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Classic Marble Cake Recipe

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  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 1 9-inch round cake (approximately 8 servings)
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Classic Marble Cake recipe combines moist vanilla and rich chocolate batters swirled together to create a beautiful marbled effect and a delightful, balanced flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to make with simple ingredients and bakes to a soft, tender crumb with a slightly crisp crust.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, milk, eggs, softened butter, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt.
  3. Mix batter: Mix the ingredients slowly at first to moisten everything evenly, then beat with an electric mixer at medium speed for about 2 minutes until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
  4. Divide batter: Reserve ¾ cup of the batter and pour the remaining majority of the vanilla batter into the prepared cake pan.
  5. Add cocoa powder: Stir the unsweetened cocoa powder into the reserved ¾ cup batter until it is evenly colored and smooth.
  6. Create marbled effect: Drop large spoonfuls of the chocolate batter on top of the vanilla batter in the pan. Using a knife, gently swirl the chocolate batter through the vanilla batter to create a marbled pattern. Be careful not to overmix.
  7. Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven, and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
  8. Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and cool briefly on a wire rack. Once cool enough, invert the cake onto a serving plate or wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easy mixing.
  • Do not over-swirl the batter to maintain a clear marbled design.
  • Check the cake around 30 minutes to avoid overbaking, as ovens vary.
  • Use a toothpick or cake tester to confirm the cake is fully baked.
  • This cake can be served plain or with dusted powdered sugar or frosting as desired.