Description
This delicious marble cake features a beautiful swirl of vanilla and chocolate flavors, creating a moist and tender texture perfect for any occasion. With a simple preparation and classic ingredients, this cake is an irresistible treat that’s easy to bake and decorate with an optional smooth glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (divided)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for chocolate mixture)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (plus 1 teaspoon for glaze)
- 1 cup whole milk (plus 1/4 cup milk for chocolate mixture)
- 1/4 cup hot water
Optional Icing
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the 1 cup of milk. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix to preserve cake tenderness.
- Make the Chocolate Swirl: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder with hot water and 1 tablespoon sugar until smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the Marble Effect: Divide the batter evenly into two bowls. Stir the chocolate mixture into one half of the batter, leaving the other half plain vanilla. Alternately spoon the vanilla and chocolate batters into the prepared pan, then gently swirl with a knife or skewer to create a marbled pattern.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Icing (Optional): Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to make a glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake before serving to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- The optional glaze adds extra sweetness but can be omitted for a less sweet cake.
- You can substitute whole milk with any milk alternative if desired.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent melting the icing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
