Marble cake

Marble Cake – A Homemade Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Who doesn’t love a well-made cake, with a fluffy texture and a marbled appearance that captures attention? This marble cake recipe is a true family favorite, perfect for a quick snack or as a dessert for a special meal. With a harmonious blend of vanilla and chocolate flavors, this cake is sure to become a classic in your kitchen.

The history of marble cake is quite interesting. It was created to bring a touch of elegance to everyday meals by combining two delicious flavors into one dish. The first step in making this cake is choosing the ingredients. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!

Ingredients

- 4-5 fresh eggs (preferably from free-range hens)
- 200 g of good quality flour (white cake flour is recommended)
- 200 g of granulated sugar (you can also use brown sugar for a more caramelized taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of good quality cocoa (this will provide an intense flavor)
- 4 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or canola oil is ideal)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or you can use vanilla extract)
- A pinch of salt

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by preparing all your ingredients. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature, as this will help achieve a fluffier texture. Separate the egg whites from the yolks. It’s important that no yolk remains in the egg whites; otherwise, they won’t whip properly.

Step 2: Whipping the Egg Whites

In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the egg whites. When they become frothy, start adding the vanilla sugar and granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuously beating. Continue mixing until you achieve a glossy and stiff foam. This step is essential to ensure an airy texture for the cake.

Step 3: Mixing the Egg Yolks

In another bowl, add the egg yolks and oil. Mix them with a fork or whisk until you obtain a homogeneous mixture, similar to mayonnaise. This emulsion will add moisture and richness to the cake.

Step 4: Combining the Mixtures

Pour the yolk mixture over the egg white foam. Use a spatula to gently fold in, making bottom-up movements. This step is crucial, as we don't want to lose the air in the egg whites.

In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Add this mixture, one tablespoon at a time, to the egg white and yolk mixture, continuing to fold with the spatula using the same bottom-up technique.

Step 5: Preparing the Cocoa Mixture

Divide the obtained mixture into two parts. In one part, add the cocoa dissolved in 2-3 tablespoons of warm water. Mix well to achieve a uniform composition. Now you have two mixtures: one white and one brown, each delicious in its own way!

Step 6: Forming the Cake

Line a large loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it with butter and sprinkle with flour. Start forming the cake: add a tablespoon of the white mixture, then a tablespoon of the cocoa mixture. Continue alternating the two mixtures until you use them both up. This technique will create a wonderful marbled effect!

Step 7: Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Place the pan in the oven and let the cake bake for 30-40 minutes. It’s important to check if it’s well-baked by doing the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

Step 8: Cooling and Serving

Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve it plain, dusted with a little powdered sugar, or you can pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee.

Practical Tips

- Ingredients: Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients; eggs from free-range hens will provide a better taste and a more vibrant color.
- Cocoa: Use good quality cocoa to achieve a more intense flavor. You can experiment with different types of cocoa.
- Oil: Sunflower oil is an excellent choice, but you can also use olive oil for a slightly different taste.
- Flavors: You can add almond or rum extracts to vary the cake's flavor.

Nutritional Information

A serving of marble cake (approximately 100 g) contains approximately:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 6 g

Possible Variations

- Fruit Cake: Add pieces of dried or fresh fruit, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a fresh taste.
- Nut Cake: Incorporate ground nuts or almonds for added texture.
- Chocolate Cake: Replace cocoa with melted chocolate for a richer cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the cake will have a denser texture.

2. How can I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.

3. Is it suitable for special diets?
If you have intolerances or allergies, you can adapt the recipe by using gluten-free ingredients or natural sweeteners.

In conclusion, marble cake is not just a simple dessert, but also a true visual and taste delight. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or enjoy it every day, it is a recipe that will not disappoint. Enjoy your meal!