Marble Loaf Cake
In short: A buttery vanilla loaf swirled with cocoa batter and baked in one pan. Tender, not too sweet and easy to slice for tea or the lunch box. It takes about 1 h 25 min in total and makes 12 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 1 h
- Total
- 1 h 25 min
- Servings
- 12
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 285 kcal
Marble cake is an easy way to get two flavors from one batter. A simple butter and vanilla batter is split in half, one half is stirred with cocoa, and the two are layered and swirled once or twice with a knife. The loaf is plain enough for children and neat enough to serve with coffee. Keep the swirling light so the marbling stays clear when you slice it.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 23 x 13 cm (9 x 5 inch) loaf pan and line the bottom and long sides with parchment paper.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
- Beat the butter and 200 g of sugar with an electric mixer for 3 to 4 minutes, until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla.
- Fold in the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the 120 ml of milk and starting and ending with flour. Mix only until no dry streaks remain.
- Divide the batter in half. Stir the cocoa, 25 g of sugar and 45 ml of milk into a smooth paste, then fold it into one half of the batter.
- Drop alternating spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter into the pan. Draw a knife through the batter in two or three slow zigzags to marble it, then level the top.
- Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until a skewer in the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil after 40 minutes if the top browns too fast.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a rack before slicing.
Tips
- Swirl no more than two or three times. Extra swirling turns the pattern muddy and the two colors blend into brown.
- Room-temperature butter, eggs and milk mix into a smooth, even batter. Cold eggs can make the batter curdle.
Questions and answers
Can I bake marble cake in a round pan?
Yes. Use a 20 cm (8 inch) round pan lined with parchment and bake for about 45 to 55 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean.
How long does marble loaf cake keep?
Wrapped well, it keeps for 4 days at room temperature. Freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Why is my marble cake dry?
It was probably overbaked or the flour was packed too tightly. Weigh the flour and take the loaf out as soon as a skewer comes out clean.
How long does it take to make Marble Loaf Cake?
About 1 h 25 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 1 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Marble Loaf Cake?
About 285 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 36 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 285 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Sodium | 155 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
