Chocolate Marble Bread

Chocolate marble bread is a classic treat that combines the best of both worlds: rich chocolate flavor swirled together with tender vanilla cake. The contrasting batters are layered and marbled to create a beautiful pattern inside the loaf, making each slice as impressive to look at as it is delicious to eat. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. The bread is moist, flavorful, and pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. Below you will find a detailed recipe with step-by-step instructions as well as helpful tips to make sure your marble bread comes out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

4 ounces (115 g) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons coffee or water
1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons (195 g) cake flour, sifted
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, room temperature

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, melt the chopped chocolate with the coffee or water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk in two parts. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Divide the batter into two equal portions. Stir the melted chocolate into one portion, leaving the other portion plain.
Spoon alternating layers of vanilla and chocolate batters into the prepared loaf pan. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the two batters together, creating a marbled effect. Do not overmix.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the bread with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for Success

For the best results, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin. This ensures the batter emulsifies properly and creates a soft, tender crumb. When melting the chocolate, keep the heat low and stir frequently to prevent scorching. The swirl pattern will look most attractive if you spoon the batters in layers and swirl just a few times with a skewer. Too much swirling will blend the batters and you will lose the distinct marble effect.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate marble bread is incredibly versatile. You can serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a simple chocolate glaze. For a more indulgent treat, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also makes a lovely gift when wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a ribbon. Because the bread has both chocolate and vanilla flavors, it appeals to a wide range of tastes and works well for any occasion.

Storage

Once cooled, the marble bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresher longer, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the loaf or individual slices for up to two months. To thaw, leave at room temperature for several hours or warm briefly in the microwave.

Conclusion

This chocolate marble bread recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance. The moist crumb, delicate vanilla flavor, and rich chocolate swirls make it an irresistible baked good that will impress family and guests alike. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a sweet ending to dinner, this marble bread is sure to become a recipe you will return to time and again. Try it once, and you will see why this timeless combination of chocolate and vanilla has been beloved for generations.