chocolate vanilla marble cake: the dessert that evokes a sense of home and happy memories. This swirled masterpiece, a delightful dance between rich chocolate and delicate vanilla, has graced countless family gatherings and cozy afternoons. The simple elegance of this classic marble cake makes it a perfect treat for any occasion, big and small. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a moist, flavorful cake that’s sure to impress. Get ready to bake a truly special chocolate vanilla marble cake!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This chocolate vanilla marble cake Recipe
This chocolate vanilla marble cake offers a comforting slice of nostalgia with a modern twist. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the moist, tender crumb is bursting with the perfect balance of chocolate and vanilla flavors. The beautiful marbled effect is visually stunning. Everyone from beginner bakers to seasoned pros can successfully bake this recipe. It will quickly become a family favorite. This cake is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. Consider trying out our recipe for Layered Vanilla Chocolate Strawberry Cake for another delicious layered treat!
Ingredients Needed for This chocolate vanilla marble cake Recipe
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water
For the Vanilla Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make This chocolate vanilla marble cake Recipe
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- 3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- 5. Divide the batter in half. In a small bowl, whisk the cocoa powder and hot water together until smooth. Gently fold the chocolate mixture into one half of the batter.
- 6. Drop spoonfuls of the vanilla batter and the chocolate batter randomly into the prepared baking pan.
- 7. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the batters together to create a marbled effect. Avoid overmixing, or the colors will blend together too much.
- 8. Bake for 30 35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- 10. For the vanilla glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake. The Vanilla Raspberry Layer Cake recipe provides glazing ideas that may also inspire you.
How to Serve This chocolate vanilla marble cake Recipe
This chocolate vanilla marble cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve it as is, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. For a more decadent presentation, serve slices of cake alongside fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Store This chocolate vanilla marble cake Recipe
To store your chocolate vanilla marble cake, let it cool completely. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer safe container. Frozen cake can last up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips to Make This chocolate vanilla marble cake Recipe
For best results, use room temperature ingredients. This will help the batter come together smoothly and evenly. Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it stand for 5 minutes before using. To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, grease and flour it thoroughly.
Helpful Notes for This chocolate vanilla marble cake Recipe
Using high quality cocoa powder will provide a richer, more intense chocolate flavor to your cake. Feel free to experiment with different extracts in the vanilla batter. Almond extract pairs beautifully with vanilla, and a touch of lemon extract can add a refreshing twist. A bundt pan can also be used for this recipe. Monitor how the cake is baking to prevent a dry outcome. Follow us on Pinterest for more great baking tips!
Variation of This chocolate vanilla marble cake Recipe
Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor. For a different flavor profile, try using coffee instead of hot water to bloom the cocoa powder. Icing the cake with a chocolate ganache or buttercream frosting will elevate it giving it a more special look. Try a white chocolate raspberry combination, see our White Chocolate Raspberry Cake recipe for ideas.
What makes a chocolate vanilla marble cake moist?
Using ingredients at room temperature, avoiding over-baking, and incorporating fats like butter or oil adequately are key to a moist chocolate vanilla marble cake. Also, avoid overmixing the batter.
How do you get the marbled effect in a marble cake?
The marbled effect is achieved by alternating spoonfuls of the chocolate and vanilla batters in the cake pan, and then swirling them together with a knife or skewer. Be careful not to over-swirl, as this can muddy the colors.
Can I use a box cake mix to make a chocolate vanilla marble cake?
Yes, you can use a box cake mix. Divide the batter in half and add cocoa powder to one half to create the chocolate batter. Then, layer and swirl as you would with a homemade batter for the marbled effect.
How long does chocolate vanilla marble cake last?
A properly stored chocolate vanilla marble cake can last for 3-4 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the refrigerator. Ensure it is wrapped tightly to prevent drying.
Conclusion
This chocolate vanilla marble cake recipe is a timeless classic worth revisiting. Its moist texture, beautiful swirls, and delicious flavor combination offers something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply looking for a comforting treat, this cake is sure to please. We encourage you to give this chocolate vanilla marble cake recipe a try and share your baking adventures with us!
Chocolate Vanilla Marble Cake: The BEST Recipe Ever
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A classic Chocolate Vanilla Marble Cake with a moist, tender crumb, perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe creates a beautiful swirled cake with a delightful balance of chocolate and vanilla flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- For the Vanilla Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.
- Divide batter in half. Mix cocoa powder and hot water into one half.
- Drop spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter into the pan, then swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: marble cake, chocolate, vanilla, classic cake, easy cake