Marble Pound Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Marble Pound Cake offers a rich, buttery flavor with a striking chocolate swirl, perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat for family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 2 sticks butter
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • dash of salt
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 heaping tablespoons cocoa

Instructions

  1. Cream together butter and shortening, gradually adding sugar. Continue to beat until light and fluffy.
  2. Blend in eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Mix in vanilla.
  4. Prepare the batter by dividing it into two equal parts. To one part, add cocoa.
  5. Alternate spooning the plain and chocolate batter into a greased and floured loaf pan, creating a marbled effect.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool before removing from the pan and slicing.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve a light and fluffy texture, ensure your butter and shortening are at room temperature before creaming. If you want a deeper chocolate flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular. For a fun twist, add some orange zest to the plain batter to enhance flavor and aroma, complementing the chocolate nicely.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of marble pound cake with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Lemonade Pie (Easy Summer Dessert) for a refreshing treat. For a cozy afternoon snack, enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for gatherings or a quiet moment at home.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover marble pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, slice and microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until just heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Marble Pound Cake contains roughly 584 calories, with 6g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (31% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1005mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

584 kcal 29% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.1g 12% DV
Total Fat 28.7g 37% DV
Carbs 70.5g 26% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 28.9g 58% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1004.7mg 44% DV
Potassium 354.8mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 128.3mg 43% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 128.6mcg 14% DV
Vitamin C 16.2mg 18% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 397.4mg 31% DV
Iron 4.4mg 25% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a lighter texture, but the cake may be more delicate. If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend, though results may vary.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. Additionally, the edges will pull slightly away from the sides of the pan, and the top should be golden brown.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the batter?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch. Just be sure to fold them gently into the batter, especially in the plain portion, to maintain the marbled effect.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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