Introduction
There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic butter cake, but when you add rich chocolate swirls and finish it off with a sweet vanilla glaze, it transforms into a true masterpiece. This Chocolate Swirl Butter Cake with Vanilla Glaze is the perfect dessert for any occasion—whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee, or simply indulging in a late-night treat. The moist and buttery base pairs beautifully with the slightly bitter chocolate swirls, while the vanilla glaze adds a touch of sweetness that ties all the flavors together.
This recipe will guide you through creating a beautifully marbled cake that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the taste buds. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a delicious homemade cake that will impress anyone who takes a bite!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- ½ cup dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch bundt pan or a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. Lightly dust with flour, tapping out any excess to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This step is crucial for creating a light texture in the finished cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Create the Chocolate Swirl
- Divide the batter in half. Mix the melted dark chocolate into one half of the batter, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Spoon the vanilla and chocolate batters alternately into the prepared pan. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl, or you’ll lose the marbled pattern.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a loaf pan, the baking time may be slightly shorter, so check around the 45-minute mark.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
- While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk (1 teaspoon at a time) until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 9: Glaze the Cake
- Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top, allowing it to run down the sides for a rustic look.
- Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Notes:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
- Batter Consistency: The batter should be thick but smooth. If it seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of additional milk.
- Swirling Tip: To get the perfect marble effect, only swirl the batters 2-3 times. Over-mixing will blend the batters too much and you’ll lose the defined marbled pattern.
- Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing. If the cake is too warm, the glaze will melt and won’t set properly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic: Serve with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon snack.
- Fancy Touch: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side for a decadent dessert.
- Fruit Pairing: Top with a few fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a burst of color and a hint of tartness.
- Extra Indulgence: Serve warm slices with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or shaved chocolate.
Tips:
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, use a good-quality dark chocolate that has at least 60% cocoa content.
- Check for Doneness: Since ovens can vary, check the cake 5 minutes before the suggested bake time. Insert a skewer or toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Freezing: The cake (without glaze) can be frozen. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then glaze before serving.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
50-60 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 180mg
Conclusion
This Chocolate Swirl Butter Cake with Vanilla Glaze is a delightful combination of rich, buttery cake with a sophisticated twist of dark chocolate. The marbling adds visual appeal, while the sweet vanilla glaze ties everything together. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is simple to make but impressive enough to serve guests. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
PrintChocolate Swirl Butter Cake with Vanilla Glaze
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- ½ cup dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch bundt pan or a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. Lightly dust with flour, tapping out any excess to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This step is crucial for creating a light texture in the finished cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and egg mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Create the Chocolate Swirl
- Divide the batter in half. Mix the melted dark chocolate into one half of the batter, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Spoon the vanilla and chocolate batters alternately into the prepared pan. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl, or you’ll lose the marbled pattern.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a loaf pan, the baking time may be slightly shorter, so check around the 45-minute mark.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
- While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk (1 teaspoon at a time) until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 9: Glaze the Cake
- Once the cake has completely cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top, allowing it to run down the sides for a rustic look.
- Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 180mg
- Protein: 5g