Name: Marble Bundt Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup boiling water

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Few things are as delightful and nostalgic as a classic Marble Bundt Cake, with its gorgeous chocolate-vanilla swirls and irresistible buttery crumb. This beloved dessert blends two favorite flavors in a single, showstopping bundt, making it perfect for birthdays, holiday tables, or simply brightening up an ordinary afternoon. Whether you’re already a marble cake enthusiast or you’re baking it for the very first time, you’ll fall in love with the way this recipe elevates simple ingredients into a dramatic centerpiece—complete with rich chocolate ribbons and a perfectly moist texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for Marble Bundt Cake couldn’t be easier—these are tried-and-true staples that work magic together. Each element helps create those mesmerizing swirls, tender crumb, and a cake that’s just the right balance of richness and lightness.

All-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s sturdy yet tender structure for beautiful slicing and swirling.
Baking powder: Boosts the rise for a light, airy texture in every bite.
Baking soda: Works with the sour cream to tenderize and add lift to the crumb.
Salt: Enhances all the flavor notes, making the chocolate and vanilla truly pop.
Unsalted butter (softened): Introduces a deliciously rich flavor and keeps the cake moist.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create that classic golden crust.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness—room temperature is best for mixing.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with a comforting, aromatic vanilla base.
Sour cream: Secret to ultimate moisture and tenderness without making the cake heavy.
Whole milk: Adds extra moisture and helps create the perfect cake batter consistency.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: The star of the chocolate swirl—choose a good-quality powder for deep flavor.
Boiling water: Helps bloom the cocoa, making the chocolate notes rich and smooth throughout the marble pattern.

How to Make Marble Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and thoroughly greasing and flouring a 10-inch Bundt pan. This simple preparation step is absolutely crucial—especially for a Marble Bundt Cake, where you want those dramatic patterns to release perfectly when you invert the pan. Take a little extra time to make sure every nook and cranny is ready!

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This not only ensures even distribution (no baking soda pockets here!) but also keeps your cake airier by loosening up the flour. Set this bowl aside while you move on to the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar using a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This step is where the cake gets its tender, delicate texture, as the creamed butter and sugar will trap tiny air pockets for a spectacular crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract. This ensures everything is nicely emulsified and brings beautiful richness and aroma to your batter, an essential part of any memorable Marble Bundt Cake.

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream

Mix in the sour cream until fully smooth—don’t skip this! Sour cream is the secret ingredient for unbeatable moistness and just the right amount of tang, which balances perfectly with both vanilla and chocolate.

Step 6: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Always start and finish with the flour mixture. This method prevents over-mixing and keeps the batter light, ensuring a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth Marble Bundt Cake every time.

Step 7: Create the Chocolate Batter

In a small bowl, stir together the cocoa powder and boiling water until smooth and glossy. Scoop out 2 cups of the vanilla batter and mix it with the chocolate paste to create your deep chocolate swirl batter—this contrast is the magic of marble cake!

Step 8: Swirl into the Bundt Pan

Pour half of the vanilla batter into your prepared pan. Dollop chocolate batter on top, then finish with the remaining vanilla. Using a butter knife, gently swirl through the batters to create those marbled patterns—be careful not to overdo it, or your swirls will blend together!

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack. This patience pays off: your stunning Marble Bundt Cake will pop out perfectly intact.

How to Serve Marble Bundt Cake

Garnishes

Once your Marble Bundt Cake is completely cooled, try drizzling it with a glossy chocolate glaze for extra decadence or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar for a simple, snowy finish. Both options take very little time, but lend a bakery-level wow factor that will impress at any gathering.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries for a pop of tart contrast. For a more elegant touch, consider a side of raspberry coulis or a cold glass of milk for old-fashioned comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Marble Bundt Cake into individual servings by cutting thick slices and plating them with a swirl of chocolate sauce on the side. Or, for brunch gatherings, serve with a platter of seasonal fruit and edible flowers—those striking swirls look stunning on a dessert table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Marble Bundt Cake moist by wrapping slices tightly in plastic wrap or storing the whole cake under a cake dome at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors actually meld together and deepen as it rests.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Marble Bundt Cake! Wrap cooled slices (or the whole cake) securely in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or several hours at room temperature—it’s like a freshly baked treat anytime.

Reheating

If you like your cake a little warm, simply microwave a slice for 10 to 15 seconds before serving. The chocolate ribbon gets extra melty, and each bite is pure comfort food.

FAQs

Can I make Marble Bundt Cake in advance?

Absolutely! This cake is an ideal make-ahead dessert. You can bake it a day ahead, cool completely, and store tightly wrapped. The flavor and moisture only improve over the next day.

Why did my marble pattern blend together?

If your swirls aren’t clearly defined, you may have over-mixed the batters when swirling. Remember to drag the knife gently for just a few figure-eights for the best marble effect.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

If you’re out of sour cream, plain whole-milk Greek yogurt is a great substitute—it keeps your Marble Bundt Cake equally moist and tender with a subtle tang.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely! Stir chocolate chips or your favorite chopped nuts into the chocolate batter for an extra burst of texture and flavor. Just be careful not to overload the batter, so you keep that beautiful swirl intact.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the Bundt pan?

Meticulously grease every crevice with butter or nonstick spray, then dust the pan with flour. Tap out any excess flour to avoid patches. A well-prepped pan is the key to an easy release and a flawless Marble Bundt Cake.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about slicing into a Marble Bundt Cake and seeing those swirled patterns emerge. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, a weekend treat, or sharing with friends, this cake never fails to wow. I hope you find as much joy making and sharing this classic as I do—happy swirling!

Marble Bundt Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Marble Bundt Cake is a delightful combination of rich chocolate and vanilla flavors swirled together in a moist and tender cake. Perfect for any occasion, this visually stunning dessert is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole milk

For Chocolate Swirl:

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup boiling water

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease/flour a 10-inch Bundt pan.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Stir in sour cream until smooth. Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternating with milk.
Prepare Chocolate Mixture: In a small bowl, mix cocoa powder and boiling water until smooth.
Marble the Batter: Transfer 2 cups of batter to cocoa mixture and combine. Pour half of vanilla batter into pan, add chocolate batter, then top with remaining vanilla batter. Swirl with a knife.
Bake and Cool: Bake for 50–55 minutes. Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.