Easy Italian Marble Cake Recipe for Everyone Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Italian Marble Cake combines vanilla and chocolate batters swirled together for a classic, beautiful finish. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for all occasions, whether a simple snack or a festive dessert.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined to keep the batter light.
- Step 5: Divide the batter evenly into two bowls. Stir the unsweetened cocoa powder into one of the bowls until fully incorporated.
- Step 6: Spoon alternating dollops of vanilla and chocolate batter into the prepared pan. Using a knife or skewer, swirl gently through the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moistness, substitute half the butter with an equal amount of yogurt or sour cream.
- Add a pinch of instant espresso powder to the cocoa batter to deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Use a loaf pan for a thicker cake or a bundt pan for a decorative shape.
- Enhance the vanilla flavor by adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature then warm slices briefly in the microwave to restore softness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, cake flour will make the marble cake even softer and more tender, but be sure to measure it correctly to maintain the right texture.
How do I get a good marble pattern?
Alternately spoon the two batters in the pan, then gently swirl with a knife or skewer only a few times. Over-mixing the swirl can blend the batters too much and reduce the marbled effect.
PrintEasy Italian Marble Cake Recipe for Everyone Recipe
A classic and easy-to-make Italian Marble Cake that combines vanilla and chocolate flavors in a beautifully swirled batter. This moist and tender cake is perfect for any occasion and simple enough for bakers of all levels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pan thoroughly to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Set aside to incorporate later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the ½ cup of room temperature unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour and baking powder mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare Chocolate Batter: Divide the batter evenly into two bowls. Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to one half and mix well to create the chocolate portion of the batter.
- Create Marble Effect: Alternately spoon the vanilla and chocolate batters into the prepared baking pan. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the batters together to create a beautiful marble pattern.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it. Slice and serve as desired.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
- Do not overmix once dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense cake.
- The marbling effect is best achieved by gentle swirling; avoid mixing too vigorously.
- Use a toothpick to test doneness; a clean toothpick ensures the cake is fully baked.
- This cake can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Keywords: Italian marble cake, easy cake recipe, vanilla chocolate cake, marble cake, dessert, homemade cake

