Marble cake

Marble Cake: Delicious and Easy Recipe

A marble cake is an excellent choice for any occasion, whether it’s a simple snack during the day or an elegant dessert for a special dinner. With a mix of rich flavors and pleasant textures, this cake quickly becomes a favorite for everyone. I will guide you step by step in preparing this dessert, providing useful tips and variations to customize it to your taste.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Essential Ingredients:

- 5 eggs
- 200 grams of flour
- 200 grams of sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 4 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract)
- a pinch of salt
- rum essence (optional, for extra flavor)
- cognac (for soaking the raisins)
- grated zest from 1-2 citrus fruits (lemon or orange)
- Turkish delight (cut into cubes, for an interesting texture)
- raisins (pre-soaked)
- roasted nuts (for a crunchy taste)

Preparing the Raisins:

- Start by soaking the raisins: place them in a small bowl and cover them with cognac or rum. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes. This step not only enhances the flavor but also the texture of the raisins, making them juicier.

Beating the Egg Whites:

- In a clean bowl, start beating the egg whites with a pinch of salt and a little lemon juice. This will help stabilize the foam.
- Once the egg whites start to form bubbles, gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and shiny foam. An important tip is not to overbeat, as the egg whites may become grainy.

Preparing the Cake Mixture:

- In another bowl, cream the egg yolks with the vanilla sugar and citrus zest. This mixture will add a vibrant flavor to the cake.
- Add the oil and mix well to integrate the ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder, ensuring there are no lumps.

Incorporating the Ingredients:

- Add the beaten egg yolks to the whipped egg whites, gently folding from the bottom up with a spatula or wooden spoon. It is important to keep the air in the egg whites for the cake to be fluffy.
- Gradually incorporate the sifted flour, continuing to mix gently.
- Divide the mixture into two equal parts. In one part, add the sifted cocoa and, optionally, the drained rum from the raisins for a more intense flavor.

Assembling the Cake:

- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it with butter and sprinkle with flour.
- Start pouring the mixtures into the pan: place a spoonful of the white mixture, then a spoonful of the cocoa mixture, continuing to alternate until you finish the batter.
- Over each spoonful of batter, distribute the roasted nuts, Turkish delight, and soaked raisins. This will add a crunchy texture and a sweet-sour taste.

Baking:

- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the cake for 45 minutes or until it turns golden and passes the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean).
- Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Serving:

- The marble cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant look.
- A wonderful idea is to pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce, turning the dessert into a true culinary experience.

Nutritional Benefits:

This marble cake is a source of carbohydrates and proteins due to the eggs and flour. The nuts add healthy fats and fiber, while the raisins contribute vitamins and minerals. However, it is best to consume this dessert in moderation, considering the sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other types of flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or almond flour for a healthier version, but the textures may vary.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh longer?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator, but be sure to cover it to prevent drying out.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
You can add dark or white chocolate, candied fruits, or even chia seeds for an extra nutritional boost.

This marble cake is not just a recipe, but a cooking experience that brings together flavors and textures in a superb way. Try it and enjoy every delicious slice!