Marble Cake

Sometimes you just can’t decide between chocolate and vanilla—and with this Marble Cake, you don’t have to! Swirled with ribbons of chocolate and vanilla batter, this cake is a classic bake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, bringing it to a potluck, or slicing it for afternoon coffee, marble cake hits all the right notes: rich, buttery, soft, and perfectly balanced between two flavors everyone loves.

And the best part? That shiny chocolate ganache drizzle on top makes it feel extra special without any extra work.

this Recipe

What Is Marble Cake?

Marble Cake is a soft, tender butter cake that combines both vanilla and chocolate batter, swirled together to create a marbled or “striped” effect when sliced. It’s typically baked in a bundt pan or loaf pan, but you can also make it as a layer cake or cupcakes.

This version keeps things simple but indulgent, finished with a silky chocolate glaze for the ultimate bakery-style finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Two flavors in one—no need to choose
• Beautiful marbled pattern that’s easy to achieve
• Perfect texture—moist, buttery, and rich
• Classic and crowd-pleasing—great for any occasion
• Freezes well for future treats

What Does Marble Cake Taste Like?

It’s soft, buttery, and slightly dense like a pound cake but still tender. The chocolate swirl is rich but not overpowering, and the vanilla layer is sweet and fragrant with hints of real vanilla. The chocolate ganache on top adds a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

Benefits of Making This at Home

• Simple pantry ingredients—nothing fancy
• No mixer required (though you can use one if you prefer)
• Customizable—adjust the chocolate-to-vanilla ratio to your taste
• Perfect for birthdays, brunch, or coffee time
• Guaranteed to impress with its swirled design

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this Marble Cake:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp hot water (to mix with cocoa)

For the Ganache Glaze:

• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp butter (optional for shine)

Tools You’ll Need

• Bundt pan or loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Spatula
• Toothpick or skewer (for swirling)

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

• Make it almond-flavored by adding ½ tsp almond extract to the vanilla batter
• Use sour cream instead of milk for extra moisture
• Add mini chocolate chips to the chocolate batter for more texture
• Gluten-free flour blend works for gluten-sensitive bakers

How to Make Marble Cake

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Alternate mixing: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until just combined.
6. Make the chocolate batter: In a small bowl, mix cocoa powder with hot water to form a paste. Stir about 1 cup of the vanilla batter into the cocoa paste to create the chocolate batter.
7. Layer and swirl: Pour half the vanilla batter into the pan, then spoon in the chocolate batter in dollops. Top with remaining vanilla batter. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the batters together.
8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
9. Make the ganache: Heat cream until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit 2 minutes. Stir until smooth, then add butter if desired.
10. Drizzle ganache over cooled cake. Let set before slicing.

What to Serve with Marble Cake

• A hot cup of coffee or espresso
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Fresh berries on the side
• A dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair
• A drizzle of caramel for more indulgence

Tips for the Perfect Marble Cake

• Don’t overmix the swirl—you want distinct ribbons, not blended batter
• Use room temperature ingredients for smooth mixing
• Grease the pan well to prevent sticking
• Let the cake cool fully before adding ganache
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor

Storage Instructions

• Room Temp: Store covered for up to 3 days
• Fridge: Keeps for up to 5 days (bring to room temp before serving)
• Freezer: Freeze slices or the whole cake wrapped tightly for up to 2 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake without ganache?

Absolutely! It’s just as delicious dusted with powdered sugar or served plain.

Can I use a loaf pan?

Yes, divide the batter between two loaf pans and reduce baking time to about 45–50 minutes.

How do I get the swirl pattern?

Spoon batters in layers and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl in an “S” motion.

Conclusion

This Marble Cake is a timeless dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s buttery, moist, and packed with the perfect balance of chocolate and vanilla—plus that glossy ganache drizzle makes it extra special.

Bake it for birthdays, brunch, or just because you’re in the mood for cake. One slice, and you’ll see why this classic never goes out of style.

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Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate, based on 12 slices)

• Calories: 360
• Fat: 20g
• Carbs: 40g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 24g

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📸 Made this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest or leave a comment below—I’d love to see your swirl! 🍰

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July 13, 2025 by Melissa