Marble Loaf Cake Recipe

Marble Loaf Cake Recipe

​Yields: 1 loaf (8–10 servings) | Prep time: 25 mins | Bake time: 60–65 mins

​Ingredients

• ​The Cake Batter:

• ​2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ​1 tsp baking powder & ½ tsp baking soda
• ​½ tsp salt
• ​¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• ​1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
• ​3 large eggs, room temperature
• ​1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
• ​1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature (divided: ¾ cup + 2 Tbsp for vanilla; 2 Tbsp for chocolate)
• ​3 Tbsp (15g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ​½ tsp espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)

• ​The Ganache & Topping:

• ​4 oz (113g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• ​6 Tbsp (90ml) heavy cream
• ​Semi-sweet chocolate chips (for sprinkling on top)

​Instructions

​Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.

​Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

​Cream Butter & Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).

​Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla.

​Combine: With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients and ¾ cup + 2 Tbsp of the buttermilk. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

​Create Chocolate Batter: Transfer about 1 cup of the vanilla batter to a separate bowl. Stir in the cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using), and the remaining 2 Tbsp of buttermilk until smooth.

​Marble the Cake:

​Spoon half of the vanilla batter into the pan.

​Top with half of the chocolate batter in dollops.

​Repeat with the remaining vanilla and chocolate batters.

​Use a knife to gently swirl the batters together in a figure-8 motion (don't over-swirl or the colors will muddy).

​Bake: Bake for 60–70 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

​Make Ganache: Place chopped chocolate in a small bowl. Heat heavy cream until it begins to simmer, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth.

​Finish: Once the cake is cool, pour the ganache over the top. Immediately sprinkle with a generous handful of chocolate chips. Let the ganache set for at least 30 minutes before slicing.