Marble Cake Recipe – Moist, Buttery & Easy Homemade

A Marble Cake Recipe is a timeless classic that combines the best of both vanilla and chocolate flavors in a beautifully swirled, moist, and buttery cake. This cake is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re baking for a birthday, tea-time snack, or a simple dessert. The stunning marbled effect is surprisingly easy to achieve, making this a great option for both beginner and experienced bakers. With a tender crumb, rich flavor, and an irresistible mix of chocolate and vanilla, this homemade marble cake is sure to be a hit!

Nutrition & Instructions

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Active Time: 40 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cuisine: American, European
• Course: Dessert
• Servings: 10 slices
• Calories per Serving: ~280 kcal

Equipment

• 9-inch loaf pan or round cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Knife or skewer (for swirling effect)
• Wire rack (for cooling)

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp hot water
• ½ cup melted chocolate (optional, for richer chocolate flavor)

For Optional Chocolate Glaze:

• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tsp butter (for shine)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch loaf pan or round cake pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Batter

In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder with hot water until smooth. Take about ⅓ of the prepared batter and mix it with the cocoa mixture. Stir in melted chocolate if using.

Step 7: Create the Marble Effect

Pour half of the vanilla batter into the prepared pan, followed by spoonfuls of the chocolate batter. Alternate layers and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled effect.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 9: Optional Chocolate Glaze

Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until hot but not boiling. Pour over chocolate chips, let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Stir in butter for shine. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve your delicious homemade marble cake with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk!

Tips for Best Results

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This ensures smooth mixing and a fluffy texture.
• Don’t Overmix – Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and tender.
• Swirl Gently – Overmixing the batters will blend them too much and lose the marbling effect.
• Enhance the Flavor – A pinch of espresso powder in the chocolate batter can deepen the cocoa taste.

Pairing Suggestions

This marble cake pairs wonderfully with:

• A hot cup of coffee or chai tea
• A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream
• Fresh berries for a fruity contrast

Conclusion

This Marble Cake Recipe is the perfect combination of rich chocolate and vanilla flavors, swirled into a soft, moist cake. It’s easy to make, visually impressive, and deliciously satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just treating yourself, this cake will quickly become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a slice of this timeless classic!