Marble Cake
AI-generated image
Vegetarian German

Marble Cake

A classic German Marmorkuchen with a tender vanilla crumb, a rich cocoa swirl, and crisp caramelized edges. The batter is layered and lightly folded so every slice reveals a distinct marble pattern.

75 min 6 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Heat the oven to 175°C. Grease a 20 cm loaf pan and line the long sides with parchment, leaving an overhang for lifting.
2
Beat the softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer for 3 to 4 minutes, until very pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla.
3
Whisk the flour and baking powder together. Add them to the butter mixture in two additions, alternating with the milk, and mix only until no dry streaks remain.
4
Spoon about one-third of the batter into a separate bowl. Mix in the cocoa powder and melted dark chocolate, then gradually stir in several tablespoons of the vanilla batter until the chocolate mixture is smooth, evenly brown, and thick enough to hold a swirl rather than fluid or runny.
5
Drop alternating spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter into the prepared pan, distributing each flavor across the pan rather than forming solid layers. Run a skewer through the batter in three or four loose zigzags, stopping before overmixing.
Vanilla and chocolate batters swirled together in a loaf pan AI-generated image
6
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, rotating the pan once, until the top is golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. The cake should spring back lightly when pressed.
Baked marble cake with a golden top and chocolate-vanilla crumb AI-generated image
7
Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift it out and cool completely on a rack before slicing. Serve at room temperature.

Why this recipe works

Creaming the butter and sugar aerates the batter, while the cocoa portion is loosened with milk so both batters bake at the same rate and form clean, tender swirls.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days for a firmer crumb.

How to reheat it

Bring refrigerated slices to room temperature, or warm one slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds until just softened.

Nutrition / serving

424kcal
6.92 gprotein
53.34 gcarbs
21.37 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 9 Aug 2026 · updated 13 Aug 2026