A tender, buttery marble cake swirled with vanilla and chocolate, finished with a glossy chocolate drizzle—this classic treat is soft, moist, and perfect for tea time or any sweet craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This marble cake delivers a beautiful swirl effect without any complicated technique. It’s rich yet fluffy, comes together with simple pantry ingredients, and the chocolate drizzle adds an elegant, bakery-style finish. It’s also versatile, easy to slice, and loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
• 2 tsp (8 g) baking powder
• 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (30 g) cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) hot water
• 1/4 tsp (1 g) salt

For the Chocolate Drizzle
• 1/2 cup (90 g) dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream

Directions

1. Cream the softened butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in two additions, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined.
5. In a small bowl, scoop out about 1 cup of the vanilla batter.
6. Mix the cocoa powder with hot water to form a smooth paste, then stir it into the reserved batter to create the chocolate layer.
7. Pour the vanilla batter into a greased and lined loaf pan.
8. Spoon the chocolate batter on top.
9. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl for a marbled pattern.
10. Bake at 170°C (340°F) for 45–55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
11. Warm the heavy cream until steaming, pour over the chopped chocolate, let rest for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
12. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the cooled cake.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 10–12 slices.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 45–55 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the chocolate batter for a mocha twist.
• Mix in chocolate chips for extra richness.
• Swap the dark chocolate drizzle with white chocolate for a contrasting look.
• Add orange zest to the vanilla batter for a citrusy marble cake.
• Use a bundt pan for a more decorative presentation (baking time may vary).

Storage/Reheating

• Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days—bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature.
• If you prefer it warm, gently heat a slice in the microwave for 5–10 seconds.

FAQs

How do I keep marble cake moist?

Use softened butter, avoid overmixing the batter, and bake just until a skewer comes out clean.

Can I make this cake without a mixer?

Yes, a whisk or wooden spoon will work, but ensure the butter is very soft to get a smooth batter.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, replace the butter with 3/4 cup (180 ml) neutral oil; the texture will be slightly different but still moist.

Can I use cocoa powder without mixing it with hot water?

The hot water helps dissolve the cocoa for a smoother chocolate swirl, so it’s recommended.

Why did my cake turn out dense?

Overmixing or using expired baking powder can make the cake dense.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter and chocolate.

What pan size works best?

A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works perfectly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a larger loaf pan or two standard pans.

Can I skip the chocolate drizzle?

Yes, but the drizzle adds moisture and a lovely finish.

How do I get a more defined marble pattern?

Make fewer, slower swirls with your skewer to keep the colors distinct.

Conclusion

This moist marble cake with chocolate drizzle is a timeless classic—simple to prepare, visually beautiful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether served with tea, coffee, or enjoyed on its own, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Let its rich flavors and tender crumb bring a touch of homemade comfort to your table.

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