Marble Cake
Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors with our marble cake recipe. This classic dessert features a beautiful swirl of chocolate and vanilla, making it not only delicious but visually stunning as well. Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake is sure to impress friends and family. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a masterpiece that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 8 servings. Preparation time is 20 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30-35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of marble cake (1 slice) contains approximately 280 calories, 10g of fat, 42g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. This is based on a standard serving size and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
- Divide the batter in half; mix cocoa powder into one half.
- Spoon the vanilla and chocolate batters alternately into the prepared pan.
- Use a knife to swirl the two batters together for a marble effect.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Additionally, using coconut oil instead of butter adds a unique flavor while still keeping the cake moist.
Serving and Pairings
Marble cake pairs wonderfully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also goes great with coffee or a glass of milk, making it a delightful treat any time of day.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover marble cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to a dense cake.
- Overmixing the batter can result in a tough texture.
- Not preheating the oven may cause uneven baking.
- Using expired baking powder can prevent the cake from rising.
- Skipping the greasing of the pan can result in sticking.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of espresso powder to the batter.
- Always check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing for cleaner pieces.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it may alter the texture slightly, making it denser. Adjust the liquid slightly if needed.
How can I make this cake more chocolatey?
To enhance the chocolate flavor, increase the cocoa powder to ½ cup and reduce the flour by the same amount. You may also add chocolate chips to the batter.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! Marble cake can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
What frosting goes well with marble cake?
Chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with marble cake. You can also serve it plain for a lighter option.
Is marble cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, marble cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
Marble cake is a timeless dessert that brings together the best of both worlds with its delightful chocolate and vanilla swirls. Perfect for any occasion, it’s easy to make and sure to impress. Enjoy a slice with friends and family, and savor the rich flavors that make this cake a beloved classic!
Marble Cake
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk.
- Divide the batter in half; mix cocoa powder into one half.
- Spoon the vanilla and chocolate batters alternately into the prepared pan.
- Use a knife to swirl the two batters together for a marble effect.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
