why make this recipe
Chocolate Swirl Cake is a delightful treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the lightness of vanilla cake. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, enjoying a family gathering, or just wanting to indulge yourself. The impressive swirl pattern makes it a showstopper, yet it’s simple enough for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, it smells amazing while baking, filling your kitchen with the inviting scent of freshly baked cake.
how to make Chocolate Swirl Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
- 1⁄2 tsp baking soda
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1⁄2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1⁄2 cup hot water
- 1⁄4 cup sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a bundt or loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract. Alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine cocoa powder and hot water. Mix until smooth, stirring in sugar if using. Take about 1 1⁄2 cups of the vanilla batter and mix it with the chocolate mixture.
- Pour half of the vanilla batter into the prepared pan, spoon in the chocolate batter, and gently swirl it using a knife or skewer. Top with the remaining vanilla batter and give a few more gentle swirls.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate once cooled.
how to serve Chocolate Swirl Cake
Serve Chocolate Swirl Cake as a delightful dessert after dinner or enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. Slice the cake into wedges and present it on a pretty plate. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or serve it with whipped cream for an extra treat.
how to store Chocolate Swirl Cake
Store leftover Chocolate Swirl Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices of the cake by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.
tips to make Chocolate Swirl Cake
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- When swirling the batters, don’t overmix; a few gentle swirls are enough for a beautiful pattern.
- If you want a richer chocolate flavor, feel free to add a bit more cocoa powder.
variation
You can make a marble cake by using half of the cocoa batter and half of the vanilla batter. This way, you’ll get stripes of both flavors throughout the cake.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pan?
Yes, you can use a square or round cake pan. Just adjust the baking time as needed.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can mix regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice for a buttermilk substitute.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready.
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