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Delicious marble cake with chocolate and vanilla swirls

Marble Cake

A delightful blend of rich chocolate and buttery vanilla flavors with a stunning marbled effect, perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dry ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Forms the base of the cake.
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder Helps the cake rise.
  • ½ teaspoon salt Enhances flavors.

Wet ingredients

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened Brings richness and moisture.
  • 2 cups granulated sugar Sweetens the cake.
  • 3 large eggs Adds richness and binds the ingredients.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Provides flavor.
  • 1 cup whole milk Creates a tender crumb.
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder For the chocolate layer.
  • 1 cup boiling water Helps dissolve cocoa.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mixing

  • In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  • Gradually add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Battering

  • Divide the batter into two bowls. In one bowl, sift in the cocoa powder and mix well.
  • Slowly pour in the boiling water, stirring until the chocolate batter is smooth.

Baking

  • Spoon dollops of both batters into the prepared cake pans. Swirl them together gently with a knife or skewer.
  • Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Frosting

  • In a medium bowl, beat 1 cup softened butter until smooth, gradually adding 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar.
  • Mix in ½ cup cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, adding heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Once cooled, frost the top of one layer, place the other layer on top, and generously frost the top and sides.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Avoid overmixing after adding dry ingredients to keep the cake tender. You can customize the marble effect and add chocolate chips or almond extract for variations.
Keyword Baking, Chocolate Cake, Dessert Recipe, Marble Cake, Vanilla Cake