Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

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 centerpiece attraction. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a sweet treat at home, this marble cake stands out with its beautiful colors and delightful flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Stunning: The vibrant swirls of pink and chocolate create an eye-catching dessert that will impress guests.
• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, anyone can make this delicious cake without stress.
• Versatile Flavors: Combining vanilla, chocolate, and pink batter offers a unique taste that appeals to all ages.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or an afternoon tea, this cake fits right in.
• Moist and Flavorful: The blend of ingredients keeps the cake moist while delivering rich flavors.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your marble cake, gather your tools and prepare your work area for success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sifter
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch round cake pan: Ensures even baking and perfect shape for your marble cake.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when beating the butter and sugar to achieve the right consistency.

Ingredients

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

Have all the ingredients, utensils, and appliances ready. Allow the refrigerated ingredients to reach room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pan

Lightly butter and line the bottom of a 9″ round cake pan. Set it aside for later use.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl. Set aside for later incorporation into the batter.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, add the softened butter. Use your mixer to beat it on high speed until smooth. Then add granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Eggs Gradually

Add one egg at a time into the creamy mixture. Combine each egg well without over-mixing.

Step 6: Combine with Flour and Milk

Gently alternate adding flour mixture and milk to your batter. Start with flour and end with flour to maintain texture.

Step 7: Divide Batter for Coloring

Prepare three bowls with separate spoons. In one bowl, leave the plain batter as is. In another bowl, mix in a few drops of pink food coloring until vibrant. To the third bowl with less batter, add warmed milk mixed with cocoa powder until you achieve a light chocolate color.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).

Step 9: Layer Colored Batters in Pan

Add spoonfuls of each colored batter into the prepared pan alternately. Ensure contrasting colors are placed on top of each other for visual effect.

Step 10: Swirl Batters Together

Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl through the batters to create a marbled effect.

Step 11: Bake Your Cake

Transfer the pan into the oven. Bake for about 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 12: Cool Down

Once baked, remove from oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 15–30 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack.

Step 13: Prepare Butter Icing

In a bowl, beat softened butter until light. Sift in icing sugar gradually while mixing. Add milk to ensure smoothness.

Step 14: Color Your Icing

Introduce small drops of pink coloring into your frosting. Swirl gently without fully mixing to leave streaks visible.

Step 15: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled completely, transfer your marble cake onto a plate or stand. Spread icing evenly over top before chilling for about 10 minutes before serving.

This easy marble cake is sure to delight everyone who tries it! Enjoy!

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

Serving your marble cake is all about presentation and pairing it with delightful accompaniments. This colorful and tasty cake can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Simple Slices

• Serve classic slices of marble cake on their own for a quick treat. The beautiful swirls of chocolate, vanilla, and pink will impress guests.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of each slice. The lightness of the cream complements the dense cake perfectly.

Fresh Berries

• Pair slices with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the marble cake beautifully.

Ice Cream Scoop

• Serve a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream alongside a slice. The creamy texture melts into the warm cake for an indulgent dessert.

Chocolate Drizzle

• Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over each slice for an extra touch of decadence. This enhances the chocolate flavor in the cake.

Festive Garnishes

• Use edible flowers or mint leaves to decorate each slice. This adds a pop of color and makes your presentation more inviting.

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

Creating a perfect marble cake requires attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smooth batter and promotes even baking.

• Don’t overmix – Gently fold in flour and milk to avoid developing gluten, which can make the cake tough. Keep mixing minimal for light texture.

• Swirl carefully – When swirling your batters, use a knife or skewer lightly to create beautiful marbling without fully blending colors together.

• Check for doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center at 40 minutes; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. This prevents overbaking.

• Cool correctly – Allow the cake to cool in the pan briefly before transferring it to a rack. Proper cooling maintains its structure and moisture.

• Frost with care – Spread frosting evenly on cooled cakes to avoid melting or sliding off. Chill briefly before serving to set it nicely.

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

Marble cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors and textures. Consider these options when planning your meal or dessert table.

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the marble cake.

2. Coffee
   A strong cup of coffee enhances the chocolate notes in this cake while providing a perfect pick-me-up after lunch or dinner.

3. Tea
   Herbal or floral teas provide a calming balance, making them an excellent companion for afternoon tea served with marble cake.

4. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese offers a savory counterpoint to the sweet flavors in the marble cake.

5. Chocolate Fondue
   Serve mini skewers with fruits or marshmallows dipped in chocolate fondue alongside slices for an interactive dessert experience.

6. Pudding Cups
   Individual cups of vanilla or chocolate pudding can be served as an additional creamy layer to enjoy with each bite of marble cake.

7. Cookies
   Pairing cookies like butter or shortbread provides additional texture and flavors that complement the layers in your marble cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a marble cake can be fun, but certain mistakes can ruin your baking experience. Here are common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too aggressively can lead to a dense cake. To avoid this, gently fold in the ingredients and mix just until combined.

• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your marble cake. Always let your refrigerated items come to room temperature before mixing.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Improper measurements can throw off the balance of your cake. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise results.

• Skipping the baking powder: This leavening agent is crucial for a light, fluffy cake. Ensure you add it to your dry ingredients, as omitting it will result in a dense outcome.

• Failing to check for doneness: Relying solely on baking time can be misleading. Always use a skewer to test the center of the cake for doneness before removing it from the oven.

• Neglecting to cool properly: Removing your marble cake too soon from the pan can lead to breakage. Allow it to cool briefly in the pan before transferring it to a cooling rack.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover marble cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure the cake is completely cool before covering it.

Freezing Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

• Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The marble cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Wrap the cake in aluminum foil and warm it for about 10-15 minutes.

• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 10-15 seconds.

• Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan over low heat. Cover and warm each slice for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake) different from other cakes?

Marble cake features distinct swirls of vanilla, chocolate, and sometimes colored batters, creating a visually appealing design that separates it from standard cakes.

Can I customize my marble cake flavors?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors by adding fruit purees or flavored extracts to create unique variations of your marble cake.

How do I achieve perfect swirls in my marble cake?

To get beautiful swirls, alternate spoonfuls of each batter color into the pan and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl without overmixing.

Can I make this marble cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blend while adjusting liquid amounts as needed. Just ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Why did my marble cake sink in the middle?

A sunken center is often due to underbaking or opening the oven door too soon. Keep an eye on bake times and perform doneness tests carefully.

Final Thoughts

This easy marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake) is not just a treat; it’s an eye-catching centerpiece that’s perfect for any occasion. Its versatile flavors allow you to customize it according to your preferences, making it suitable for birthdays, celebrations, or simply an afternoon snack. Don’t hesitate—try this delightful recipe today and impress your friends and family!

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