This Chocolate and Vanilla Marble Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any tea time. You’ll love creating this classic dessert with its beautiful swirl and rich flavor, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of cake recipes for tea time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-Purpose Flour: A gluten-free flour blend can be used for a gluten-sensitive option.
- Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar or brown sugar can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
- Unsalted Butter: Margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative works well.
- Eggs: For an egg-free version, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes).
- Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Batter:
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup hot water
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking pan, electric mixer, two medium bowls
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9×13 inch baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until it’s fully combined.
4. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
With your mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Create Chocolate Batter
Scoop about half of the plain cake batter into a separate bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and hot water until smooth to form a paste. Fold this chocolate paste into the scooped batter until well combined.
6. Assemble and Swirl
Dollop alternating spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the batters together, creating a beautiful marble effect. Be careful not to overmix the swirls.
7. Bake Your Cake
Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This delicious cake recipe for tea time is almost ready!
Variation Ideas:
- Coffee Marble: Replace cocoa powder with instant espresso powder dissolved in hot water for a coffee marble effect.
- Nutty Swirl: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the plain batter for added crunch.
- Citrus Zest: Include a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest in the vanilla batter for a bright flavor twist.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover marble cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen cake slices at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A: Yes, you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Q: Why is my cake dry?
A: Overmixing the batter or overbaking the cake can lead to a dry texture. Mix only until ingredients are combined.
Q: Can I bake this in a bundt pan?
A: Yes, you can bake this in a greased and floured bundt pan. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, typically around 55-65 minutes.
Q: How do I get a clear marble swirl?
A: Use a knife or skewer and make only a few gentle swirls, going through both layers of batter. Don’t overmix.
Q: Can I add frosting to this cake?
A: Absolutely! A simple vanilla glaze, chocolate ganache, or buttercream frosting would be lovely. This is one of those cake recipes for tea time that adapts well to various toppings.
Q: My cake sank in the middle, what happened?
A: This often happens if the oven door is opened too early during baking, or if the cake is underbaked. Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh.