness early.

Can I make this cake in a bundt pan?

Yes, but adjust the baking time to around 55–65 minutes.

What frosting pairs well with marble cake?

Chocolate ganache, vanilla buttercream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar work well.

Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa powder?

Yes, but reduce the baking powder slightly since Dutch-processed cocoa is less acidic.

How do I make this cake dairy-free?

Substitute butter with vegan butter and use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk.

Can I add coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor?

Yes, replace the hot water with brewed coffee for a deeper chocolate taste.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease and flour the pan well or line it with parchment paper.

Can I make cupcakes with this batter?

Yes! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.

Conclusion

This Classic Moist Marble Cake is a delightful blend of chocolate and vanilla flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether served plain or with a decadent topping, it’s sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a homemade treat with a beautiful swirl effect!

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