There’s just something magical about the swirls of chocolate and vanilla in a marble cake. It’s the kind of dessert that’s both elegant and comforting, and the best part? It’s easy to make! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, this cake is always a hit. Imagine slicing through the soft, buttery layers, revealing a beautiful marble pattern. Every bite is a perfect balance of rich chocolate and light vanilla, with just the right amount of sweetness. Trust me, this cake is going to become your new go-to for when you want something indulgent but not too over-the-top. It’s simply irresistible!
Why You’ll Love Delicious Marble Cake
This marble cake is more than just a treat—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s a standout dessert:
Perfectly Balanced Flavors
The blend of chocolate and vanilla gives you the best of both worlds. You get the richness of chocolate and the lightness of vanilla, with each bite offering a little something different.
Easy to Make
You don’t need to be an expert baker to pull this off. The steps are simple, and the ingredients are basic—just like a classic cake recipe should be!
Versatile
It’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, having a casual get-together, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this marble cake fits every moment.
Great Texture
The cake is soft, moist, and light, making each slice feel like a cloud. The marble effect not only looks gorgeous but also adds a little extra texture to every bite.

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Ingredients
The beauty of this marble cake is that it’s made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour: The base of any good cake.
- Baking powder: For that perfect rise and airy texture.
- Salt: A pinch to bring out all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: The key to a rich, moist cake.
- Granulated sugar: To add just the right sweetness.
- Eggs: They help bind the ingredients together and give the cake structure.
- Whole milk: For moisture and a soft crumb.
- Vanilla extract: The essence of a classic cake flavor.
- Cocoa powder: For the rich, chocolatey part of the marble effect.
(Note: Full ingredient list and measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside for later.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk
Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Make the Chocolate Batter
In a small bowl, take about a third of the batter and mix in the cocoa powder. Stir until the chocolate batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
Step 7: Create the Marble Effect
Spoon both the vanilla and chocolate batter into the prepared cake pan, alternating between the two. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the batters together, creating a beautiful marble pattern.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once your cake has cooled, slice it up and enjoy! It’s perfect as is, but you can also dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 6%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve Delicious Marble Cake
This marble cake is delightful on its own, but here are some fun ways to serve it:
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold makes each bite extra indulgent.
With Fresh Berries
Pair a slice of marble cake with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a pop of freshness and a touch of tartness.
Drizzle with Ganache
For an extra dose of chocolate, drizzle a smooth chocolate ganache over the top of the cake. It’ll add richness and a glossy finish.
As a Coffee Pairing
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. The rich chocolate and vanilla flavors are a perfect complement to your favorite hot drink.
Additional Tips
- Make it a Layer Cake: If you want to turn this into a layered cake, double the recipe and bake it in two 9-inch round pans. Stack the cakes with a layer of frosting in between for a stunning presentation.
- Storage: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week, though it’s so delicious that it likely won’t last that long!
- Freeze for Later: Slice the cake and freeze individual pieces in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re craving a slice, just thaw it at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Add Some Nuts: For a bit of crunch, try adding chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter. Just sprinkle them in after mixing the dry and wet ingredients.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this cake with a gluten-free flour?
A1: Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum to help the structure of the cake.
Q2: How do I know when the cake is done?
A2: To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
Q3: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A3: Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips to the batter will give your cake an extra chocolatey burst in every bite.
Q4: How should I store the leftover cake?
A4: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze the slices.
Q5: Can I frost the cake?
A5: Yes, you can frost the cake! A classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting would complement the marble cake perfectly.
Q6: Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
A6: Yes, you can use a different pan, but be sure to adjust the baking time. For a larger pan, the cake may bake faster, so start checking it after 25 minutes.
Q7: Can I use a cake mix for this recipe?
A7: If you’re short on time, you can use a box cake mix, but the homemade flavor of this recipe makes it totally worth the extra effort!
Q8: How do I make the cake extra moist?
A8: For an extra moist cake, be sure not to overmix the batter, and avoid overbaking. You can also add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter for added moisture.
Q9: Can I make a mini version of this cake?
A9: Absolutely! You can bake this recipe in a smaller pan (like an 8×8 square pan or mini loaf pans) and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q10: Can I freeze the cake before baking?
A10: Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cake batter in the pan. Just cover it tightly and freeze. When ready to bake, let it thaw for 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Conclusion
This Delicious Marble Cake is the ultimate dessert—simple to make, beautiful to look at, and oh-so-tasty to eat. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, this cake is sure to make any day feel special. So grab your ingredients and get baking—you’re going to love every slice!
Print
Delicious Marble Cake
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
A classic marble cake with a light, fluffy texture and the perfect blend of chocolate and vanilla flavors. This cake is a timeless favorite that’s perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to casual dessert cravings!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa powder and boiling water to form a smooth, thick paste.
- Divide the cake batter into two bowls. Stir the chocolate mixture into one half of the batter until well combined.
- Alternate spoonfuls of the vanilla and chocolate batters into the prepared cake pan. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together to create a marble effect.
- Bake for 30-35 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 to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar or frost with chocolate or vanilla frosting if desired.
Notes
- To make the cake richer, you can fold in chocolate chips or add a layer of frosting between the cake layers.
- For a lighter texture, be sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour.
- This cake can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months if wrapped properly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg