Are you craving a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this stunning marble sheet cake! This recipe delivers moist, tender cake with a beautiful swirl of chocolate and vanilla, perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking that's both quick and delicious. This recipe is a true testament to the fact that easy recipes can also be incredibly satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
For the Chocolate Swirl:
- ½ cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (120ml) boiling water
For the Frosting (optional):
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 15x10 inch baking pan. This preparation is key to preventing sticking and ensures a clean release of your beautiful cake.
Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a tough cake.
Add the boiling water: Gradually pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin – that's perfectly normal!
Create the swirl: In a small bowl, whisk together the ½ cup cocoa powder and ½ cup boiling water until smooth.
Combine and bake: Pour half of the vanilla batter into the prepared pan. Pour the chocolate mixture over the vanilla batter. Carefully swirl the batters together with a knife or toothpick, creating a marble effect. Pour the remaining vanilla batter over the top. Again, gently swirl to create a marbled design.
Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
Make the frosting (optional): In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until combined. Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and creamy.
Frost and serve: Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the prepared frosting. Slice and serve! This cake is best enjoyed within a few days, stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra texture.
- Use different extracts like almond or peppermint for unique flavor variations.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour or reduce the sugar slightly.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your servings and the type of frosting used. Nutritional information is best calculated using a nutrition calculator website with the specific ingredients you used. As a general guideline, expect a moderate amount of calories, fat, and sugar per serving, reflecting the nature of a cake.
This marble sheet cake recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It’s a delicious dish perfect for any occasion and shows that homemade cooking can be simple, quick, and extremely rewarding! Enjoy!