The Ultimate Marbled Cake

Ingredients:

For the Vanilla Cake Batter:

• 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

For the Chocolate Cake Batter:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional)
• 2 cups of the vanilla cake batter

For Assembly:

• Additional cocoa powder (for dusting, optional)
• Chocolate ganache (optional)
• Whipped cream or vanilla frosting (optional)

Cooking Steps:

For the Vanilla Cake Batter:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or two round cake pans.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: In another large bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

For the Chocolate Cake Batter:

Step 6: In a small bowl, dissolve cocoa powder in hot water. Add instant coffee if using. Let it cool slightly.

Step 7: Take 2 cups of the prepared vanilla cake batter and mix it with the cocoa mixture, creating the chocolate cake batter.

For Assembly:

Step 8: Spoon alternating dollops of vanilla and chocolate batter into the prepared pan(s).

Step 9: Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batters together, creating a marbled effect.

Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes for a bundt cake or 25-30 minutes for round cakes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 11: Allow the cake(s) to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 12: Optionally, dust the cooled cake with cocoa powder or drizzle with chocolate ganache.

Step 13: Serve The Ultimate Marbled Cake slices as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a layer of vanilla frosting.

Delight in The Ultimate Marbled Cake, a classic dessert that combines the best of both vanilla and chocolate in a visually stunning swirl. Perfect for any occasion!