If you love the rich, buttery taste of vanilla cake but can’t resist the deep, indulgent flavor of chocolate, this Marble Cake Extravaganza is your perfect match. This beautifully swirled cake combines the best of both worlds in every slice—creating a soft, moist, and perfectly balanced dessert that’s impossible to resist!
The first time I made this, my family was mesmerized by the stunning swirls and the way the chocolate and vanilla flavors complemented each other. The tender crumb and slight hint of vanilla make it an elegant yet comforting treat for any occasion.
What makes this cake extra special is its foolproof technique for achieving the perfect marbled effect—whether you’re making it for a birthday, afternoon tea, or just because you love cake, this Marble Cake Extravaganza will impress every time!
So, let’s get baking and create this timeless, delicious masterpiece!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp hot water
For the Optional Chocolate Ganache:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan or loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Dry & Wet Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Create the Chocolate Swirl
- Divide the Batter: Remove ⅓ of the batter into a separate bowl.
- Make the Chocolate Mixture: Mix cocoa powder and hot water until smooth, then fold into the reserved batter.
- Layer & Swirl: Pour half of the vanilla batter into the prepared pan, add chocolate batter, then top with the remaining vanilla batter. Use a skewer or knife to swirl gently.
Step 3: Bake & Cool
- Bake the Cake: Place in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 4: Prepare the Ganache (Optional)
- Heat the Cream: In a saucepan, heat heavy cream until just simmering.
- Melt the Chocolate: Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
- Drizzle & Serve: Pour over the cooled cake and enjoy!
