Marble Cake is a timeless classic that combines rich chocolate and vanilla flavors in a beautiful swirl pattern. This cake is not only a visual treat but also incredibly moist and flavorful. With a soft and fluffy texture, the cake gets its name from the marbled appearance created by mixing both vanilla and chocolate batters. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a dessert, this Marble Cake is easy to prepare and is sure to impress. Using simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe can become a go-to for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cake Batter:

• Eggs – 3 medium
• Salt – A pinch
• Vanilla sugar (or vanillin) – 8g (or 1 sachet)
• Sugar – 160g
• Sunflower oil – 120 ml
• Milk – 180 ml
• Baking powder – 15g (about 1 tablespoon)
• All-purpose flour (00) – 250g
• Bitter cocoa – 20g
• Milk (for the cocoa mixture) – 3 tablespoons

For the Equipment:

• Plum cake mold (30 cm) – You can also use a loaf pan.
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease the 30 cm plum cake mold with a bit of sunflower oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Beat the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, crack 3 medium eggs and add a pinch of salt. Beat them with a whisk or an electric mixer until they become slightly frothy.
3. Add Sugars: Gradually add 160g of sugar and 8g of vanilla sugar (or 1 sachet of vanillin) to the eggs, continuing to whisk until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
4. Incorporate the Liquids: Slowly pour in 120 ml of sunflower oil while whisking, followed by 180 ml of milk. Continue whisking until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift 250g of all-purpose flour and 15g of baking powder together into the wet mixture. Fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture using a spatula or whisk, being careful not to overmix. You want the batter to remain light and airy.

Step 2: Create the Chocolate Batter

1. Separate the Batter: Once the batter is fully combined, divide it into two equal parts by pouring half of the mixture into another bowl.
2. Make the Chocolate Batter: In one of the bowls, sift 20g of bitter cocoa and add 3 tablespoons of milk. Stir gently until the cocoa is fully incorporated into the batter, creating a smooth chocolate mixture.

Step 3: Assemble the Marble Cake

1. Layer the Batters: Start by pouring a portion of the vanilla batter into the prepared plum cake mold, spreading it evenly. Then, pour a layer of the chocolate batter on top of the vanilla layer. Continue alternating between the vanilla and chocolate batters until both batters are used up.
2. Create the Marble Effect: To create the signature marble pattern, use a knife or skewer to swirl the batters together. Insert the skewer into the batter and make circular motions, moving from one end of the cake mold to the other. Be careful not to overmix; you want distinct swirls of chocolate and vanilla.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake toward the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t overbake.
2. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the mold for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice the cake and serve. This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or even a dollop of whipped cream. The beautiful marbled pattern inside makes each slice visually appealing, and the taste is sure to delight everyone.

Cooking Tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the eggs, milk, and oil are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This helps the ingredients combine more smoothly and creates a better-textured cake.
• Swirling Technique: When creating the marble effect, avoid overmixing the batters. A few gentle swirls with a skewer or knife will give the cake a beautiful marbled look without blending the flavors too much.
• Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking the cake around the 40-minute mark. Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center – if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
• Flavor Variations: You can add extra flavors such as orange zest, almond extract, or even a splash of rum to the batter for a unique twist.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover marble cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a warm climate, it’s best to refrigerate the cake, where it will keep for up to a week.
• Freezing: Marble cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge when ready to enjoy.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 12 Slices):

• Calories: 270-300 kcal
• Protein: 5-6 g
• Fat: 12-15 g
• Carbohydrates: 35-40 g
• Fiber: 1-2 g
• Sugar: 20-22 g
• Sodium: 150-200 mg

This marble cake is relatively light in calories per slice, with a good balance of carbohydrates and fats. The sunflower oil adds moisture without making the cake too heavy, and the combination of cocoa and vanilla provides a delightful flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can substitute sunflower oil with other neutral oils such as vegetable oil or canola oil. Avoid using strong-flavored oils like olive oil, as they may affect the taste of the cake.

2. Can I substitute the cocoa powder with chocolate? You can use melted dark chocolate in place of cocoa powder. Use about 50g of melted chocolate and fold it into half of the batter for a richer chocolate flavor.

3. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the mold? Grease the mold well with butter or oil, and you can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal. Make sure the paper covers the sides as well to prevent the batter from sticking.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to maintain the cake’s structure.

5. How can I make the cake fluffier? Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour. Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh to give the cake the best rise.

Conclusion:

This Marble Cake (Plum Cake Style) is a fantastic combination of flavors and textures that is sure to impress family and guests alike. The soft, moist cake with beautiful chocolate and vanilla swirls makes for a delicious treat that is both easy to make and visually appealing. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, tea, or dessert, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. The recipe offers the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, and with its straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create this delightful masterpiece.