This French Chocolate Vanilla Marble Cake is a simple yet delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert. With its moist and buttery texture, this gâteau marbré brings back warm memories of my childhood in France. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy enough to whip up with your kids, and trust me, you’ll be reaching for that second slice before you know it!
This cake is a nostalgic treat that brings together the best of both worlds—rich chocolate and buttery vanilla.
If you love the chocolate vanilla combo like my madeleines dipped in chocolate, you’re going to adore this one. The combination of chocolate and vanilla is just as irresistible and will satisfy all your sweet cravings.
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⭐ 4 Reasons To Try This Recipe Today
- Simple and fun: This recipe is straightforward, making it a great choice for baking with your kids or the kids alone.
- Versatile treat: Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, this cake fits every occasion. Plus, it’s perfect for dunking in your morning coffee or add a scoop of ice cream.
- Nostalgic comfort: The buttery, moist texture of this cake will take you back to simpler times, and if you’re like me, it might even remind you of your own childhood.
- Make it your own: While I love the classic chocolate-vanilla combo, you can easily experiment with different flavours to put your own twist on this traditional recipe.
🥣 Ingredients
For this marble cake, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, here is a note about a few of them.
- Butter: Softened and cubed, this gives the cake its rich, moist texture.
- Eggs: Use large, fresh eggs for the best structure and rise.
- Vanilla extract: Go for pure vanilla extract for a deep, aromatic flavour or if you have a vanilla been.
- Dark chocolate: Choose a good quality chocolate for a rich chocolatey swirl.
🌈 Delicious Variations Ideas
While the classic vanilla chocolate combo is delicious, you can easily customize this cake:
- Almond twist: Replace the vanilla with almond extract for a nutty aroma, and sprinkle some sliced almonds on top before baking for added crunch.
- Zesty citrus: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the vanilla batter for a refreshing citrus note that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
- Mocha marble: Mix a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the chocolate batter to create a delicious mocha flavour that's perfect for coffee lovers.
- Spice up your life: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the chocolate batter for a warm, spiced undertone that's especially cozy during cooler months.
📖 Instructions
This recipe is super simple and great for baking with kids. You’ll only need two bowls, a loaf pan, and a little bit of patience to wait for that delicious aroma to fill your kitchen!
First, cream together the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl (picture 1). You’re aiming for a grainy, from the sugar, yet creamy texture here.
Next, crack the eggs one by one into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well after each addition until fully incorporated. This step helps to create a smooth and cohesive batter (picture 2).
Then, slowly pour in the milk while stirring. This will make your batter a little looser, so don’t worry if it looks thinner than before (picture 3).
Gradually add the flour to the mixture. It’s easiest if you do this in parts, mixing gently to avoid lumps. You should end up with a smooth, thick batter (picture 4).
Tip: using an electric hand mixer, will assure a smooth batter.
Almost done... Split the batter into two separate bowls—no need to be precise here. Add vanilla extract to one bowl and cocoa powder to the other. Stir each until well combined (picture 5).
Now the marble effect: Take your two bowls and pour the batters simultaneously into your prepared loaf pan or if you are alone, spoon each of the batter randomly in the cake pan (picture 6).
Lastly, swirl the batter with a knife to mix some more and place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes (picture below).
💭 Recipe FAQs
If your cake feels dry, it may have been overbaked. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. It’s also important to measure your ingredients carefully, as too much flour can lead to dryness.
The key to a good swirl is to pour both batters at the same time into the loaf pan and swirl a knife in it. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—that’s part of the charm! But you need help to pour both batter so alternatively, spoon into the pan both batter.
Store the marble cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, it can be refrigerated for up to a week, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
🍫 More Chocolate Combo
📋 French Chocolate Vanilla Marble Cake
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 loaf pan
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, soften, cubed and packed
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 eggs large
- ½ cup milk 2%
- 1 and ½ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven at 400F
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
- Crack the eggs one by one into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Pour in the milk while stirring. This will make your batter a little looser.
- Add the flour to the mixture by mixing gently to avoid lumps. You should end up with a smooth, thick batter. You may use an electric mixer for a smoother and even batter.
- In a water bath, melt the dark chocolate. Or melt it in the microwave in small increments and stir in between.
- Split the batter into two separate bowls. Add vanilla extract to one bowl and the melted chocolate to the other. Stir each until well combined.
- Prepare the loaf pan by greasing it or adding parchment paper.
- Take your two bowls and pour the batters simultaneously into your prepared loaf pan or if you are alone, spoon each of the batter randomly in the cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or when you put a knife in the cake and it comes out dry. Depending on your oven, bake 25 minutes and add 5 minutes as needed.
Notes
- Store the marble cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, it can be refrigerated for up to a week, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- The key to a good swirl is to pour both batters at the same time into the loaf pan and swirl a knife in it. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—that’s part of the charm! But you need help to pour both batter so alternatively, spoon into the pan both batter.
- Check the 'variations' section to customize your marble cake.
Nutrition
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Ann says
A classic! I will get the kids to make it this weekend, looks easy enough for them!