The Ultimate Vanilla Chocolate Marble Bowl Cake
The Vanilla Chocolate Marble Cake is a timeless classic, beloved for its dramatic swirl and perfect harmony of two iconic flavors. Our ‘Bowl Cake’ version emphasizes simplicity, requiring minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor and a wonderfully moist crumb. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers or those looking for a sophisticated treat that comes together quickly, making it the ideal centerpiece for afternoon tea or a cozy weekend dessert.
Ingredients
- 225g (1 cup) Unsalted Butter, softened
- 200g (1 cup) Granulated Sugar
- 3 Large Eggs, room temperature
- 120ml (½ cup) Buttermilk or Whole Milk
- 10ml (2 teaspoons) Pure Vanilla Extract
- 250g (2 cups) All-Purpose Flour
- 10g (2 teaspoons) Baking Powder
- 3g (½ teaspoon) Fine Sea Salt
- 30g (¼ cup) Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Dutch process recommended)
- 60ml (4 tablespoons) Hot Water or Hot Coffee
Step-by-step Preparation
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a standard 23×13 cm (9×5 inch) loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Tip: Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature; this allows them to emulsify correctly, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cake texture.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes). Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing only until just combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten and result in a tough cake.
- Create the Chocolate Batter: Scoop out approximately one-third of the vanilla batter into a separate medium bowl. In a small cup, whisk the cocoa powder with the hot water (or coffee) until smooth. Pour this chocolate slurry into the smaller portion of batter and gently fold until uniform and rich brown.
- Marble the Cake: Alternate dollops of the vanilla and chocolate batter into the prepared loaf pan. Start with a layer of vanilla, then a layer of chocolate, and repeat until all batter is used. Once the batter is in the pan, take a butter knife or skewer and gently swirl through the batter 2–3 times to create the marble pattern. Do not over-swirl, or the colors will blend fully.
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Bake and Cool: Bake for 50–60 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before using the parchment sling to lift it out. Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tip: If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
Nutritional Information
This cake is a comforting indulgence, offering a balanced mix of fats and carbohydrates. Based on 10 generous servings, each slice is estimated to contain approximately 320–350 calories. While a treat, the use of high-quality ingredients like cocoa powder provides small amounts of beneficial antioxidants. The buttermilk helps keep the cake moist without adding excessive saturated fat.
Storage
Store leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–4 days. If refrigerated, the cake will last up to one week, but the texture may dry out slightly; bring to room temperature before serving. This cake freezes beautifully: wrap cooled slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Frozen cake maintains its quality for up to three months.
Conclusion
The Vanilla Chocolate Marble Bowl Cake is a delightful fusion of flavor and beauty. For a stunning finish, serve slices dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a simple chocolate ganache. For a sophisticated variation, try adding 5ml (1 teaspoon) of espresso powder to the chocolate batter to deepen its intensity, or a touch of almond extract to the vanilla portion for a subtle nutty note. Enjoy this perfect slice of nostalgia!