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Marble Cake Recipe for Rich Chocolate Swirls
Molly

Marble Cake Recipe for Rich Chocolate Swirls

A moist, elegant marble cake with rich chocolate and velvety vanilla layers. Using bittersweet cocoa and softened butter for lightness, this American dessert ensures balanced flavors and clean marbling. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 12 slices.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: CITRUS DESSERTS
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (180g, substitute with self-rising if needed)
  • 1 tsp baking powder (4g)
  • ½ tsp salt (3g)
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (15g, use Dutch-process if available)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (225g)
  • 1 cup sugar (200g, divided (50g for chocolate))
  • 3 large eggs (60g total, room temperature)
  • 1 cup milk (240ml, substitute buttermilk for richer texture)
  • 1 tbsp pure non-alcoholic vanilla extract (15ml)
  • ¾ cup boiling water (180ml, adds moistness)
  • ¼ tsp baking soda (1g, helps lift layers)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease two 9-inch round pans.
  2. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and 1 cup sugar (200g) for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat eggs one at a time, adding vanilla extract after third egg.
  5. Alternate adding milk and sifted dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture (starting/ending with dry ingredients).
  6. Divide batter into two bowls: add cocoa powder to one and 50g sugar to the other, mix both until smooth.
  7. Stir boiling water into the chocolate batter to thin it and enhance moisture.
  8. Pour both batters into prepared pans, alternating layers. Swirl gently with a knife.
  9. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 30 minutes until fully cooked.
  10. Cool for 15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 125mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17g

Notes

For richer texture, substitute buttermilk for milk.
Add boiling water slowly to avoid lumps in the chocolate batter.
Ensure batters remain distinct during layering for best marbling effect.
Store airtight for up to 3 days.

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