Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

Easy marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake) is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. With its charming blend of vanilla, chocolate, and a playful pink hue, this single-layer cake not only pleases the palate but also serves as an eye-catching centerpiece. Whether for a birthday party, a family gathering, or simply a treat for yourself, this cake will surely impress with its rich flavors and beautiful marbled design.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This marble cake is easy to make, even for beginners. The step-by-step instructions ensure that you won’t feel overwhelmed in the kitchen.
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The delightful mix of vanilla, chocolate, and pink batter creates a unique taste experience that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Design: Perfect for any occasion, this marble cake can be customized with different colors or flavors to suit your event theme.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to the careful blending of ingredients, this cake turns out moist and fluffy every time.
• Eye-Catching Appearance: The swirled layers of color make this cake visually stunning, making it a great showstopper for birthdays or celebrations.

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Tools and Preparation

To create this beautiful marble cake, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. Gathering everything in advance will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• 9-inch round cake pan
• Spatula
• Sifter
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy batter quickly.
• 9-inch round cake pan: Designed specifically for even baking of cakes.
• Spatula: Ideal for scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients.

Ingredients

Easy marble cake you can bake any time.

With vanilla, chocolate and a pink-tinged batter swirled together, this single-layer 9-inch cake can be your centerpiece attraction.

For the Cake:

• 250g of butter softened
• 275g(1 and 1/4 cups) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 3 eggs
• 335g(2 and 1/4 cups) flour
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
• 180ml(3/4 cup) milk
• 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons of extra milk
• Pink food colouring

For the Butter Icing:

• 90g of softened butter
• 160g(1 cup) icing sugar
• 1 tablespoon of milk
• 2-3 drops of pink colouring

How to Make Marble Cake(Neopolitan Single-Layer Cake)

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Have all the ingredients, utensils, and appliances ready. Allow the refrigerated ingredients to reach room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Pan

Lightly butter and line the bottom of a 9″ round cake pan and set aside.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Add butter to a large bowl. Use your mixer to beat the butter on high speed until smooth. Then add granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until you have a light and fluffy cream.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs

Add one egg at a time into the cream while mixing. Try not to over-mix after adding each egg.

Step 6: Combine Flour and Milk

Gradually add flour and milk to the batter. Start with flour and end with flour while maintaining low speed if using a hand mixer.

Step 7: Prepare Colored Batters

Have three bowls ready with separate spoons. Warm 2 tablespoons of milk in one bowl for about 15 seconds; mix in cocoa powder. Separate the batter into three bowls—two equal portions remain plain while in one bowl add pink coloring until bright.

Step 8: Add Cocoa Mixture

To the third bowl with less batter, mix in cocoa mixture until it turns light chocolate color.

Step 9: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F).

Step 10: Layer Batters

Add spoonfuls of each colored batter alternatively into the prepared pan. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batter gently.

Step 11: Bake

Transfer the pan to the oven; bake for about 50 minutes. Check doneness at around 40 minutes using a skewer; if it comes out clean, remove from oven.

Step 12: Cool Cake

Once baked, allow cooling in the pan for about 15–30 minutes before transferring onto a cooling rack.

Step 13: Frosting Preparation

After cooling completely, prepare frosting by beating softened butter until light. Gradually sift icing sugar into it while mixing.

Step 14: Color Frosting

Add milk to your frosting mixture; beat until smooth. Add small drops of pink coloring; swirl gently without mixing completely pink.

Step 15: Frost Cake

Spread frosting evenly on top of cooled marble cake. Chill for about ten minutes before serving.

Now you have your lovely marble cake ready to delight everyone! Enjoy this delicious treat at your next gathering or special occasion!

How to Serve Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

Serving marble cake is an opportunity to showcase its vibrant colors and delightful flavors. This cake can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Classic Slice

• Serve a simple slice of marble cake on a dessert plate. The distinct layers of chocolate, vanilla, and pink will impress your guests.

With Fresh Berries

• Top each slice with a handful of fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries. This adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the slice. This enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a decadent touch.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream alongside your marble cake elevates the dessert experience. The lightness of the cream balances the richness of the cake.

Coffee Pairing

• Serve marble cake with a cup of coffee or espresso. The combination creates a delightful afternoon treat that pairs well together.

Ice Cream Scoop

• Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on the side for an indulgent dessert experience. The cold ice cream complements the soft texture of the cake beautifully.

How to Perfect Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

To ensure your marble cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips for baking success.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and better texture.

• Avoid Overmixing: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cake instead of a light and fluffy texture.

• Properly Swirl the Batter: Use a knife or skewer to create gentle swirls in the batter. Avoid over-swirling, which can blend colors too much.

• Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated correctly for even baking. An oven thermometer can help you verify this.

• Cool Before Frosting: Allow your marble cake to cool completely before adding frosting. This prevents melting and ensures even coverage.

• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add different extracts or spices like almond or cinnamon for unique flavor variations in your marble cake.

Best Side Dishes for Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

Pairing side dishes with marble cake can enhance its flavors and create an enjoyable dining experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers freshness that complements the sweetness of marble cake beautifully.

2. Chocolate Mousse: This rich dessert pairs well with marble cake, creating a luxurious treat for chocolate lovers.

3. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors in the marble cake.

4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or camembert to balance out the sweetness and add depth to your dessert table.

5. Tea Selection: Offer various herbal teas that provide soothing notes which pair nicely with buttery cakes.

6. Pecan Pie Bars: These sweet bars add crunch and another layer of flavor that complements marble cake’s softness.

7. Biscotti: Crunchy biscotti make for an excellent dipping companion alongside slices of moist marble cake.

8. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats will enhance your guests’ experience by pairing fresh fruit with rich chocolate flavors found in the marble cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a marble cake can be delightful, but a few common mistakes might ruin your efforts. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Incorrect ingredient temperatures: Using cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake. Always bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can toughen the cake. Mix just until combined to ensure a light texture.
• Improper baking time: Every oven is different. Check your cake at the 40-minute mark and adjust the baking time as needed.
• Not swirling enough: A lack of swirling results in less marbling. Use a knife or skewer generously to create beautiful patterns in your batter.
• Skipping the cooling step: Cutting into a warm cake can cause it to crumble. Allow it to cool adequately before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover marble cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and heat slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a marble cake(Neopolitan single-layer cake)?

A marble cake is a delicious dessert featuring swirls of chocolate and vanilla batters, often with an added pink layer.

How long does it take to bake marble cake?

The total baking time is approximately 50 minutes, but it’s essential to check if it’s done by inserting a skewer.

Can I customize the flavors of my marble cake?

Absolutely! You can add different flavors like almond or lemon extract for unique variations.

Is marble cake suitable for special occasions?

Yes, this delightful single-layer cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any cozy gathering!

How should I store leftover marble cake?

Store it wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This marble cake (Neopolitan single-layer cake) is not only easy to make but also serves as an elegant centerpiece for any occasion. With its beautiful swirls and delightful flavor, you can customize it with different colors or flavors according to your preference. Don’t hesitate; give this recipe a try today!