Pink Marble Cake Recipe: A Beautifully Swirled Delight

Pink marble cake is an eye-catching dessert that combines the flavors of vanilla, chocolate, and a delightful pink hue. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, family gathering, or simply want a treat, this pink marble cake is easy to make, moist, and incredibly flavorful. This simple one-bowl recipe is perfect for beginners, and with its gorgeous appearance, it’s sure to impress your guests.

Pink marble cake

Why You’ll Love This Pink Marble Cake

Pink marble cake is a fun and festive dessert with a striking pink swirl that instantly elevates any event. The beauty of this cake lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in its delightful flavors. The combination of buttery vanilla, rich cocoa, and the vibrant pink coloring creates a visually stunning and deliciously balanced cake. Plus, it’s easy to make with minimal kitchen tools and ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for beginner bakers or anyone who wants a showstopper dessert without the hassle.

Ingredients for the Perfect Pink Marble Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make the moist, flavorful pink marble cake:

Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake, helping to balance out the other flavors.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s flavor with a hint of sweetness.
Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure.
Flour: The base of the cake, creating a soft, airy texture.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise and become fluffy.
Milk: Adds moisture and smoothness to the batter.
Pink food coloring: The key ingredient for that beautiful pink swirl.
Cocoa powder: Provides the rich, chocolatey flavor for the marble effect.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to modify the recipe based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability, here are some great substitutions:

Non-dairy butter: Can replace regular butter for a dairy-free version.
Almond milk or oat milk: These milk alternatives work perfectly if you want to make the cake dairy-free.
Flax eggs: Use in place of regular eggs for a vegan-friendly version of the cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pink Marble Cake

Making a pink marble cake is simple and fun. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Before you begin, make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by buttering it lightly and lining it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.
  3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes on medium speed.
  4. Add the Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, making sure to combine each before adding the next.
  5. Combine Flour and Milk: Gradually add the sifted flour mixture and milk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two. Start with flour and end with flour, mixing on the lowest speed to avoid overworking the batter.
  6. Divide the Batter: Separate the batter into three bowls. Leave one portion plain, color the second portion with a few drops of pink food coloring, and mix the third portion with cocoa powder.
  7. Create the Marble Effect: Drop spoonfuls of each colored batter alternately into the prepared pan, ensuring the layers contrast. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the colors together.
  8. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
  9. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-30 minutes before inverting it onto a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before frosting.
  10. Frost the Cake: For the frosting, beat softened butter with icing sugar and milk. Add a few drops of pink food coloring and gently swirl to create a marbled effect. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake and chill for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Pink Marble Cake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature helps achieve a smooth, lump-free batter.
Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when mixing the batter to avoid a dense cake. Mix just enough to incorporate the ingredients.
Tap the Pan: After filling the pan with batter, tap it gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
Frost When Cool: Make sure the cake has cooled completely before applying the frosting to avoid melting the icing.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Pink marble cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can serve it alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent dessert. For variations, try adding a dash of almond extract to the batter for an extra layer of flavor or swap the pink coloring for pastel colors to match different themes or occasions.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer.

Health Benefits of Pink Marble Cake

While pink marble cake is a sweet treat, it can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. The use of quality ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk adds protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins to the cake, though it’s important to remember that this is still a dessert best enjoyed occasionally.

Conclusion: The Perfect Pink Marble Cake Awaits!

This pink marble cake recipe is the ultimate treat to add a splash of color and flavor to your baking repertoire. It combines the sweetness of vanilla, the richness of chocolate, and a striking pink swirl that is sure to catch everyone’s eye. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced baker, this cake is simple to make and yields impressive results. With its soft, buttery texture and deliciously light frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion – from family gatherings to festive celebrations. Try it today and watch as it becomes a crowd favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this cake without food coloring?

Yes, if you prefer a more natural approach, you can skip the food coloring entirely. The cake will still have the beautiful marble effect with just the plain and chocolate batters. If you want a more vibrant look, you could try using natural colorants like beetroot powder for a pink hue.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

While you can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier version, it may slightly alter the texture of the cake. Whole wheat flour tends to make cakes denser, so you might need to adjust the baking time or add a little extra milk to keep the batter moist.

How do I prevent my cake from sinking in the middle?

A sinking cake can often be caused by overmixing the batter or opening the oven door too early. To prevent this, make sure to mix your ingredients gently and wait until the cake has fully set before opening the oven door to check.

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Pink marble cake

Pink marble cake


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  • Author: Anna
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Pink Marble Cake is a visually stunning dessert that combines the sweet flavors of vanilla and chocolate, with a beautiful pink swirl. It’s soft, moist, and easy to make, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a festive celebration, this one-bowl marble cake is sure to impress.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 250g of butter (softened)
  • 275g (1 and 1/4 cups) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 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 coloring
  • 90g softened butter (for frosting)
  • 160g (1 cup) icing sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of milk (for frosting)
  • 23 drops of pink food coloring (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by buttering and lining it with parchment paper.
  2. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. Set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and beat until incorporated.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Gradually add the sifted flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing on low speed to avoid overmixing.
  6. Divide the batter into three bowls. Leave one bowl of batter plain, color the second with pink food coloring, and mix cocoa powder into the third.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of each colored batter alternately into the prepared pan, making sure the layers contrast. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batters together for a marble effect.
  8. Bake the cake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool the cake in the pan for 15-30 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
  10. For the frosting, beat softened butter and sifted icing sugar together. Add the milk and beat until smooth. Add a few drops of pink food coloring and gently swirl to create a marbled effect in the frosting.
  11. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and chill for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute non-dairy butter and milk.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Tap the pan gently before baking to remove air bubbles.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 323mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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