Marble Loaf Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
Yield: 1 delicious marble loaf

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons hot water

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.

2. Sift Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:

• In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

• Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Create Chocolate Batter:

• In a small bowl, mix the unsweetened cocoa powder with the hot water to create a smooth chocolate mixture. Let it cool for a minute.

7. Marbleize the Batter:

• Take about 1/3 of the vanilla batter and combine it with the chocolate mixture, creating a chocolate batter.

8. Layer the Batter:

• Start by spooning 1/3 of the vanilla batter into the prepared loaf pan. Follow with 1/3 of the chocolate batter. Continue alternating between vanilla and chocolate batters until both are used up.

9. Swirl for Marble Effect:

• Use a butter knife or a skewer to create a marbling effect by running it through the batters in the pan. Be careful not to overmix; you want a beautiful marble pattern.

10. Bake: – Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

11. Cool and Serve: – Once done, remove the marble loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Slice and Enjoy: – When the marble loaf has cooled, slice it, serve, and enjoy the delightful combination of vanilla and chocolate flavors in every bite.

This Marble Loaf is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea or coffee. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep it fresh.