Marble Bundt Cake
When it comes to delightful desserts, few things can compare to the beauty and flavor of a Marble Bundt Cake. This cake is a stunning combination of rich chocolate and classic vanilla flavors, swirled together to create a visual masterpiece that tastes as good as it looks. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea, this Marble Bundt Cake is sure to impress.
Why It’s My Go-To
Marble Bundt Cake is my go-to for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile; you can serve it plain or dress it up with a glaze or frosting. The contrasting flavors of chocolate and vanilla make it a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both chocolate lovers and those who prefer a lighter vanilla taste. Plus, it’s relatively easy to make, and the Bundt shape makes for an elegant presentation. Every slice reveals a beautiful marbled pattern, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
What Goes In
Creating the perfect Marble Bundt Cake requires a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup softened unsalted butter
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 cup tightly packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup natural cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Equipment & Tools
Before diving into the baking process, gather the following equipment:
- Bundt pan: A non-stick Bundt pan works best for easy release.
- Mixing bowls: Use at least two—one for the wet ingredients and one for dry.
- Electric mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer simplifies the mixing process.
- Rubber spatula: For folding in ingredients and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Cooling rack: Essential for cooling the cake once it’s baked.
Marble Bundt Cake: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to whip up this delicious Marble Bundt Cake? Follow these steps for a flawless bake.
Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your Bundt pan thoroughly with butter or a non-stick spray to ensure the cake comes out easily.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 3: Add Sugars and Eggs
Gradually add in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing until well combined. Then, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. This will help distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Batter
Scoop out half of the batter into another bowl. To this half, add the cocoa powder and mini chocolate chips, mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 7: Layer the Batter in the Bundt Pan
Spoon the vanilla and chocolate batters into the prepared Bundt pan in alternating layers. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two batters together for a marbled effect.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack.
Step 9: Prepare the Ganache (Optional)
While the cake cools, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, stirring until melted and smooth. Pour over the cooled cake for a decadent touch.
Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps
If you’re looking to adapt this Marble Bundt Cake for specific dietary needs, here are some swaps you can use:
- Butter: Substitute with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil.
- Cream cheese: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Buttermilk: Blend almond milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
- All-purpose flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
Cook’s Notes
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour; this ensures a tender cake.
- If you don’t have mini chocolate chips, you can chop regular chocolate chips into smaller pieces.
- Feel free to add your favorite nuts or dried fruits to the batter for added texture.
Storage Pro Tips
To keep your Marble Bundt Cake fresh and delicious:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Defrost in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Your Top Questions
Can I use a different pan instead of a Bundt pan?
Yes, you can use a regular cake pan, but be sure to adjust the baking time. A 9×13-inch pan typically takes about 30-40 minutes to bake.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld. Just store it properly and enjoy!
What can I serve with Marble Bundt Cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of Perfect Chocolate Buttercream.
Can I add more chocolate flavor to the cake?
Definitely! You can increase the amount of cocoa powder or add chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey experience.
If you love this Marble Bundt Cake, you might also enjoy these delicious recipes:
Bring It to the Table
Once your Marble Bundt Cake is baked and cooled, it’s time to show it off! This cake is perfect for gatherings, birthdays, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself. Dust it with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance, or drizzle it with ganache for an extra layer of indulgence.
Marble Bundt Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a statement piece that brings joy and satisfaction to anyone who gets to enjoy a slice. The balance of flavors and the beautiful swirls make it a dessert that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. So grab your ingredients and get ready to bake this delightful Marble Bundt Cake that will surely become a favorite in your home!
Marble Bundt Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your Bundt pan thoroughly with butter or a non-stick spray.
- Step 2: Cream Butter and Cream Cheese. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Step 3: Add Sugars and Eggs. Gradually add in the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing until well combined. Then, add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt.
- Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Batter. Scoop out half of the batter into another bowl. To this half, add the cocoa powder and mini chocolate chips, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Step 7: Layer the Batter in the Bundt Pan. Spoon the vanilla and chocolate batters into the prepared Bundt pan in alternating layers. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two batters together.
- Step 8: Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: Prepare the Ganache (Optional). Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, stirring until melted and smooth.
Notes
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour; this ensures a tender cake.
- If you don’t have mini chocolate chips, you can chop regular chocolate chips into smaller pieces.
