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Marble Loaf Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 62 reviews
  • Author: Harry
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf cake, about 10-12 slices 1x

Description

This Marble Loaf Cake is a delightful blend of vanilla and chocolate batters swirled together to create a visually stunning and delicious treat. Moist and tender with a rich ganache topping, this cake is perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack. The use of buttermilk and espresso powder enhances the flavor, while the marbling technique adds an elegant touch to a classic loaf cake.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240g/ml) buttermilk, at room temperature and divided

Chocolate and Flavorings

  • 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
  • 1/4 cup (21g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 4-ounce (113g) quality semi-sweet chocolate bar, finely chopped
  • 6 Tablespoons (90g/ml) heavy cream or heavy whipping cream

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh raspberries
  • Mint sprigs

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: Using a mixer with a paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy, scraping the bowl as needed.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs and vanilla on high speed for 1 minute, the mixture may appear curdled which is normal. Scrape down sides as needed.
  5. Incorporate dry ingredients and buttermilk: Turn mixer to low and slowly add the flour mixture, then gradually pour in 3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp buttermilk. Beat just until combined without overmixing. Whisk by hand if needed to remove lumps.
  6. Divide batter for marbling: Transfer slightly less than half the batter into another bowl. Warm the reserved 2 Tbsp buttermilk and dissolve espresso powder in it. Add this to the divided batter, then sprinkle cocoa powder on top and mix until combined to create the chocolate batter.
  7. Layer batters in pan: Spread a thin layer of vanilla batter in the loaf pan. Alternate spoonfuls of chocolate and vanilla batter on top, then gently level the surface by shimmying the pan.
  8. Swirl the batters: Using a knife, create rounded horizontal zig-zags across the batter, then vertical zig-zags to achieve the marbled effect.
  9. Bake the cake: Bake for 65–75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. To avoid over-browning, tent the cake with foil after 30 minutes or earlier if necessary.
  10. Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a cooling rack for 30 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely on the rack.
  11. Prepare ganache topping: Place chopped chocolate and heavy cream in a heat-safe bowl over simmering water, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat and let thicken for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  12. Finish the cake: Drizzle or spread the ganache over the cooled cake. The ganache will set into a fudge-like texture after a few hours. Serve slightly warm for the best taste.
  13. Store leftovers: Cover the cake tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week, with or without ganache.

Notes

  • Be sure not to overmix the batter after adding flour and buttermilk to maintain a tender crumb.
  • If the cake browns too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning.
  • Let ganache cool and thicken for smoother spreading and best texture.
  • You can substitute regular milk instead of buttermilk by adding 1 Tbsp lemon juice or vinegar per cup to sour it.
  • Using quality chocolate enhances the ganache flavor significantly.
  • Optional garnishes like fresh raspberries and mint create a pretty presentation and add fresh flavor contrast.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: marble loaf cake, marble cake, vanilla chocolate swirl cake, chocolate ganache, loaf cake recipe, homemade marble cake

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Find it online: https://dishesbyharry.com/marble-loaf-cake-recipe/