Craving a dessert that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make? This Swirled Chocolate Vanilla Marble Cake is a simple cake recipe perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. You’ll love the beautiful swirls and classic flavors that come together effortlessly.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-Purpose Flour: Cake flour can be used for an even softer crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Caster sugar works too for finer texture.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality cocoa for the best chocolate flavor.
- Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat) will work.
- Vegetable Oil: Canola oil or melted unsalted butter are good alternatives.
- Eggs: Crucial for structure and moisture.
Ingredients:
For the Vanilla Batter:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Batter:
- (Use ½ of the prepared vanilla batter)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk (additional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools Needed: 9-inch round cake pan, mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your simple cake recipe doesn’t stick.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside. This step helps distribute the leavening agents evenly.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Ensure no lumps remain in this base for your simple cake recipe.
4. Create the Vanilla Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. You now have your vanilla cake batter.
5. Make the Chocolate Batter
Divide the vanilla batter into two equal portions in separate bowls. To one half, add the cocoa powder and the additional 2 tablespoons of milk. Mix until smooth, creating your rich chocolate batter.
6. Create the Marble Swirl
Spoon alternating dollops of vanilla and chocolate batter into your prepared cake pan. Once all the batter is in, use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together a few times. Don’t overdo it, or the colors will blend too much.
7. Bake the Cake
Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time for this simple cake recipe may vary slightly depending on your oven.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your beautiful marble cake.
Variation Ideas:
- Coffee Swirl: Add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee powder dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water to the chocolate batter for a mocha flavor.
- Mint Chocolate: A few drops of peppermint extract in the chocolate batter creates a refreshing twist.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) on top before baking for added crunch.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Swirled Chocolate Vanilla Marble Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Ensure it’s well-covered to keep it fresh and moist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use butter instead of oil?
A: Yes, you can use an equal amount of melted unsalted butter. Oil generally makes cakes moister.
Q: Why is my cake dry?
A: Overmixing the batter or overbaking are common culprits. Ensure you mix until just combined and check for doneness with a skewer.
Q: Can I make this in a different pan size?
A: A 9×13 inch rectangular pan will also work, but baking time will need to be adjusted; start checking at 30 minutes.
Q: How do I get a good swirl?
A: Use a light hand when swirling. Just a few passes with a knife are enough to create distinct marble patterns.
Q: Can I add frosting to this simple cake recipe?
A: Absolutely! A simple vanilla buttercream or chocolate ganache would be delicious additions.
Q: Is this a good simple cake recipe for beginners?
A: Yes, it’s designed to be straightforward and uses common ingredients, making it perfect for those new to baking.