Marble Pound Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 5 large eggs room temperature

• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 ¼ cups butter flavored vegetable shortening

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• ⅔ cup milk

• 1 ½ teaspoons caramel extract

• 2 teaspoons espresso powder

• 1 tablespoon milk

• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder I use Whole Foods 365 fair trade brand

• 3 ounces about ½ cup + 1 tablespoon finely chopped semisweet chocolate

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 325° F. Coat the 4 cavities of a mini loaf pan with nonstick spray then line each loaf cavity with two strips of parchment paper long enough for overhang in each direction.

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

• In a medium bowl, lightly beat together the eggs and vanilla. Set aside.

• In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the shortening and sugar for about 4 minutes, until light and fluffy.

• While the mixer continues beating, slowly add the egg mixture.

• Alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk, beating until a smooth batter forms.

• In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of the batter with the caramel extract.

• Mix together the espresso powder and milk in small bowl.

• For the chocolate cake batter, stir the espresso mixture, chopped chocolate, and cocoa into the remaining batter.

• Add dollops of batter to the prepared pan, alternating flavors, in three layers, to about ½ inch from the rim. (Use any remaining batter to make 1-2 cupcakes.)

• Tap the pan on the counter to even out the batter and remove air bubbles.

• Use a butter knife to swirl the dough in an “S” shape.

• Tap the pan on the counter again to even out the batter and remove air bubbles.

• Bake for about 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. (Cupcakes bake in 15-20 minutes)

• Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes. Use the parchment strips to lift the mini loaves from the pan and cool completely on a wire cooling rack.