Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

Easy marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake) is a delightful treat that can brighten any occasion. With its beautiful swirls of vanilla, chocolate, and a lovely pink batter, this cake is not only visually stunning but also deliciously satisfying. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as an everyday dessert, this marble cake will surely impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Stunning: The mix of colors creates an eye-catching dessert that is perfect for special occasions.
• Flavorful Combination: Enjoy the rich taste of chocolate combined with the lightness of vanilla and a hint of sweetness from the pink batter.
• Simple Preparation: This easy recipe allows you to bake a gorgeous cake without complicated steps.
• Versatile Design: Customize your marble cake with different colors or flavors to suit any theme or personal preference.
• Single Layer Perfection: A single-layer cake means less baking time and easier serving, making it ideal for casual gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on this delicious marble cake, it’s important to have all your tools ready. Having the right equipment can make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Knife or skewer for swirling

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort while ensuring your ingredients are blended thoroughly for a light texture.
• Rubber spatula: Helps scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated evenly.
• Knife or skewer: Ideal for creating those beautiful swirls in your batter, giving your marble cake its signature look.

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 colouring

For the Butter Icing

• 90g of softened butter
• 160g (1 cup) icing sugar
• 1 tablespoon of milk
• 2-3 drops of pink colouring

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

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

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

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

• Lightly butter and line the bottom of a 9″ round cake pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl. Set aside for later use.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

• In a large bowl, add softened butter. Beat on high speed until smooth.
• Add granulated sugar and vanilla extract; beat on medium speed until fluffy.

Step 5: Add Eggs

1. Add one egg at a time into the creamed mixture.
2. Mix gently after each addition; avoid over-mixing.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Alternately with Milk

1. Gradually add flour mixture and milk to the batter.
2. Start with flour and end with flour; keep mixing low to avoid lumps.

Step 7: Prepare Colored Batters

1. Warm 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl for about 15 seconds.
2. Mix cocoa powder into warm milk until well combined; set aside.
3. Divide the batter into three bowls:
4. Leave one bowl plain.
5. Mix pink food coloring into another until bright pink.
6. Combine cocoa mixture into the third bowl for chocolate batter.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

• Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).

Step 9: Layer Batter in Pan

• Alternate spoonfuls of each colored batter in the prepared pan.
• Use a knife or skewer to swirl through for a marbled effect.

Step 10: Bake

1. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes.
2. Check doneness by inserting a skewer in the center; it should come out clean when done.

Step 11: Cool Cake

1. Once baked, allow cooling in the pan for about 15–30 minutes.
2. Invert onto a cooling rack once cooled slightly.

Step 12: Make Butter Icing

1. Beat softened butter until light in texture.
2. Sift icing sugar into butter; mix well.
3. Add milk gradually while beating until smooth frosting forms.
4. Swirl in pink coloring gently without fully mixing.

Step 13: Frost Cake

1. Once completely cool, place cake on a plate or stand.
2. Spread frosting over top evenly; chill for about 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your beautifully crafted marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake), perfect for sharing!

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

Serving marble cake is a delightful experience, as its colorful layers and rich flavors are sure to impress your guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your presentation.

Simple Slice

• Serve a classic slice of marble cake on its own to showcase its beautiful swirls.

With Fresh Berries

• Add a handful of fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, for a refreshing contrast against the sweet cake.

Dusting of Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch that adds sweetness without overpowering the flavors.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream to elevate the dessert experience.

Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce

• Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over each slice for an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Top with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess and to enhance the visual appeal.

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

Creating the perfect marble cake requires attention to detail and a few helpful tips. Here are some suggestions to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially eggs and butter, are at room temperature for consistent mixing.

• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour and baking powder helps aerate them, which contributes to a lighter texture in your marble cake.

• Mix Gently: When combining colors, mix gently to maintain distinct layers instead of over-blending them together.

• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures; this prevents undercooking or overcooking.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures smooth application.

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

Pairing side dishes with your marble cake can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its rich flavors.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the marble cake.

2. Vanilla Yogurt
   Creamy yogurt provides a tangy contrast that enhances the flavors of the cake beautifully.

3. Chocolate Fondue
   Serve with fresh fruit or marshmallows for dipping, creating an interactive dessert experience alongside your marble cake.

4. Coffee or Tea
   A warm beverage like coffee or tea pairs perfectly with sweet desserts, adding warmth and comfort.

5. Cheese Platter
   Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory contrast that complements the sweetness of the cake.

6. Mini Pastries
   Offer small pastries such as eclairs or cream puffs for variety and added indulgence alongside your marble cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a marble cake can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes that could ruin your masterpiece. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Mix just until combined, especially when adding flour and milk.
• Not Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect how well they incorporate. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
• Ignoring the Cooling Time: Taking the cake out of the pan too soon can cause it to break apart. Let it cool in the pan for at least 15-30 minutes.
• Skipping the Sifting Step: Not sifting flour and dry ingredients can lead to lumps. Always sift to ensure a light and airy batter.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your marble cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• You can also cover it with plastic wrap for extra freshness.

Freezing Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

• Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

• Oven: Preheat to 160°C and warm individual slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake) that might help you while baking.

How do I achieve the perfect swirl in my marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)?

To get a beautiful swirl, add spoonfuls of each colored batter alternately into the pan. Then, gently swirl with a knife or skewer without over-mixing.

Can I use different flavors for my marble cake?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors such as lemon or almond extract instead of vanilla, or even try adding fruit purees.

What should I do if my marble cake is too dry?

If your marble cake turns out dry, try reducing the baking time slightly next time or adding a simple syrup after baking to enhance moisture.

Is marble cake suitable for special occasions?

Yes! This colorful and visually appealing marble cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any festive occasion.

Final Thoughts

This easy marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake) recipe is not only delightful but also versatile! With its beautiful layers of chocolate, vanilla, and pink colors, it makes an eye-catching centerpiece. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite flavors or decorations. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its comforting taste!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Marble Cake (Neapolitan Single-Layer Cake)

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of making Marble Cake, also known as Neapolitan Single-Layer Cake. This visually stunning dessert boasts beautiful swirls of chocolate, vanilla, and a charming pink batter, making it perfect for celebrations and everyday treats alike. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this cake will not only impress your guests but also satisfy your sweet tooth.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 250g softened butter
• 275g granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• 335g all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 180ml milk
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• Pink food coloring for vibrant layers

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by buttering and lining with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one by one, mixing gently.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients with milk until fully combined.
5. Divide batter into three bowls: leave one plain, mix pink food coloring into another, and combine cocoa with warm milk for the chocolate batter.
6. Spoon alternating dollops of each colored batter into the prepared pan. Swirl gently with a knife to create marbling.
7. Bake for about 50 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool before frosting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 80mg