Chocolate Marble Bread – Buttery, Tender & Beautifully Swirled
Introduction
This Chocolate Marble Bread is a classic loaf cake that combines rich chocolate with delicate vanilla in a stunning swirl pattern. Moist, buttery, and lightly sweet, it’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a simple yet elegant dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beautiful presentation: The marbled swirl looks bakery‑worthy.
Moist texture: Sour cream or yogurt keeps the crumb tender.
Balanced flavor: Chocolate richness meets vanilla sweetness.
Versatile treat: Enjoy plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or lightly glazed.
Ingredients
4 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 tbsp coffee or water
1½ cups + 2 tbsp (195 g) cake flour, sifted
2 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup (120 ml) sour cream or plain yogurt, room temperature
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate
In a heatproof bowl, melt chocolate with coffee or water until smooth. Cool slightly.
Step 3: Dry Mix
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
Step 4: Cream Butter & Sugar
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Step 5: Combine
Mix in dry ingredients alternately with sour cream/yogurt until just combined.
Step 6: Divide Batter
Transfer half the batter to a separate bowl. Stir melted chocolate into one half.
Step 7: Marble Effect
Spoon alternating dollops of vanilla and chocolate batter into loaf pan. Swirl gently with a knife for marbled effect.
Step 8: Bake
Bake 50–60 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Tips & Tricks
Extra rich: Use espresso instead of water with chocolate.
Neat swirl: Don’t overmix when marbling.
Storage: Wrap tightly; keeps 3 days at room temp or freeze up to 2 months.
Serving idea: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate glaze.
Variations
Nutty Marble: Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
Citrus Twist: Mix lemon zest into vanilla batter.
Double Chocolate: Stir chocolate chips into the chocolate batter.
Mini Loaves: Bake in smaller pans for gifting.
Serving Ideas
Slice thick and serve with coffee or tea.
Pair with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Toast lightly and spread with butter for breakfast.
Present on a cake stand for a rustic dessert table.
FAQs
Q: Can I use all‑purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, but cake flour gives a lighter texture.
Q: Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Absolutely—it adds tang and moisture.
Q: Can I make this gluten‑free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Marble Bread is buttery, tender, and visually stunning. With its rich chocolate swirls and moist vanilla crumb, it’s a timeless recipe that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.