Description
Silky jamie oliver marble cake blends chocolate and vanilla swirls into one delightful dessert. Elegant layers create sweet harmony for home bakers seeking a classic treat you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 225 g (8 oz) butter, softened
- 225 g (8 oz) caster sugar
- 4 eggs
- 225 g (8 oz) self-raising flour
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) cocoa powder
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 180°C (356°F) for standard ovens or 160°C (320°F) for fan-assisted ovens. Meticulously grease the cake tin and line the base with parchment paper.
- Batter Creation: Blend softened butter, sugar, eggs, flour, milk, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until smooth and homogeneous. Ensure the mixture is free from lumps and has a consistent texture.
- Batter Division: Split the prepared batter equally between two mixing bowls, creating a neutral canvas for the marble effect. Integrate cocoa powder into one portion, transforming it into a rich chocolate variant.
- Marble Technique: Layer alternating spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batters into the prepared tin, creating a random yet intentional pattern. Gently tap the tin against the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Swirl Design: Use a thin skewer or knife to delicately drag through the layered batters, generating intricate swirls without disturbing the underlying pattern. Aim for a visually appealing marble effect that hints at the cake’s dual nature.
- Baking Process: Transfer the tin to the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Verify doneness by inserting a clean skewer into the center – it should emerge completely clean, indicating the cake is perfectly baked through.
Notes
- Butter Temperature Matters: Use room temperature butter for smooth, lump-free batter that blends effortlessly and creates a consistent cake texture.
- Swirl Technique: Drag skewer gently and minimally to create beautiful marble patterns without overmixing, which can muddy the distinct color layers.
- Oven Calibration Check: Verify your oven’s actual temperature with a separate thermometer to ensure precise baking and prevent under or overbaking.
- Moisture Preservation: Let cake cool completely in the tin before removing to maintain structural integrity and prevent crumbling, keeping the delicate marble design intact.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg