Description
This moist marble cake features beautiful chocolate and vanilla swirls in a tender, buttery crumb. It’s easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you want a show-stopping homemade treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process or natural)
- 1–2 tablespoons extra milk (for chocolate swirl)
- 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional, for chocolate swirl)
Instructions
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring eggs, butter, and milk to room temperature.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in sour cream, then gently stir in milk until just combined.
- Add dry ingredients to wet in two batches, folding gently with a spatula until batter is thick but smooth.
- Spoon 1 cup of batter into a separate bowl. Sift in cocoa powder and add 1-2 tablespoons extra milk (and espresso powder if using). Stir until smooth.
- Dollop vanilla and chocolate batters alternately into the pan. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together.
- Bake on the middle rack for 45-55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using parchment and cool completely on a rack before slicing.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing after adding flour. Sift cocoa powder for a smooth swirl. Start checking for doneness at 40 minutes to prevent overbaking. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and plant-based dairy substitutes. Cake can be made ahead and stays moist for several days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 17
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: marble cake, birthday cake, moist cake, chocolate vanilla swirl, easy cake recipe, loaf cake, homemade cake, party dessert