Chocolate Swirl Cake
A delightful blend of rich chocolate and sweet vanilla flavors, this Chocolate Swirl Cake is moist, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion.
Servings 12 servings
Calories 320kcal
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour Opt for a good-quality all-purpose flour. Don’t forget to level your measuring cup for accurate results.
- 1 1/2 tsp Baking powder Freshness matters—double check those expiration dates!
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt A little brings out the vanilla and cocoa flavors.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened Room temperature is key for that fluffy, creamy base.
- 1 1/2 cups Granulated sugar For everyday sweetness.
- 4 large Eggs Bring them to room temperature for best mixing.
- 1 tbsp Vanilla extract Always reach for pure vanilla if you can.
- 1 cup Buttermilk No buttermilk? Mix 1 tbsp vinegar into milk and let it sit a few minutes.
Chocolate Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-processed or natural cocoa—either works.
- 1/2 cup Hot water Helps bloom the cocoa for bolder chocolate flavor.
- 1/4 cup Extra sugar (optional) Only if you want an even sweeter chocolate swirl.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt or loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and buttermilk, alternating between the two, starting and ending with flour.
Making the Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix cocoa powder with hot water until silky. Add extra sugar if desired. Blend 1 1/2 cups of your vanilla batter with the chocolate mixture.
- Pour half the vanilla batter into the prepared pan, spoon in the chocolate batter, and swirl with a knife or skewer. Top with the remaining vanilla batter and swirl slightly.
Baking
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness. Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.
- Let it cool completely before serving.
Serving
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for serving.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing. Feel free to try variations such as gluten-free or dairy-free options.
