Marble Pound Cake

This Marble Pound Cake brings together the best of both worlds: rich chocolate swirls and classic vanilla in one beautifully balanced, buttery loaf. Moist and dense with a fine crumb, it’s perfect for slicing and sharing at brunch, dessert, or with a cozy afternoon coffee. Timeless, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Sliced marble pound cake with chocolate and vanilla swirls.
Clock symbol indicating preparation, baking, and chilling times

Prep – 20 minutes
Bake – 1 hour

Slice of cake with frosting, representing a dessert.

10-12 slices
Ingredients
  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk
  • ¼ cup (25g) cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) hot water
Instructions
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and flour a loaf pan.
  • Cream butter and sugar until light. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
  • Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to wet mix alternately with milk.
  • Transfer ⅔ of batter to pan. Mix cocoa and water, fold into remaining batter, then swirl into pan.
  • Bake 55–65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use room temperature butter and eggs for a smooth, even batter.

  • Don’t overmix the batter after combining the chocolate and vanilla portions — a few gentle folds will keep the marbled effect distinct.

  • To create a perfect swirl, spoon dollops of each batter alternately in the pan, then swirl gently with a knife once or twice.

  • Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze slices individually for longer storage.

  • Pair with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for a comforting snack.

  • Dress it up with whipped cream and fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.

Related Recipes

  • Texas Sheet Cake – Another chocolate-forward classic, ideal for larger gatherings.
  • Fudgy Brownies – Rich, dense, and irresistibly chocolatey, these fudgy brownies boast a gooey center and a crackly top — perfect for any chocolate lover.
  • Vegan Lemon Olive Oil Cake – A lighter citrus cake with a similarly moist texture.