Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

Easy marble cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. With its charming swirls of vanilla, chocolate, and a playful pink hue, this Neopolitan single-layer cake stands out as a centerpiece for birthdays, celebrations, or just a cozy family dessert. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, it’s simple to bake, making it an excellent choice for beginner bakers and experienced ones alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Stunning: The combination of colors creates an eye-catching dessert that impresses guests.
• Delicious Flavor: A perfect blend of vanilla, chocolate, and a hint of pink sweetness makes each bite a delight.
• Versatile Occasion Fit: This marble cake suits various events, from birthdays to casual family gatherings.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, baking this cake is effortless.
• Single Layer Convenience: The 9-inch size makes it manageable yet satisfying for smaller groups.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best marble cake, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• 9-inch round cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Sifter
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Allows you to easily beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• 9-inch round cake pan: Perfect size for achieving that lovely single-layer marble effect.
• Sifter: Ensures even mixing of dry ingredients, resulting in a lighter cake texture.

Ingredients

Easy marble cake you can bake any time.

With vanilla, chocolate and a pink-tinged batter swirled together, this single-layer 9-inch cake can be your centrepiece attraction.

For the Cake

• 250g of butter softened
• 275g (1 and 1/4 cups) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 3 eggs
• 335g (2 and 1/4 cups) flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 180ml (3/4 cup) milk
• 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons of extra milk
• Pink food coloring

For the Butter Icing

• 90g of softened butter
• 160g (1 cup) icing sugar
• 1 tablespoon of milk
• 2–3 drops of pink coloring

How to Make Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

• Gather all the ingredients, utensils, and appliances you will need.
• Let refrigerated ingredients reach room temperature for better mixing.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan

• Lightly butter and line the bottom of your 9″ round cake pan. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

• In another large bowl, add softened butter. Beat with a mixer on high speed until smooth.
• Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract; beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs

• Add one egg at a time into the mixture. Combine gently to avoid over-mixing.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

• Gradually add flour mixture alternately with milk to the batter. Start with flour and end with flour while maintaining low mixing speed.

Step 7: Prepare Colored Batters

• In three separate bowls, divide the batter accordingly—two bowls with plain batter and one with less batter.
• Mix pink food coloring into one bowl until bright pink is achieved.
• In another bowl with less batter, mix warmed milk with cocoa powder to create a chocolate mixture; then combine it with that batter until light chocolate color forms.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).

Step 9: Layer Batter into Pan

• Spoon alternating dollops of each colored batter into the prepared pan. Use contrasting colors when layering on top.

Step 10: Swirl the Batter

• Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together for that marbled effect.

Step 11: Bake the Cake

• Place the pan in the oven. Bake for about 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Adjust time based on your oven’s performance.

Step 12: Cool the Cake

• Once baked, remove from oven. Allow cooling in the pan for about 15–30 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 13: Make Butter Icing

• In a bowl, beat softened butter until light in color. Sift icing sugar into it.
• Add milk gradually while beating until smooth frosting forms. Swirl in small drops of pink coloring without fully mixing.

Step 14: Frost Your Cake

• Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake’s surface. Chill for about ten minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade marble cake!

How to Serve Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

This beautiful marble cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration or a casual afternoon tea. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

For a Festive Celebration

• Add Fresh Berries: Serve slices of marble cake with a handful of fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on the side adds a creamy texture that complements the cake’s richness.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair with Brewed Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee balance wonderfully with the sweet marble cake, making it an ideal afternoon treat.
• Tea Time Delight: Serving this cake with a cup of tea can enhance its flavors and create a cozy atmosphere.

As a Dessert Platter

• Create a Dessert Board: Include slices of marble cake alongside cookies, chocolates, and fruit for an enticing dessert platter at gatherings.
• Ice Cream Scoops: Add scoops of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert experience.

How to Perfect Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

To achieve the best results when baking your marble cake, consider these handy tips for perfection.

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter.
• Swirling Technique: When swirling the batters together, use gentle motions to avoid overmixing and losing the marbled effect.
• Accurate Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time. Test doneness with a skewer at the 40-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
• Let it Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents melting and ensures better icing adherence.
• Use Quality Cocoa Powder: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder for richer chocolate flavor in your batter.
• Frosting Streaks: When adding color to your frosting, swirl it lightly instead of mixing fully. This creates beautiful pink streaks.

Best Side Dishes for Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

Pairing your marble cake with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing that balances sweetness and adds a creamy touch.
2. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over slices for an extra indulgent treat.
3. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of marble cake.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a light side that works well with the dense texture of the cake.
5. Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances flavor and adds visual appeal when served alongside each slice.
6. Nuts and Dried Fruits Mix: Serve a small bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits as a crunchy counterpart to your soft marble cake.
7. Chocolate Chip Cookies: A few cookies on the plate can provide additional textures and tastes without overwhelming your guests.
8. Cream Cheese Spread: Offer cream cheese spread as an alternative topping for those who enjoy tangy flavors paired with sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a marble cake can be simple, but small mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are common pitfalls to avoid.

• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Always allow refrigerated ingredients to reach room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups properly. Accurate measurements are crucial for success.
• Skipping the cooling process: Letting the cake cool completely before frosting helps prevent melting and ensures better icing application.
• Not swirling enough: Swirl the batters gently to create beautiful marble effects. Too little swirling won’t give you that stunning appearance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the marble cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

• Oven: Preheat to 150°C (300°F) and heat for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for 10-20 seconds. Check regularly to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about marble cake (Neopolitan single-layer cake), here are some common questions and answers.

What is marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)?

Marble cake is a delightful combination of vanilla and chocolate flavors swirled together, often enhanced with colorful batters like pink.

Can I customize my marble cake?

Absolutely! You can add different flavors, like almond or lemon, or incorporate additional colors by using various food colorings.

How do I store leftover marble cake?

Store leftover marble cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Why is my marble cake dense?

A dense marble cake usually results from overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients straight from the fridge. Always ensure proper mixing techniques.

Final Thoughts

This easy marble cake (Neopolitan single-layer cake) is not only visually stunning but also deliciously versatile. Perfect for any occasion, it can be customized with various flavors or colors to suit your preferences. Give it a try and enjoy its cozy charm!