One Batter Moist Marble Cake Recipe
A moist and tender marble cake made from a single batter, combining classic vanilla and rich cocoa flavors with a beautiful swirl pattern. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to prepare and delivers a delightful balance of buttery sweetness and chocolate goodness.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: Two 8-inch round cakes (serves 12-16) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cake Batter
- 1 cup butter (227g)
- 2 cups sugar (400g)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (330g)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk (room temperature, divided plus 1 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (preferably Hershey’s Dark)
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Heavily spray two 8-inch cake pans with baking spray to ensure easy release.
- Cream butter and sugar: In the bowl of a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar. Mix on low to medium speed for 2 minutes until creamy and well combined.
- Add oil and eggs: Add ¼ cup vegetable oil and mix until combined. Add the eggs one at a time on medium speed, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, lightly mix 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp kosher salt.
- Combine buttermilk and vanilla: In a measuring cup, combine ¾ cup buttermilk and 1 tbsp vanilla extract. Set aside.
- Alternate mixing wet and dry: Add the dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture alternately to the butter mixture in thirds, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for 30 seconds until just combined.
- Prepare chocolate batter: Separate one cup of the vanilla batter into another bowl. Stir in 2 tbsp cocoa powder and the remaining 1 tbsp buttermilk to create the chocolate batter.
- Layer vanilla batter: Spread a thin layer of vanilla batter evenly on the bottom of each prepared cake pan.
- Add chocolate batter: Using an ice cream scoop, dollop the chocolate batter on top of the vanilla layer around the cake pans.
- Top with more vanilla batter: Spread another layer of vanilla batter over the chocolate dollops, trying not to blend the batters together too much.
- Create the marble swirl: Using a skewer or knife, gently swirl the batters together to create a marbled effect. Avoid over-swelling so the distinct pattern remains visible.
- Bake the cakes: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cakes are set, and the sides start pulling away from the pans. Insert a toothpick in the center to check doneness; it should come out clean.
- Cool and frost: Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before filling and frosting with your favorite chocolate buttercream or frosting of choice.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
- Using buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness to the cake.
- Be careful not to over-swirl the batters to maintain the marble pattern.
- The cake can be frozen un-frosted for up to 3 months; thaw before frosting.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and buttermilk with plant-based alternatives.
Keywords: marble cake, chocolate swirl cake, vanilla chocolate cake, moist cake, marble cake recipe, homemade cake