Introduction
The gâteau marbré moelleux is a classic French cake beloved for its beautiful swirl of vanilla and chocolate batter. Soft, buttery, and delicately flavored, it’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a simple dessert. This recipe ensures a moist texture thanks to the use of yogurt (or crème fraîche) and a gentle mixing method that keeps the crumb tender. Simple to prepare, visually stunning, and absolutely delicious!
🧾 Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 220 g all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 120 g unsalted butter, softened
- 150 g sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 plain yogurt (125 g) or 120 g crème fraîche
- 2 tbsp milk (optional, for consistency)
For the Chocolate Batter
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to loosen the chocolate paste if needed)
🥣 Instructions & Method
1. Prepare the Batter
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a loaf pan or round cake pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and yogurt (or crème fraîche).
- Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix gently until smooth.
- If the batter seems thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to loosen it.
2. Create the Chocolate Swirl
- Separate ⅓ of the batter into a small bowl.
- Add the cocoa powder and a splash of milk to this portion.
- Mix until you get a smooth chocolate batter.
3. Assemble the Marble Cake
- In your prepared pan, alternate spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter, layering them on top of each other.
- Use a skewer, chopstick, or knife to make gentle swirling motions—
👉 Don’t over-mix, or the marble effect will fade.
4. Bake
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 40–50 minutes, depending on your oven.
- The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
5. Serve
Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
⭐ Tips for Extra Moelleux (Softness)
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added.
- Use room-temperature ingredients.
- Add a spoon of oil or melted butter for extra moistness.
- Store in an airtight container to keep it soft for several days.