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Frosting & Fettuccine

Home » Recipe Search » Cakes

Mar 10, 2023

Light and Moist Marble Loaf Cake

BySam Adler
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This post might have affiliate links, please check out my full disclosure policy.

This Marble loaf cake is swirled with vanilla and chocolate cake flavor. The best thing about it is that you only have to make one batter instead of two! This loaf cake is moist and fluffy and can be topped with a chocolate frosting or left unfrosted. It’s that good!

A slice of marble loaf cake next to a plate on a purple background.
A marble loaf cake has a classic swirl of both vanilla and chocolate.

Nothing compares to the satisfaction of baking a marble loaf cake at home that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery! With one batter and easy to follow techniques you can make this swirled dessert without any hassle. It’s perfect for beginner bakers too!

Marble cake is a classic dessert that gets its name from the marble-like patterns created when light and dark batters are swirled together. This marble loaf cake variation is made using one batter, making it easier to make than traditional marble cake recipes. The finished product is a moist and flavorful marble loaf, perfect for any occasion!

Even though I am trained in baking and pasty, it took me some time to get this swirl just right! Now I am excited to show you how I did it so you can do it too! This is a fun dessert you can make for your family or bring to a party that will be sure to impress. They don’t need to know how easy it is! Top this cake with my small batch chocolate buttercream, or even this brownie frosting.

And if you’re looking for more delicious marbled treats, try out my recipes for Marble Cupcakes, Marble Bundt Cake, or these Cream Cheese Brownies that have a marble swirl!

WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS RECIPE

  • You can make this marble loaf cake with one batter, so it’s surprisingly easy and requires minimal effort.
  • The marble pattern in the finished cake looks amazing and adds a unique twist on traditional marble cake.
  • This marble loaf cake is moist, flavorful, and incredibly delicious!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Ingredients for marble loaf cake.
This is all you need for the marble loaf cake.
  • Butter & Vegetable Oil – Using both butter and oil helps keep the cake moist and give it a great texture. The butter needs to be at room temperature to cream well. If you forgot to leave it out, learn how to soften butter quickly.
  • White Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to the cake.
  • Eggs – Helps enrich the batter with even more moist texture and helps the cake set while baking.
  • All-Purpose Flour – Adds structure and stability to the marble loaf cake.
  • Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Assists with the rise of the marble loaf cake to make it fluffy while staying dense and rich.
  • Kosher Salt – Gives the loaf cake a boost of flavor and helps balance out the sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract – Provides a delicious background flavor to the marble loaf cake.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Used for the chocolate marble effect that gives it a classic swirl look. Use Hershey’s Special Dark to make the chocolate stand out even more.
  • Buttermilk – Unlike regular milk, buttermilk gives the marble loaf cake a unique tanginess and helps give it a moist and tender crumb.
  • Chocolate frosting- Optional! You can top it with this brownie frosting or this small batch chocolate buttercream.

You’ll need a standard size loaf pan too. A standard size is around 9 “x 5 ” like this loaf pan.

HOW TO MAKE MARBLE LOAF CAKE

Prep to bake– Preheat the oven to 350 F. Heavily spray a loaf with baking spray. Set aside.

Cream the butter and sugar: Add the butter and sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Mix on low speed, then add the vegetable oil and eggs one at a time, mixing in between each ingredient.

Combine other ingredients: In a separate bowl, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Whisk until fully combined. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the buttermilk and vanilla together.

Mix wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, slowly alternating each until the batter is just combined.

Make the chocolate batter: Remove 3/4 cup of the batter and whisk it with the cocoa powder and the rest of the buttermilk.

Assemble the marble loaf: Pour a thin layer of the vanilla batter into the bottom of the loaf pan, then alternate, adding each batter with an ice cream scoop until all of it is in the pan. Use a skewer or knife to swirl the batter together, making sure not to over-swirl.

Bake- Bake the loaf cake for 50-55 minutes or until a skewer is inserted into the middle of the cake and comes out with only a few loose crumbs. Cool.

Wet ingredients for a cake mixed together in a mixing bowl.
Creaming the butter, sugar, eggs, and oil will be liquidy.
Vanilla cake batter in a mixing bowl.
The vanilla batter is thicker.
Chocolate cake batter in a small glass bowl.
Make the chocolate batter with cocoa powder.
Vanilla cake batter on the bottom of a loaf pan.
Spread a thin layer on the bottom of the loaf pan.
Scoops of vanilla and chocolate cake batter in a loaf pan.
Use an ice cream scoop to layer the flavors.
Swirled vanilla and chocolate batter in a loaf pan.
Swirl the batter gently.

Garnishing

This loaf cake doesn’t need any topping but you can sprinkle with confectioners sugar, or make this small batch chocolate buttercream.

TIPS FOR RECIPE SUCCESS

  • When scooping the batter alternate the vanilla and chocolate on top of each other. It doesn’t have to be perfect!
  • Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before beginning, as this will lead to a smooth and even batter.
  • When you’re at the swirling stage, don’t overmix the batter for marble effect, otherwise, you won’t get that marble pattern, and the cake will become a light brown color.
  • Let the marble loaf cake cool completely before adding any toppings or drizzle, as a warm cake will melt any topping you place on top.
  • For best results, use Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder, so the chocolate really stands out.

STORAGE AND FREEZING

Storing: Once frosted and cooled, a marble loaf cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days on the counter. It can also be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Beware though that the fridge can turn a cake dry faster because of the cold air.

Freezing: You can also freeze marble loaf cake for up to 3 months! To do this, wrap it tightly in a few layers of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer bag. Thaw on the counter before serving.

A marble loaf cake layered on parchment paper on a plate.
The top of the loaf should have the classic marble swirl.

FAQ

Is marble loaf cake difficult to make?

No, marble cake is relatively easy to make with one batter. The key is to not over-mix the marble effect and let it cool fully before adding any toppings or drizzle.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer can be used instead of a stand mixer, just be sure to not overwork the batter as it may become too tough.

What other variations or substitutions can I make?

Besides using dark Hershey’s cocoa powder for a dramatic marble pattern, you can also use different flavor extracts like almond extract or orange extract instead of vanilla extract. You can also use melted and cooled coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a light coconut flavor.

Slices of marble loaf cake on plates next to utensils on a purple surface.

WAYS TO ENJOY

  • Enjoy a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
  • Add a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce for additional sweetness and flavor.
  • Top with a scoop cream cheese frosting for an extra tangy treat.
A slice of marble loaf cake next to a plate on a purple background.

Light and Moist Marble Loaf Cake

This Marble loaf cake is swirled with vanilla and chocolate cake flavor. The best thing about it is that you only have to make one batter instead of two! This loaf cake is moist and fluffy and can be topped with a chocolate drizzle or left unfrosted. It's that good!
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Course: Breakfast, Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Kosher
Keyword: marble loaf cake, moist marble cake, one batter marble cake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 250kcal
Author: Sam Adler

Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter unsalted and room temp
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs large
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ cup buttermilk (+1 tbsp) divided
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder

Chocolate drizzle

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 F. Heavily spray a 9" x5" loaf with baking spray.
    • In the bowl of a hand or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment add the 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup sugar and mix on low-medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the 2 tbsp vegetable oil and mix again until combined. Add the eggs one at a time on medium speed, mixing in between.
      Wet ingredients for a cake mixed together in a mixing bowl.
    • In a separate bowl combine the 2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp kosher salt and mix lightly.
    • In a measuring cup add the 1/2 cup buttermilk and 1 tbsp vanilla extract and set aside.
    • Alternate adding the dry and wet ingredients by thirds starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
      Vanilla cake batter in a mixing bowl.
    • Separate 3/4 cup of the batter and add the 2 tbsp cocoa powder and remaining 1 tbsp buttermilk. Stir to combine.
      Chocolate cake batter in a small glass bowl.
    • Add a thin layer of vanilla batter to the bottom of the pan, then alternate adding scoops of the vanilla and chocolate batters into the loaf pan using an ice cream scoop until all the batter is used up.
      Scoops of vanilla and chocolate cake batter in a loaf pan.
    • Using a skewer or knife, swirl the batters together. Be careful not to swirl too much or you the batter will blend and you wont be able to see the swirl.
      Swirled vanilla and chocolate batter in a loaf pan.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes. The loaf cake is done when a skewer is inserted into the middle of the cake and comes out with only a few loose crumbs.
      A marble loaf cake layered on parchment paper on a plate.
    • Top with powdered sugar or small batch chocolate buttercream.

    Notes

    Learn how to soften butter quickly if your butter is not soft.
    If you dont have an ice cream scoop to scoop the batter you can use a large spoon instead. 

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Light and Moist Marble Loaf Cake
    Amount Per Serving (1 slice)
    Calories 250 Calories from Fat 99
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 11g17%
    Saturated Fat 6g38%
    Trans Fat 0.3g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
    Monounsaturated Fat 3g
    Cholesterol 49mg16%
    Sodium 172mg7%
    Potassium 63mg2%
    Carbohydrates 34g11%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 17g19%
    Protein 4g8%
    Vitamin A 292IU6%
    Calcium 32mg3%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    I love when you share my recipes!!

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    Filed Under: Cakes Tagged With: Chocolate, Vanilla

    About Sam Adler

    Sam Adler is a Le Cordon Bleu professionally trained pastry chef, Saveur Blog Award winner, food photographer, and food blogger over on FrostingandFettuccine.com. She has been featured in numerous online and in-print publications including Taste of Home Magazine, Saveur Magazine, The Feed Feed, and Food Blogger Pro. Sam lives in Hollywood florida with her husband, two young kids, and french bulldog. When she’s not baking and dancing in her kitchen you can find her at her favorite yoga spot.

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    XO, Sam

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    Hi! Im Sam Adler,

    I'm a professionally trained pastry chef and food photographer.
    This is a place where you will find easy yet impressive looking desserts. I also share a ton of food photography resources too! What can I say, I love pretty & delicious baked goods! Learn more about me!

    As Featured In:

    Logo images of media places Sam Adler has been featured in
    Saveur Blog award winner for best food Instagram

    samadlerphotography

    👋🏻 2022! Will be celebrating this year on th 👋🏻 2022! Will be celebrating this year on the couch with this in my lap. No sharing allowed! Those 3 spoons are all mine 😂😂 

🍾🥂HAPPY NEW YEAR 🍾🥂
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    Recap of all the cookie boxes!!! This year’s @ta Recap of all the cookie boxes!!! This year’s @taylorswift theme has got to be my fave (see my last reel for the explanation of each cookie!) but I have so much fun every year making these! Which one is your fave?! 

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    ARE YOU READY FOR IT?! 2022 Cookie Box is @taylors ARE YOU READY FOR IT?! 2022 Cookie Box is @taylorswift themed!! 
1. “Like a rainbow with all of the colors” sprinkle cookies 
2. “Lover” heart sugar cookies 
3. “Lavender Haze” shortbread (made with lavender and a pearly shimmer powder)
4. “Midnight” cookies AKA my chocolate brownie cookies 
5. “Red lip classic” sugar cookies 
6. More midnight cookies- (dusted with powdered sugar to look like the midnight cloudy sky)
7. “Bejeweled” sugar cookies (Navy bc black fondant was out of stock)
8. @taylorswift famous chai cookies 

Merry Christmas if you’re celebrating and hope you have a happy New Year’s Day!
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#cookiebox #taylorswift #taylorswiftcookies #holidaycookiebox #swifties #swiftie #swiftieforever #holidaycookies #cookieseason #cookiedecorating #cookiebox #cookieboxes #taylorswiftlover #taylorswiftlyrics #taylorswiftvideo #sugarcookies #shortbread #browniecookies #christmascookies #christmascookiebox #lavenderhaze
    #ad This year for Chanukah we’re switching it up #ad This year for Chanukah we’re switching it up from classic sufganiyot to make these fun donut fries! Puffy, golden, and delicious, dip your “fries” into melted chocolate or raspberry jelly and celebrate all week long! @aldiusa makes it super easy with their amazing selection of high quality products at seriously unimaginable prices. Run to your nearest @aldiusa to find all the ingredients you need to make these and have a Happy Chanukah!
Find the recipe below!

#ALDILove
Prep time: 1 hr 45 mins
Cook time: 1 min
Yield: 40 donut fries
2 pack Baker’s Corner Active Dry Yeast
1 1/2 cup warm water
1/3 cup Sugar
2 Simply Nature Grade A Organic Cage Free Brown Eggs
2 tbsp Stonemill Pure Vanilla Extract
1/3 cup Carlini Pure Vegetable Oil
5-6 cups Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour
1 tsp Kosher salt
½ cup Baker’s Corner Powdered Sugar
For Dipping:
1 cup Baker’s Corner Dark or Milk Chocolate Morsels
Simply Nature Organic Raspberry Preserves
Method:
•Mix the yeast with water in a mixer bowl and let stand for 10 mins until frothy. Add the
sugar, eggs, vanilla, and oil to the bowl and mix until well combined.
•Start adding only 5 cups of flour and salt, and knead/mix on medium speed in a stand mixer
fitted with the dough attachment for 5 minutes until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. If the
dough seems sticky, add ¼ cup flour to the dough until it no longer sticks to the bowl when
mixing.
•Let the dough rest in the bowl for an hour to double in size. 
•Punch down the dough and remove it from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface. Using a
lightly floured rolling pin, roll it out into a rectangle. About 18”x 15” and 1/2 of an inch in
thickness. 
•Using a pizza cutter, cut in half vertically. Then slice thin strips horizontally. You want them
thin as they will puff up while frying.
•Let the fries rest for another 15 mins. 
•Meanwhile, using a deep fryer or a large pot, heat your oil to 350 degrees F. Fry the donut
fries 30 seconds per side, then drain on a paper towel.
•Dust the donut fries with powdered sugar and set aside.
•Microwave 1 cup of dark or milk chocolate for 30 seconds at a time until melted. Scoop
jelly into another bowl. Dip the fries in the chocolate or jelly!
    Happy birthday @taylorswift 👸🏼 hope it feels Happy birthday @taylorswift 👸🏼 hope it feels like a perfect night and you’re not weepin in a party bathroom. IYKYK
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Also here’s to wishing me getting those tix!
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#swiftie #swifties #happybirthday #taylorswift #taylorswifttickets #birthdaycake #birthdaycakes #birthdaycandles #caramelcake #carameldripcake #caramelbirthdaycake #cakephotography #cakephotography📷 #cakedecorating #cakedesign #cakesofinstagram #cakepic #cakepictures
    I sure do like these gingersnap cookies babe 😂 I sure do like these gingersnap cookies babe 😂 

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