# Torta tal-Marmurat (Maltese Marble Cake)

Source: https://www.malteserecipes.com/recipes/torta-tal-marmurat/

A homely Maltese marble cake with vanilla and chocolate swirls. Soft, simple, and perfect with tea or coffee.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8-10 people
Tags: dessert, cake, maltese-classic, teatime, chocolate, traditional, vegetarian



## Ingredients

Measures: **1 tbsp = 15ml; 1 tsp = 5ml.** For local ingredient names and substitutions, see our [guide to Maltese ingredients abroad](/maltese-ingredients-abroad/).



- 250g butter, softened

- 220g caster sugar (superfine sugar)

- 4 eggs

- 250g self-raising flour

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- 3 tbsp milk

- 2 tbsp cocoa powder

- 1 tbsp warm water

- Pinch salt


## Instructions

1. **Prepare the tin**: Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 170°C). Grease and line a 22cm round cake tin or loaf tin.

2. **Make the batter**: Beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Fold in the flour, salt, vanilla, and milk.

3. **Make the chocolate batter**: Spoon about one third of the batter into a separate bowl. Mix the cocoa powder with warm water to make a paste, then stir it into this portion.

4. **Marble**: Spoon alternating dollops of vanilla and chocolate batter into the tin. Swirl gently with a skewer or knife, taking care not to overmix.

5. **Bake**: Bake for 40-45 minutes until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Torta tal-Marmurat is a simple Maltese marble cake, made with vanilla and chocolate batters swirled together. It is the kind of everyday sweet served with tea, coffee, or as an afternoon treat.

## Serving Suggestions

- Serve with tea or coffee
- Dust with icing sugar if desired
- Good for lunchboxes and family gatherings
- Slice once fully cooled

## Traditional Notes & Tips

- Do not over-swirl or the marble effect will disappear
- A loaf tin gives neat slices, while a round tin feels more traditional for sharing
- Some families add a little orange zest to the vanilla batter
- The cake keeps well for several days in an airtight container
- It should be soft and buttery rather than heavily iced




## Explore the collections

- [Maltese desserts and sweets](https://www.malteserecipes.com/collections/maltese-desserts-and-sweets/)


## Serve with or cook next

- [Kafè Malti (Maltese Spiced Coffee)](https://www.malteserecipes.com/recipes/maltese-coffee/): Serve a slice of marble cake with spiced coffee.

- [Pudina tal-Ħobż (Maltese Bread Pudding)](https://www.malteserecipes.com/recipes/pudina-tal-hobz/): Try bread pudding with cocoa and citrus for another homely dessert.

- [Prinjolata (Maltese Carnival Cake)](https://www.malteserecipes.com/recipes/prinjolata/): Move on to a decorated celebration cake for a larger project.