A luxurious marble cake with crunchy almond rock icing: a delicious blend of vanilla and chocolate layers

This luxurious marble cake seamlessly blends the light, airy texture of vanilla sponge with the rich, indulgent tones of chocolate, culminating in a crunchy almond boulder frosting that adds a delicious textural contrast. Each slice reveals a beautifully marbled pattern, making it not only a treat to the palate but also a visual delight. The recipe balances the simplicity of classic sponge cake with the sophistication of a gourmet dessert, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate elegance in their pastries.

Why you'll love it: You'll love this cake for its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The vanilla sponge cake is soft and fluffy, enriched with a touch of real vanilla, providing a light and tasty base. The chocolate layer adds depth with its dark, rich tones, providing a luxurious, slightly denser texture. The rock glaze is the real showstopper, with its creamy milk chocolate enriched with sunflower oil for added shine and crushed almonds for a satisfying crunch. Each bite is a harmonious symphony of tastes and textures that are sure to delight any dessert lover.

Perfect occasion: This marble cake with almond rock icing is ideal for sophisticated gatherings such as dinners, holiday parties or tea parties. It's also a splendid choice for a special weekend treat with family or as a show-stopping dessert at potlucks. Its elegant appearance and indulgent flavors make it a perfect centerpiece for any dessert table.

Decorating Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, consider decorating the top of the cake with gold leaf or edible flowers before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also enhance the visual appeal, contrasting beautifully with the layers of dark chocolate. If you're feeling creative, a drizzle of white chocolate can complete the marbled effect and add an extra layer of decadence.

Ingredients:

• Vanilla paste:
  • 80g heavy cream
  • 3 eggs
  • 100 g all-purpose flour
  • 50g cornstarch
  • 4g of baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 100g of sugar
  • 80g butter
• Chocolate dough:
  • 40g dark chocolate
  • 1 egg
  • 35g of sugar
  • 40 g all-purpose flour
  • 30g butter
  • 30 g of heavy cream
  • 2g of baking powder

• Rock icing:
  • 350 g of milk chocolate
  • 15g of sunflower oil
  • 50g crushed almonds

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the vanilla dough. Beat eggs with sugar until smooth. Add the cream and melted butter, mixing well. Sift in the flour, cornstarch and baking powder, then add the vanilla extract, mixing until the dough is smooth.
2. For the chocolate dough, melt the butter with the chocolate. In another bowl, beat the egg with the sugar, then add the melted chocolate mixture. Add the cream, then the sifted flour and baking powder, making sure everything is well incorporated.
3. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Alternate layers of vanilla and chocolate batter until all is used.
4. Chill the filled mold in the freezer for 10 minutes. Before baking, slide a line of melted butter down the center lengthwise. Bake at 165°C for 45 minutes. Check the cooking with a knife; then let it cool completely.
5. For the icing, melt the milk chocolate, add the sunflower oil until you obtain a shiny and creamy consistency. Add the crushed almonds. Allow the frosting to reach room temperature before covering the cooled cake.
6. Refrigerate the frosted cake to set the filling.

Enjoy this splendid marble cake with its crunchy almond topping, a real delight for the eyes and the palate!