Old-Fashioned Marble Cake with Vanilla-Chocolate Swirl Glaze

Introduction

The Old-Fashioned Marble Cake with Vanilla-Chocolate Swirl Glaze is a timeless dessert that brings back memories of childhood and cozy family gatherings. This cake combines two classic flavors, vanilla and chocolate, creating a beautiful swirl pattern that is not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious. The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity—moist, fluffy layers interspersed with light and dark batters and topped with a decadent dual-flavored glaze that enhances the vanilla and chocolate flavors even further.

Marble cakes are the best of both worlds, offering the sweet, creamy essence of vanilla and the rich depth of chocolate in every slice. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just as a weekend treat, this recipe stays true to traditional methods but adds a modern touch with a luscious vanilla-chocolate swirl glaze. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this old-fashioned marble cake is an ideal choice to showcase your baking skills and delight your taste buds.

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Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons hot water
• ¼ teaspoon instant coffee powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)

For the Vanilla-Chocolate Swirl Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons milk (plus extra as needed)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon hot water

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Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cake Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan or two 9-inch round cake pans. Ensure the pans are evenly coated to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

2. In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

3. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be pale and airy. This step helps incorporate air into the batter, ensuring a fluffy cake.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until well combined.

Step 5: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

5. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Batter

6. In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder, hot water, and instant coffee powder until smooth. Take about 1 ½ cups of the vanilla batter and blend it with the chocolate mixture until fully combined.

Step 7: Create the Marble Effect

7. Spoon the vanilla and chocolate batters into the prepared pan alternately. To achieve a marbled pattern, use a knife or skewer to swirl the batters together gently. Avoid over-mixing to keep the distinct patterns visible.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If baking in round pans, check for doneness after 30-35 minutes. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare the Vanilla-Chocolate Swirl Glaze

9. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Divide the glaze into two equal portions. In one portion, add cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of hot water, mixing until smooth. If either glaze is too thick, add more milk 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 10: Glaze the Cake

10. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the cooled cake, then follow with the chocolate glaze, allowing both to drip down the sides naturally. Use a toothpick to swirl the two glazes together gently for a marbled effect.

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Cooking Note

• Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately for best results.
• Using room-temperature ingredients will help the batter mix evenly, resulting in a fluffier cake.
• The optional instant coffee powder in the chocolate batter will enhance the depth of the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.

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Serving Suggestions

This Old-Fashioned Marble Cake is best served with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a pot of freshly brewed tea. It also pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a nostalgic dessert after Sunday dinner. For an extra touch, top the cake with fresh berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

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Tips

1. Don’t Over-Swirl: When creating the marbled effect, don’t swirl the batters too much; a few gentle swirls will suffice.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and even baking.
3. Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
4. Prevent Dryness: Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist. Start checking a few minutes before the end of the baking time.
5. Storing the Cake: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

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Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

50 minutes

Total Time:

1 hour 10 minutes

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Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 220mg

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Conclusion

The Old-Fashioned Marble Cake with Vanilla-Chocolate Swirl Glaze is a delightful blend of tradition and taste. It brings together the lightness of vanilla and the richness of chocolate in a visually stunning, marbled pattern, topped with a luscious, dual-flavored glaze. This cake is simple yet sophisticated, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or everyday indulgence. Every bite of this moist, buttery, and perfectly sweet dessert is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a touch of nostalgia to your kitchen.

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