This Yogurt Chocolate Marble Cake with Coffee Swirl is the perfect balance of elegance and everyday comfort. Moist and fluffy thanks to yogurt and oil, sweetened just right with a hint of vanilla, and deeply flavorful with rich cocoa and a swirl of coffee, this cake delivers both simplicity and sophistication in every bite. The marbled pattern makes it visually striking, while the moist crumb and slightly bitter notes from cocoa and coffee create a flavor harmony that’s not overly sweet. It’s a cake you’ll want to serve with afternoon tea, share with friends, or enjoy quietly with your morning coffee. Easy to make with pantry staples, it’s a no-fuss recipe that never fails to impress.

Preparation Time, Cook Time, and Total Time

Plan your baking session easily with these timing details.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes

Yield

One 8-inch round or loaf cake (serves 8–10 slices)

Cuisine

European-style home baking with influences from French yogurt cake and Italian coffee-infused desserts.

Ingredients

This cake uses simple ingredients that work together to create an exceptionally moist and flavorful texture.

• • 3 large eggs

  • 150g (3/4 cup) sugar

  • 100ml (1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon) vegetable oil

• • 150g (2/3 cup) plain yogurt

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• • 200g (1 1/4 cups) plain flour

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (6g) baking powder

  • 1 tablespoon (10g) cocoa powder

• • 1 teaspoon instant coffee

  • 2 tablespoons warm water

  • Chocolate sprinkles (optional, for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these clear steps to create a gorgeous, moist marble cake with a perfect swirl every time.

1. 1. Prepare the coffee mixture:
      In a small bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of instant coffee in 2 tablespoons of warm water. Set aside to cool.

1. 1. Mix the wet ingredients:
      In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt until pale and frothy. Add the vegetable oil, yogurt, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth and well combined.

   2. Add the dry ingredients:
      Sift in the flour and baking powder. Mix until just incorporated, ensuring no lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix.

   3. Divide the batter:
      Separate the batter into two bowls. To one bowl, add the cocoa powder and the coffee mixture. Stir gently until fully blended. Leave the other bowl plain vanilla.

1. 1. Create the marble pattern:
      Grease and flour an 8-inch round or loaf cake pan. Alternate spoonfuls of the vanilla and chocolate batters in the pan, layering them randomly. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the batters together for a marbled effect—don’t over-swirl.

   2. Bake the cake:
      Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

   3. Cool and serve:
      Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles or dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per slice (1/10 of the cake):

• • Calories: 230

• • Carbohydrates: 28g

  • Protein: 4g

  • Fat: 11g

• • Saturated Fat: 1.5g

  • Sugar: 15g

  • Fiber: 1g

• Sodium: 55mg

• Calcium: 60mg

Origin and Popularity

This cake draws inspiration from the classic French “Gâteau au yaourt” (yogurt cake), often known as the beginner’s cake in French households for its ease and reliability. By adding cocoa and coffee, we introduce an Italian-style richness reminiscent of espresso desserts like tiramisu, while still maintaining the soft, light texture of a yogurt sponge. Its marbled design, commonly found in German and American pound cakes, adds a whimsical and elegant touch. Its popularity stems from its accessibility and versatility—this is the kind of cake you’ll find in kitchens across Europe and beyond.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons this cake is a favorite for so many:

• • Moist and tender thanks to yogurt and oil

  • Easy to make with no fancy equipment or techniques

  • Visually beautiful with a natural swirl pattern

• • Light yet indulgent, suitable for any time of day

  • Coffee and chocolate lovers’ dream—with depth of flavor

  • Customizable and family-friendly

It’s a reliable go-to whether you’re baking for a celebration or just treating yourself.

Health Benefits

While this cake is meant for indulgence, it still offers a few lighter touches:

• • Yogurt adds protein and probiotics for gut health

  • No butter means reduced saturated fat compared to traditional cakes

• • Less sugar than most frosted cakes

  • Oil-based batter keeps it moist without heaviness

  • Coffee offers antioxidants and pairs well with cocoa to deepen flavor

To make it even healthier, you can use Greek yogurt for more protein or substitute part of the flour with whole wheat.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is incredibly versatile. Here’s how to serve it best:

• • With tea or coffee: A perfect match for cappuccino or espresso

  • With whipped cream or yogurt: Add a spoonful on top for a creamy touch

• • For brunch or dessert: Serve slightly warmed with fresh berries

  • As a celebration cake: Dress it up with ganache or icing sugar

  • Mini version: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings

It’s also a great option to serve at tea parties, potlucks, or holiday tables.

Cooking Tips

These handy tips ensure your cake turns out perfect every time:

• • Room-temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and bake evenly

  • Don’t overmix the batter once flour is added—it will toughen the cake

• • Use good-quality cocoa for rich flavor

  • Swirl gently—over-mixing ruins the marble effect

  • Check doneness early—every oven is different

• Let it cool fully before slicing for clean cuts and better texture

Variations

Here are a few fun twists on the original recipe to explore:

• • Orange zest: Add zest to the vanilla batter for a citrusy twist

  • Spiced version: Mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom

  • Nutty crunch: Add crushed walnuts or hazelnuts to the chocolate layer

• • Fruit addition: Mix in chopped dried apricots or cherries

  • Frosted version: Top with a coffee glaze or chocolate ganache

  • Mocha explosion: Add chocolate chips to the coffee batter for bursts of flavor

You can even double the recipe for a layered cake version or turn it into cupcakes!

Conclusion

This Moist Yogurt Chocolate Marble Cake with Coffee Swirl is one of those magical recipes that feels both simple and special. Whether you’re baking on a quiet Sunday afternoon or need a crowd-pleasing dessert for guests, this cake delivers every time. It’s moist, flavorful, and beautifully marbled, with just enough richness to make it irresistible. Plus, it uses everyday ingredients and minimal prep time, so there’s no excuse not to make it. Once you try it, it just might become a favorite in your baking repertoire—delicious, dependable, and deeply satisfying.