Chocolate-vanilla marble cake bakes in one pan in 45 minutes, and comes to the table with no frosting at all. It's a classic batter cake with a spiral swirl of two batters, the kind every kid recognizes on sight.

The trick to a clear, unmuddled marble pattern

The trick here is a limited number of toothpick strokes: two or three spiral swirls per area of the pan, no more. Any more than that and the batters blend into one uniform tone instead of forming distinct chocolate and vanilla stripes. It also matters to pour alternating spoonfuls rather than one full layer of each color at a time.

How to keep the cake fresh for days

Marble cake keeps well in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 4 days, thanks to the amount of oil in the batter, which resists drying out faster than butter-based cakes. You can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month.

Chocolate-Vanilla Marble Cake: One Pan, No Frosting

A classic batter cake with a spiral swirl of two batters, baked in one pan in 45 minutes, no frosting needed.

Chocolate-Vanilla Marble Cake: One Pan, No Frosting
Servings: 12 slicesPrep time: 15 minCook time: 45 minTotal time: 1 hr

Ingredients

  • 3 cups / 375 g all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups / 300 g sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup / 240 ml canola oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup / 240 ml water
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp hot water (for the chocolate batter)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 340°F / 170°C and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

  3. Add the oil, eggs, water and vanilla extract, and mix until you get a smooth batter.

  4. Divide the batter evenly between two bowls.

  5. Dissolve the cocoa in the hot water to form a paste, and add it to one of the bowls, mixing until even.

  6. Pour alternating spoonfuls of each batter into the pan, then run a toothpick through in spiral motions to create the marble pattern.

  7. Bake for about 45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  8. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my marble pattern come out too streaky with no clear areas?
A sign of too many toothpick strokes. Less is more, two or three swirls per area are enough to create the effect.

Can I bake this in a round pan instead of a loaf pan?
Yes, the bake time will be a bit shorter, check with a toothpick starting at 35 minutes.

Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Yes, fold half a cup of chocolate chips into the chocolate batter before pouring.