Welcome to your next baking obsession!
This Marble Butter Cake with Zesty Lemon Glaze combines classic flavors with a refreshing twist. The rich, buttery layers of chocolate and vanilla are marbled to perfection, while the bright lemon glaze adds a vibrant finish that makes every slice unforgettable. It’s the perfect cake for any occasion—or simply when you’re craving something extra special.
At Elles Kitchen, we’re all about recipes that bring joy to your kitchen and your table. This one is simple, stunning, and absolutely delicious—let’s get baking!
Watch the step-by-step guide to making this Marble Butter Cake with Zesty Lemon Glaze!
For the Marble Butter Cake:
Ingredients for a 6-inch Square Mold
- 150g unsalted butter, softened
- 135g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 225g cake flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 tsp salt
- 90 ml milk, at room temperature
- 22g unsweetened cocoa powder
- Hot Water: As needed
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Cake Pan
Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and grease a cake mold to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
2. Cream the Butter & Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a soft, rich cake texture.
3. Add Eggs & Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth, well-incorporated batter. Then, add in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Sift & Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then whisk to combine evenly.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in batches, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Use a mixer on low speed to incorporate each addition, being careful not to overmix.
Once combined, add the milk and mix until the batter is smooth and creamy. Divide one-third of the batter into a separate bowl to prepare for creating the marbled effect.
5. Prepare the Cocoa Swirl:
In a small bowl, combine the cocoa powder with 2 tablespoons of hot water and stir until smooth.
Add this cocoa mixture to the reserved one-third of the batter and mix until fully incorporated, creating a uniform chocolate batter.
6. Create the Marble Magic:
Pour the vanilla batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Add dollops of the chocolate batter, alternating with the remaining vanilla batter. Use a skewer to gently swirl the batters together, creating a marbled pattern without overmixing.
7. Bake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting it out to cool completely.
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 125g powdered sugar (sifted)
- 30-45g fresh lemon juice (depending on desired consistency)
- Optional: 2-3g lemon zest (about 1 teaspoon)
Instructions:
- Mix Ingredients:
To prepare the lemon glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl, starting with a small amount of juice and adjusting to achieve your desired consistency. For a thicker glaze, use less juice; for a thinner, pourable glaze, add more.
Incorporate lemon zest for an added burst of citrus flavor, and continue whisking until the glaze is smooth and well combined.
Transfer the prepared glaze into a piping bag for easy application.
2. Drizzle Over Cake:
Drizzle the lemon glaze evenly over the cooled cake, adding a smooth layer of citrus flavor. Once the glaze is set, slice the cake and serve.
Optional Icing Sugar Topping
- Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar): 1-2 tablespoons (adjust based on preference)
After the glaze has set and the cake is cooled, lightly sift the icing sugar over the top for an elegant finishing touch.Use a fine-mesh sieve for even distribution.
Prefer a visual guide? Watch our step-by-step tutorial to create this stunning Marble Butter Cake!
Tips
- Ensure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly and creates a uniform batter, saving time and effort during mixing.
This Marble Butter Cake with Zesty Lemon Glaze is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a celebration or enjoying a slice with tea, it’s sure to delight!
💬 What’s your favorite cake flavor? Let us know in the comments!
📸 Made this marble butter cake with zesty lemon glaze? Share your photos and tag @Elleskitchenlife – we’d love to see your beautiful creation!
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