I’ve had Instants sucrés au Ritz Paris by François Perret for a few months now. After making hazelnut tarts, I wanted to try his marble cake, known for being one of the best.
The recipe states that the proportions are for two cakes (24–26 cm long), which I find hard to believe. I followed those proportions and had enough for a 20 cm cake with very little batter left. So, the quantities seem more suitable for a single 26–28 cm cake—no need to divide them.
Since I only had one cake to soak and glaze, I reduced the proportions of the soaking syrup and glaze. The amounts listed below are what I used.
Another small change was reducing the sugar slightly. The original recipe and my measurements are both mentioned so you can choose.
Finally, this recipe is quick and easy to make. If you don’t have a stand mixer, use an immersion blender after adding each ingredient. However, you’ll need patience if you want to glaze the cake, as it must be frozen first.
The glaze isn’t essential—you can simply bake, soak, cool, and enjoy!
How to Make Marble Cake?
This Marble Cake is the perfect combination of chocolate and vanilla. A classic, soft, and fluffy cake with a beautiful marbled effect that looks as good as it tastes.
Preparation Details
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Dish Type: Sweets, Cakes, and Pastries
- Cuisine: American
- Portions: 1 Bundt Cake (10 inches / 25 cm)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups (300 g) |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ¾ cup (169.5 g) |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Granulated sugar | 1 1/2 cups (337.5 g) |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Whole milk | 1 cup (236 ml) |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 6 tablespoons (75 g) |
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Sift the flour with baking powder and salt into a bowl and set aside.
- Beat the butter with sugar and oil using a mixer until smooth.
- Add the eggs one by one, adding vanilla extract with the last egg.
- Add the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with milk. Start and end with flour.
- Use a spatula to scrape the bowl. Do not overmix!
- Divide the batter into two portions.
- Mix cocoa powder into one portion until well combined.
- Pour vanilla batter into a greased Bundt pan. Add chocolate batter on top, then finish with vanilla batter.
- Swirl gently using a knife or chopstick to create the marble effect.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving.
Video Guide 📺
Notes
- You can melt 5–6 ounces of semisweet chocolate instead of using cocoa powder.
- For a two-layer cake, divide into two 9-inch pans and bake for 30 minutes.
- You can also use a 9×13 inch pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- For cupcakes:
- Fill liners halfway
- Swirl batters
- Bake for about 20 minutes
- Store in an airtight container:
- Room temperature: 2–3 days
- Refrigerator: 4–5 days (may dry slightly)
Nutritional Facts (Approximate per slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
FAQs
Can I skip the cocoa powder?
Yes, but you’ll lose the chocolate flavor and the classic marble look. You can substitute melted chocolate instead.
Why is my marble cake dry?
Overbaking or too much flour can cause dryness. Always check with a toothpick and avoid overmixing.
Can I freeze marble cake?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Do I need a Bundt pan?
No, you can use round pans, a rectangular pan, or even make cupcakes.
How do I get a perfect marble effect?
Use a knife or skewer and swirl gently—don’t overmix, or the patterns will disappear.
Conclusion
This Marble Cake is a timeless classic that combines simplicity with elegance. With its soft texture and rich chocolate-vanilla flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether glazed or plain, it delivers delicious results every time.
