A Marble Bundt Cake is a timeless dessert that combines the best of both worlds: rich chocolate and tender vanilla cake swirled together into a stunning and delicious treat. This classic cake is not only beautiful but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family gathering or a festive celebration.
The beauty of a Marble Bundt Cake lies in its elegant appearance and the harmonious blend of flavors. The marbled effect is achieved by swirling together chocolate and vanilla batters before baking, resulting in a cake with a delightful visual appeal and a taste that is both rich and comforting. Bundt cakes are also known for their ease of preparation and impressive presentation, making them a go-to choice for home bakers looking to make an impact with minimal effort.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a classic Marble Bundt Cake from scratch, complete with tips for achieving the perfect marble effect and ensuring a moist, tender crumb. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this Marble Bundt Cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients for Classic Marble Bundt Cake
- For the Vanilla Batter:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the Chocolate Batter:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (for a chocolate glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Classic Marble Bundt Cake
- Prepare the Bundt Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking. You can also use a non-stick spray with flour for added convenience.
- Make the Vanilla Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup of whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Make the Chocolate Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with ½ cup of whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Combine the Batters:
- Spoon dollops of the vanilla and chocolate batters into the prepared Bundt pan, alternating between the two batters to create a marbled effect. You can use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together for a more pronounced marble effect, but be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze (optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (if making a chocolate glaze), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to set before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and serve your Marble Bundt Cake as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat with your afternoon tea or coffee.
About the Main Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cake. It’s essential to measure it accurately to ensure the proper texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake. It should be softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a light, fluffy texture. It is creamed with butter to incorporate air into the batter.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure and moisture. They also add richness and flavor.
- Whole Milk: Provides moisture and helps to create a tender crumb. It should be at room temperature to blend smoothly into the batter.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor to both the vanilla and chocolate batters, enhancing the overall taste of the cake.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides the chocolate flavor in the chocolate batter. It’s important to use unsweetened cocoa powder to control the sweetness of the cake.
- Powdered Sugar: Used in the glaze to add sweetness and create a smooth, pourable consistency.
This Marble Bundt Cake combines the classic flavors of chocolate and vanilla in a visually appealing and delicious dessert. Its rich, tender crumb and elegant marbled appearance make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful cake with family and friends!