Chocolate Vanilla Marble Cake
A classic, visually stunning cake that perfectly balances rich cocoa swirls with a tender, buttery vanilla crumb.
Ingredients
- •1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (190g)
- •1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- •1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (115g)
- •2 large eggs, room temperature
- •1/2 cup whole milk (120ml)
- •1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- •1/4 teaspoon salt
- •3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- •1 tablespoon warm water
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 3
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract.
- 4
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- 5
Remove one-third of the batter and place it in a separate small bowl. Stir in the cocoa powder and warm water until smooth.
- 6
Spoon half of the vanilla batter into the prepared loaf pan, then dollop half of the chocolate batter on top. Repeat with the remaining batters.
- 7
Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together in a figure-eight motion to create a marble effect; do not over-mix.
- 8
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 9
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
💡 Chef tips
- Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature to prevent the batter from curdling.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a high-quality plant-based butter stick and the milk with soy or almond milk.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices wrapped in plastic for up to a month.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished cake should have a golden-brown crust with a moist, tender crumb that reveals beautiful, distinct swirls of dark chocolate and aromatic vanilla when sliced.