Are you looking for a show-stopping dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This vibrant 3-colour marble cake is the perfect recipe for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. Its beautiful swirls of colour make it ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious and visually stunning homemade treat. This easy recipe delivers a moist, flavourful cake that's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to wow everyone with this quick dinner dessert option!
Ingredients:
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For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
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For the Colouring:
- Gel food coloring in red, yellow, and green (or your preferred colours)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily after baking.
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Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combines all the leavening agents for even rising.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, leading to a lighter cake. Use an electric mixer for best results.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix.
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Divide & Colour: Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl, yellow to another, and green to the last. Start with a small amount of coloring and add more as needed to achieve your desired vibrancy.
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Marble the Batter: Layer spoonfuls of each coloured batter into the prepared pan, creating a marble effect by swirling the colours together gently with a knife or toothpick. Don't over-mix; you want to retain some visible swirls.
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Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar or serve with your favourite frosting.
Tips for the Best Marble Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Quality Ingredients: Using good quality ingredients will result in a tastier cake.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is fully baked.
Variations:
- Flavour Variations: Add extracts like almond, lemon, or peppermint for different flavour profiles.
- Colour Variations: Experiment with different food colour combinations to create unique marble effects. Try using shades of blue, purple, or orange!
- Add-ins: Incorporate chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits into the batter for added texture and flavour.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Fat: 15-20g Sugar: 25-30g Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This 3-colour marble cake is a delightful addition to any occasion. Its vibrant colours and delicious taste make it a perfect dessert for sharing with loved ones. Enjoy the process of baking and the satisfaction of creating this beautiful and tasty treat!