There’s something truly magical about marble cake—that beautiful swirl of rich chocolate and fragrant vanilla in every slice. It’s the perfect combination of light, fluffy texture and deep, chocolaty flavor, making it a classic favorite for all occasions. Whether you’re baking for a special event, a cozy afternoon treat, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this Delicious Marble Cake is a must-try!
What makes this recipe stand out? It’s simple, made with everyday ingredients, and delivers a perfectly moist and tender cake with a gorgeous marbled effect. Plus, it’s an absolute showstopper when you slice into it!
So, let’s get baking! And if you love easy, delicious recipes, subscribe to receive more straight to your inbox!
Why You’ll Love This Marble Cake
- Classic & Timeless – A beautiful blend of chocolate and vanilla in one cake
- Perfectly Moist & Soft – Thanks to the right balance of butter, sugar, and milk
- Easy to Make – Simple steps with no fancy techniques required
- Versatile – Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a glaze
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for birthdays, tea time, or as a comforting treat
What Does This Marble Cake Taste Like?
This Delicious Marble Cake has the best of both worlds! The vanilla layer is light, buttery, and fragrant, while the chocolate swirls bring a deep, rich cocoa flavor. The result? A cake that’s soft, moist, and beautifully balanced, with each bite giving you a taste of both vanilla and chocolate!
Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need for this classic homemade marble cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×5-inch loaf pan or an 8-inch round cake pan
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
How to Make Delicious Marble Cake

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or an 8-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar
In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for a soft, tender cake!
Step 4: Add Eggs & Vanilla
Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Flour & Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
Step 6: Create the Chocolate Swirl
- Divide the batter in half
- Mix cocoa powder into one half of the batter until fully combined
Step 7: Swirl It!
- Spoon the vanilla and chocolate batter into the prepared pan, alternating spoonfuls
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together for a marbled effect
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool & Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
How to Get the Perfect Marble Swirl
- Don’t overmix the batters when swirling—just a few figure-eight motions will do!
- Use a skewer or knife to create gentle swirls; too much mixing will blend the colors instead of keeping distinct layers
- Alternate spoonfuls of each batter to ensure an even mix of vanilla and chocolate
What to Serve with Marble Cake
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant touch
- Drizzle with chocolate or vanilla glaze for extra indulgence
- Serve with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat
How to Store Marble Cake
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days
- In the Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days
- In the Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this cake without cocoa powder?
Yes! If you prefer a vanilla-only cake, simply leave out the cocoa powder.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, but butter gives the best flavor. If using oil, replace with 1/3 cup vegetable oil.
What’s the best way to swirl the batters?
Use a skewer or knife and gently drag it through the batter in a swirling motion.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
Conclusion – A Timeless Classic You’ll Love
This Delicious Marble Cake is the ultimate blend of vanilla and chocolate in a soft, moist, and perfectly swirled loaf. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or topped with a glaze, it’s always a hit.
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to share your baking photos on Pinterest at Pinterest!
Happy baking! 🍰✨
More Classic Cake Recipes to Try
- Best Yogurt Cake – A light, fluffy, and tangy cake made with yogurt
- Cake Mix Coffee Cake – An easy, delicious coffee cake with a crumbly topping
- Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread – A moist and healthy loaf perfect for any time of day

Delicious Marble Cake – A Classic Swirl of Vanilla & Chocolate
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Delicious Marble Cake is soft, moist, and perfectly swirled with vanilla and chocolate. A simple and classic recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf or cake pan
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt
- Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk
- Divide batter, mix cocoa powder into half
- Layer batters in pan, swirl with a knife
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, then cool before serving
Notes
- Store at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months
- Use a skewer for gentle swirling
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Marble cake, chocolate vanilla cake, classic cake, easy marble cake recipe, homemade cake