Marble Cake

Marble Cake Recipe from Malta with Sponge, Cocoa Powder, and Orange

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Marble cake is a classic dessert that combines the flavors of vanilla and chocolate in a beautiful marbled pattern. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to afternoon tea.

History

Marble cake has been a popular dessert for centuries, with its origins dating back to Europe in the 19th century. The marbling effect is achieved by combining two different colored batters and swirling them together before baking.

Ingredients

8 oz (225 g) of sponge mix
2 eggs
2 tbsp (30 ml) of cocoa powder
juice and zest of one orange
6 oz (175 g) of bitter chocolate
2 oz (50 g) of butter
3 to 4 tbsp of thick cream

How to prepare

Divide the sponge mix between 2 bowls. To one bowl, add 1 egg, cocoa, and 2 – 3 tbsp of water.
Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
To the other bowl, add the second egg, orange zest, and 2 – 3 tbsp of juice.
Beat the mixture until it reaches the same consistency.
Spoon the mixtures into a microwave dish alternately, swirling the colors.
Flatten the top of the mixture and bake it on high for 4-5 minutes. If your oven doesn't have a turntable, remember to turn the dish several times.
Leave the dish to stand for 5 – 7 minutes.
Melt the chocolate and butter together on medium heat for 3 – 4 minutes, until they are just melted.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly and then stir in the cream.
Turn the cake out and place it on a rack over a tray.
Coat the cake generously with the warm sauce, and leave it to set for 3 – 4 hours before serving it sliced.
Make sure to keep any remaining cake well wrapped.

Variations

Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate batter for a mocha flavor.
Swirl in some raspberry jam for a fruity twist.
Top the cake with a chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly grease and flour your baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.

- Be careful not to overmix the batters, as this can result in a tough cake.

- Use room temperature ingredients for best results.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve marble cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly mix the batters to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

- Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the batters together for a marbled effect.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any flavor of cake mix in place of the sponge mix.

- Margarine can be used instead of butter.

- Almond or soy milk can be used in place of cream.

Make Ahead Tips

Marble cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Presentation Ideas

Serve marble cake on a decorative cake stand for a beautiful presentation. Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair marble cake with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover marble cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 30g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This cake is a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Contains eggs, dairy, and gluten.

Summary

Marble cake is a delicious treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Marble cake is a delicious and visually stunning dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its marbled pattern and rich flavors, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother and grandmother. We lived in a small village, where the women were known for their culinary skills and their ability to create delicious dishes out of simple ingredients.

One day, while rummaging through my grandmother's old recipe box, I stumbled upon a worn and tattered piece of paper that caught my eye. It was a recipe for Marble Cake, written in my grandmother's beautiful cursive handwriting. I had never heard of Marble Cake before, but the name alone intrigued me.

Excited to try something new, I asked my grandmother about the recipe. She smiled and told me that she had learned to make Marble Cake from her own mother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago. The recipe had been passed down through the generations, each woman adding her own twist to make it their own.

Eager to carry on the tradition, my grandmother and I set to work in the kitchen, gathering the ingredients and following the instructions carefully. The process was simple but precise, requiring us to alternate layers of vanilla and chocolate batter in a loaf pan before swirling them together to create a beautiful marble effect.

As the cake baked in the oven, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. When it was finally done, we let it cool before slicing into it and savoring our creation. The taste was divine – moist and tender with a rich chocolate flavor that perfectly complemented the subtle sweetness of the vanilla.

From that day on, Marble Cake became a staple in our household. Whenever there was a special occasion or a family gathering, I would proudly bake a loaf to share with our loved ones. The recipe became my signature dish, earning me a reputation as the best baker in the village.

Over the years, I have made countless variations of Marble Cake, experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to create new and exciting combinations. I have added nuts, fruits, and even a hint of coffee to the batter, each time yielding a unique and delicious result.

But no matter how many times I have made Marble Cake, the original recipe will always hold a special place in my heart. It reminds me of the bond I share with my grandmother, of the traditions we have passed down through the generations, and of the joy that comes from sharing a homemade treat with those we love.

As I sit here now, writing this story for my grandchildren to read, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The taste of Marble Cake will forever be linked to moments of love, laughter, and happiness shared with my family. And I hope that one day, my grandchildren will feel the same joy in baking this recipe as I have.