This classic marble cake offers the best of both worlds with its beautiful swirl of rich chocolate and moist vanilla cake in every slice. It’s soft, tender, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a tea party, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving a delicious homemade dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines chocolate and vanilla flavors in a visually stunning cake
Moist and tender crumb with a buttery taste
Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
Perfect for celebrations or everyday dessert
Can be served plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar or glaze
Makes a beautiful presentation for guests or gift-giving
Can be made ahead of time
Freezes well for longer storage
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Versatile enough to be made into cupcakes or a loaf cake

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Whole milk
Vanilla extract
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Hot water

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf or bundt pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter into two equal parts.
In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa powder and hot water until smooth. Add this to one portion of the batter and stir to combine.
Spoon dollops of both the vanilla and chocolate batters into the prepared pan, alternating between the two.
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together to create a marbled effect.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Add a chocolate glaze or vanilla icing for a more decadent finish
Use sour cream or yogurt instead of milk for added richness
Add a pinch of espresso powder to the chocolate batter for depth of flavor
Swirl in a bit of raspberry or orange zest for a fruity twist
Make cupcakes instead of a single cake by adjusting baking time to 20–25 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover marble cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week if you prefer it chilled.
To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
If desired, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back moisture.

FAQs

How do I get a perfect marble swirl?

Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together in a figure-eight pattern without overmixing.

Can I make this recipe in a bundt pan?

Yes, a bundt pan works beautifully for marble cake and creates an elegant shape.

What’s the best way to keep the cake moist?

Do not overbake the cake, and store it properly in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Butter provides a richer flavor and better texture, but you can use an equal amount of oil if needed.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk alternative such as almond or oat milk.

Why is my marble cake dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can result in dryness. Measure ingredients carefully and monitor baking time.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, folding in chocolate chips or chopped nuts adds texture and extra flavor.

What kind of cocoa powder should I use?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder works best for a balanced flavor in the chocolate portion of the batter.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.

Conclusion

This marble cake is a timeless treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate and vanilla in a visually appealing and delicious dessert. It’s perfect for every occasion, from everyday indulgence to special gatherings. With its simple preparation and satisfying texture, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.