Classic Moist Marble Cake Recipe

Here's a tried-and-true recipe for a Classic Moist Marble Cake. This cake has a tender crumb, rich vanilla and chocolate swirls, and is perfect for any celebration or just a treat with coffee.

Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 cup whole milk

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup hot water

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or an 8-inch round cake pan.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Prepare the Chocolate Swirl

In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and hot water until smooth.

Take 1 cup of the vanilla batter and mix it with the cocoa mixture to create the chocolate batter.

Create the Marble Effect

Spoon half of the vanilla batter into the prepared pan. Add dollops of the chocolate batter on top, followed by the remaining vanilla batter.

Using a butter knife, gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled effect. Don’t overmix, or the swirls won’t be as distinct.

Bake the Cake

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

This Classic Marble Cake is moist and full of classic vanilla and chocolate flavor. Enjoy it as is, or with a dusting of powdered sugar or chocolate ganache on top!