The Chocolate Marble Butter Cake is a timeless classic that marries the rich flavors of vanilla and chocolate in a beautifully swirled pattern. This cake combines the best of both worlds—tender, buttery vanilla cake batter and a luscious chocolate batter—swirled together to create a stunning marble effect. The result is a moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an afternoon tea, a family gathering, or a special dessert. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, this cake is not only delicious but also visually impressive.

Let’s dive into how you can make this elegant and delectable Chocolate Marble Butter Cake at home.

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Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons hot water (for mixing with cocoa powder)

For the Topping:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a 10-inch bundt pan, ensuring all sides are coated to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

• Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

• Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start by adding a third of the flour mixture, mix until just combined, then add half of the milk. Repeat, finishing with the last third of the flour. Be careful not to overmix the batter—mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Batter

• In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder with 3 tablespoons of hot water to create a smooth chocolate paste.
• Transfer about 1 ½ cups of the vanilla batter to the bowl with the chocolate mixture and stir until fully combined, creating the chocolate batter.

Step 7: Create the Marble Effect

• Spoon the vanilla and chocolate batters alternately into the prepared pan, layering them as you go.
• Once all the batter is in the pan, use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the two batters together. Be careful not to over-swirl, as you want distinct marble patterns throughout the cake.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

• Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes for a loaf pan, or 45-55 minutes for a bundt pan. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs.
• If the top of the cake is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Step 9: Cool and Finish

• Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
• Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.

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COOKING Note:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This allows the ingredients to blend together more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
• Sifting Cocoa Powder: If your cocoa powder is clumpy, sift it before mixing it with the hot water to ensure a smooth, lump-free chocolate batter.
• Swirling Technique: When swirling the batters together, less is more! A few gentle swirls will create the perfect marble effect. Over-mixing the batters will result in a muddy appearance.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Simple Presentation: Dust the cake with powdered sugar and serve slices as a light dessert or afternoon treat.
• Serve with Toppings: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate ganache.
• Pair with Beverages: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk.

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Tips:

1. Use Quality Cocoa: For the best chocolate flavor, use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give a darker, richer chocolate swirl.
2. Test for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cake during the last 10 minutes of baking. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with a few crumbs but no wet batter.
3. Pan Variations: If you don’t have a loaf or bundt pan, this recipe works well in an 8×8-inch square pan or can be adapted for cupcakes. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
4. Make It Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

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Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Baking Time:

• 50-60 minutes

Total Time:

• 1 hour, 20 minutes

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Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 180mg

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Conclusion:

The Chocolate Marble Butter Cake is a delightful blend of two classic cake flavors—vanilla and chocolate—swirled together in a beautiful marble pattern. The buttery richness of the vanilla cake and the deep, chocolatey swirl make this dessert as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eye. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch to this simple yet elegant cake, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for dessert or enjoying a slice with coffee, this cake is sure to impress!

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