Introduction
Marble Cake with Rum is a classic German dessert, known as Marmorkuchen, that brings a delightful blend of flavors to your table. This beautifully swirled cake features a moist and fluffy combination of vanilla and chocolate batters, enriched with hints of rum and lemon zest. Whether enjoyed during afternoon coffee or at celebrations, this cake is sure to impress your guests with its sophisticated flavor and stunning presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Marble Cake with Rum
This marble cake with rum recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. Here are some reasons to love it:
- Deliciously moist, thanks to the combination of ingredients.
- The rum adds a unique depth of flavor, making it special.
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual coffee breaks to festive gatherings.
- A stunning visual appeal with its marbled pattern.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining.
This cake is a traditional marble cake with rum, blending a rich chocolate vanilla marble cake with rum that will leave everyone asking for seconds. The preparation method ensures a light and airy texture, making this cake a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients for Marble Cake with Rum
Gather these items:
- 100 grams butter
- 280 grams sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 Tablespoons spiced rum (Austrian STROH rum recommended)
- 6 large eggs, separated (yolks and whites)
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 280 grams flour
- 8 grams baking powder
- 100 milliliters milk
- 20 grams good cocoa powder (fair trade preferred)
- 20 milliliters milk
- 140 grams semi-sweet chocolate chips or good quality chocolate bar (fair trade preferred)
- 40 grams butter (room temperature)
How to Make Marble Cake with Rum Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Set your oven to 310°F (155°C) on convection or 355°F (180°C) on traditional setting to prepare for baking.
- Step 2: Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat soft butter with 160 grams sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and spiced rum until creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape bowl sides clean.
- Step 3: Gradually add one egg yolk at a time to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of sea salt using a hand-held blender until almost stiff. Add remaining 120 grams sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Step 5: Combine flour and baking powder by sifting, then alternately add them along with milk to the butter-egg yolk mixture using the stand mixer on low or folding gently with a spatula.
- Step 6: Carefully fold whipped egg whites into the batter until no visible streaks of flour or egg white remain, ensuring a light, airy texture.
- Step 7: Grease the bundt pan well with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking. Avoid non-stick sprays unless using silicone pans.
- Step 8: Pour half the batter into the pan. Add cocoa powder and extra milk to the remaining batter and fold in gently until combined. Pour this chocolate batter into the pan over the vanilla batter.
- Step 9: Using a butter knife or fork, gently swirl the two batters to create the marble effect without overmixing.
- Step 10: Place in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick starting at 40 minutes – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep cake moist.
- Step 11: Let cake cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a cooling rack to remove the bundt pan.
- Step 12: Microwave chocolate chips in a microwave-safe container for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Stir in room temperature butter. Spread glaze evenly over the warm cake and allow it to run down the sides.
- Step 13: Optionally decorate with sprinkles, chocolate candies, or gummy bears for festive occasions. Serve fresh or at room temperature, commonly enjoyed with coffee.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Marble Cake with Rum
Keep these in mind:
- Use fair trade ingredients for better quality.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven’s settings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- For a richer taste, consider adding a marble cake with rum glaze on top.
- Experiment with different types of rum to find your favorite flavor profile.
Best Ways to Serve Marble Cake with Rum
This moist marble cake with rum can be served in various delightful ways:
- Pair it with whipped cream and fresh berries for a refreshing dessert.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic treat.
- Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
How to Store and Reheat Marble Cake with Rum
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices. When ready to enjoy, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marble Cake with Rum
What’s the secret to perfect Marble Cake with Rum?
The key to a perfect rum-infused marble cake is to ensure each layer is properly folded to create a beautiful swirl without overmixing. The addition of spiced rum enhances the flavor, offering a unique twist.
Can I make Marble Cake with Rum ahead of time?
Yes, this easy marble cake with rum can be made ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just store it properly to maintain its moisture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Marble Cake with Rum?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature, and do not overmix the batter. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time to prevent overbaking.
Variations of Marble Cake with Rum You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Try using marble cake with spiced rum for a more robust flavor.
- Incorporate orange zest instead of lemon for a citrus twist.
- Add a chocolate ganache topping for an extra indulgent treat.
- Consider using different types of chocolate for the batter, like dark or white chocolate.

For more delicious recipes, check out our Gingerbread Tiramisu or Honey Roasted Root Vegetables. If you’re looking for a festive treat, try our Halloween Bundt Cake recipe!
For additional tips on baking, visit King Arthur Baking for expert advice.
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Marble Cake with Rum: 12 Steps to Deliciousness
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic German Marble Cake, known as Marmorkuchen, features a moist and fluffy vanilla and chocolate batter swirled together for a stunning marbled effect. Infused with hints of rum and lemon zest, this cake offers a sophisticated flavor perfect for afternoon coffee or celebrations.
Ingredients
- 100 grams butter
- 280 grams sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 Tablespoons spiced rum (Austrian STROH rum recommended)
- 6 large eggs, separated (yolks and whites)
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 280 grams flour
- 8 grams baking powder
- 100 milliliters milk
- 20 grams good cocoa powder (fair trade preferred)
- 20 milliliters milk
- 140 grams semi-sweet chocolate chips or good quality chocolate bar (fair trade preferred)
- 40 grams butter (room temperature)
Instructions
- Set your oven to 310°F (155°C) on convection or 355°F (180°C) on traditional setting to prepare for baking.
- Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat soft butter with 160 grams sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and spiced rum until creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape bowl sides clean.
- Gradually add one egg yolk at a time to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of sea salt using a hand-held blender until almost stiff. Add remaining 120 grams sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Combine flour and baking powder by sifting, then alternately add them along with milk to the butter-egg yolk mixture using the stand mixer on low or folding gently with a spatula.
- Carefully fold whipped egg whites into the batter until no visible streaks of flour or egg white remain, ensuring a light, airy texture.
- Grease the bundt pan well with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking. Avoid non-stick sprays unless using silicone pans.
- Pour half the batter into the pan. Add cocoa powder and extra milk to the remaining batter and fold in gently until combined. Pour this chocolate batter into the pan over the vanilla batter.
- Using a butter knife or fork, gently swirl the two batters to create the marble effect without overmixing.
- Place in oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick starting at 40 minutes – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep cake moist.
- Let cake cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a cooling rack to remove the bundt pan.
- Microwave chocolate chips in a microwave-safe container for 2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Stir in room temperature butter. Spread glaze evenly over the warm cake and allow it to run down the sides.
- Optionally decorate with sprinkles, chocolate candies, or gummy bears for festive occasions. Serve fresh or at room temperature, commonly enjoyed with coffee.
Notes
- Use fair trade ingredients for better quality.
- Adjust baking time based on your oven’s settings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
