Marble Bundt Cake

This recipe is medium intensity, suitable for home bakers with a little experience. The swirling technique may take a bit of practice, but it’s fun and very forgiving.

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🧈 Ingredients

For the Cake Batter:

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature

• ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk

For the Chocolate Swirl:

• ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tablespoons hot water

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Glaze (Optional but Recommended):

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• (Optional) A handful of chocolate shavings or sprinkles for garnish

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🧁 Equipment Needed

• Bundt cake pan (10–12 cup capacity)

• Stand mixer or hand mixer

• Two mixing bowls

• Whisk and rubber spatula

• Cooling rack

• Small bowl for chocolate swirl

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease your Bundt pan thoroughly using butter or nonstick spray, ensuring you get into every crevice. Dust lightly with flour, then tap out the excess.

Tip: For intricate Bundt designs, use a pastry brush to coat all details evenly to avoid sticking.

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Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

Set aside. This step ensures even leavening throughout the cake.

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Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together on medium-high speed for about 3–4 minutes, until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, giving your cake a lighter crumb.

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Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is fully combined.

Note: Your batter should look smooth, creamy, and slightly glossy at this point.

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Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk Mixture

In a measuring cup, combine the buttermilk and whole milk. With the mixer on low speed, alternate between adding:

• One-third of the dry ingredients,

• Then half the milk mixture,

• Then another third of the dry ingredients,

• The remaining milk,

• And finally, the last of the dry mixture.

Mix just until combined—overmixing can result in a dense cake.

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Step 6: Prepare the Chocolate Batter

In a small bowl, stir together cocoa powder, hot water, and sugar until smooth. Transfer about 1 ½ cups of the vanilla batter into this cocoa mixture and stir until well combined.

Now you have two batters: one vanilla, one chocolate.

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Step 7: Layer and Swirl

Pour half of the vanilla batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Spoon half of the chocolate batter on top, alternating between spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate as you go.
Repeat with the remaining batter.

Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the two batters together—don’t overdo it! Two or three slow figure-eight motions are enough to create that classic marble effect.

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Step 8: Bake

Place the pan on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until:

• A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and

• The top is golden and springy to the touch.

If your oven tends to run hot, check the cake at 45 minutes to avoid overbaking.

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Step 9: Cool the Cake

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before adding the glaze—this will take about 30 minutes.

Pro Tip: If the cake sticks, gently tap the sides of the pan with a wooden spoon. Don’t rush; the Bundt’s shape is worth preserving.

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Step 10: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon more milk; if too thin, add a bit more sugar.

Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled cake, letting it drip beautifully down the sides. Top with chocolate shavings or sprinkles if desired.

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Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Slice into your gorgeous Marble Bundt Cake to reveal the stunning swirls inside. Serve as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries. It pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk.

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🧊 Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerate: If you live in a warm climate, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days.

• Freeze: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

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🧮 Nutrition Information (per slice, based on 12 servings)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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💡 Tips for Perfect Marble Swirls

1. Don’t overmix the batters—you want clear, distinct patterns.

2. Use contrasting batters: A rich chocolate mixture and a pale vanilla batter create the most beautiful marbling.

3. Tap the pan gently before baking to remove air bubbles.

4. Always cool completely before glazing; a warm cake will cause the glaze to melt off.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic meets modern: A nostalgic recipe with a visually stunning twist.

• Soft and buttery texture: The buttermilk gives the crumb incredible tenderness.

• Versatile: Dress it up with ganache for parties or keep it simple for a weekday treat.

• Foolproof: Even if your swirl isn’t perfect, it’ll still taste absolutely divine.

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🏁 Final Thoughts

This Marble Bundt Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a baking experience. The simple act of swirling chocolate and vanilla together transforms basic ingredients into something elegant and impressive. Whether you’re baking for guests, family, or simply to treat yourself, this cake brings joy with every slice.

Bake it once, and it’s bound to become one of your go-to recipes—a centerpiece dessert that’s as stunning to look at as it is to eat.