Marble Cake is a classic and beautiful dessert that features a delightful swirl of vanilla and chocolate batter, creating a lovely marble effect. This cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it perfect for special occasions or a simple tea-time treat. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to create this delicious and impressive Marble Cake step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 175g/6oz butter or baking spread
- 175g/6oz caster sugar
- 3 free-range eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 225g/8oz self-raising flour
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp strong black coffee, cooled
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/350°F. Grease and line a 20cm/8in round cake tin with baking parchment.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Gradually add the lightly beaten eggs, a little at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour and a pinch of salt into the bowl and fold into the mixture until well combined. Add the milk and mix until smooth.
Step 2: Divide and Flavor the Batter
- Divide the Batter: Split the cake batter evenly between two bowls.
- Make Chocolate Batter: In one bowl, sift in the cocoa powder and add the cooled coffee. Mix until well combined and the batter is chocolatey.
Step 3: Create the Marble Effect
- Layer the Batters: Spoon alternate dollops of the vanilla and chocolate batters into the prepared cake tin.
- Swirl the Batters: Use a skewer or a knife to gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix; you want distinct swirls.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Bake: Place the cake tin in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving
- Serve: Once the cake is completely cool, slice and serve. Enjoy this delightful Marble Cake with a cup of tea or coffee.
Cooking Notes
- Butter and Eggs: Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This ensures a smoother batter and better mixing.
- Swirling: When swirling the batters, don’t overdo it. You want to maintain the beautiful marble effect without blending the batters too much.
- Storage: Store the Marble Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour? A: Yes, you can use plain flour, but you’ll need to add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to the flour to help the cake rise.
Q: Can I omit the coffee? A: Yes, if you prefer not to use coffee, you can replace it with an additional 2 tablespoons of milk. However, the coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a strong coffee taste.
Q: Can I add other flavors? A: Absolutely! You can add a teaspoon of almond extract to the vanilla batter or some orange zest to the chocolate batter for a twist.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of Marble Cake, follow these modifications:
- Flour: Replace the self-raising flour with a combination of almond flour and coconut flour.
- Sugar: Use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream.
Marble Cake is a timeless dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its moist texture and delightful swirls of vanilla and chocolate, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Try this recipe today and enjoy a slice of this classic treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
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