Moist Trini Marble Sponge Cake

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There’s something magical about a slice of homemade Trini Marble Sponge Cake. The vibrant swirls of color, soft and fluffy texture, and warm spices make this cake a standout treat for any occasion.

I grew up watching my family whip up this delightful cake for birthdays, holidays, or just as a special weekend treat, and it remains one of my favorite desserts to bake. Not only is it beautiful to look at, but every bite is filled with buttery richness, just the right amount of spice, and that classic Caribbean touch.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Trini Marble Sponge Cake so special, how to enjoy it, or how to keep it fresh, you’re in the right place.

What is Trini Marble Sponge Cake?

Trini Marble Sponge Cake is a soft, fluffy cake with beautiful swirls of color.

It gets its name from the “marble” effect created by adding two colored batters to the main mixture and swirling them together before baking.

While marble cakes exist around the world, the Trinidadian version stands out because of its use of warming spices like nutmeg and mixed spice, which give it that unmistakable Caribbean flavor.

This cake is a staple at family gatherings, celebrations, or just when you want a cozy treat with your tea or coffee.

What to Eat With Trini Marble Sponge Cake

With a Hot Beverage: Pair a slice of this cake with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. It’s a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon pick-me-up.

As a Dessert: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a sweet, indulgent dessert.

With Fresh Fruit: Add slices of fresh strawberries, mangoes, or bananas on the side to brighten up your plate.

With a Drizzle of Glaze: You can drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk over the cake for added sweetness, though it’s delicious enough on its own.

This cake is a crowd-pleaser and is guaranteed to impress guests at any gathering.

How to Store Trini Marble Sponge Cake

• At Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days on the counter.
• In the Refrigerator: If you need to keep it longer, store the cake in the fridge. Wrap it well or place it in a sealed container to prevent it from drying out. It can last up to 1 week in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Slice it into individual portions, wrap each slice tightly, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw slices at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Trini Marble Sponge Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter (1 stick of Blue Band butter, softened)
• 1/3 cup oil (canola or any other neutral oil)
• 5 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla essence (white essence)
• 1 1/4 cups liquid milk
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground spice and nutmeg
• 2 food coloring colors (your choice—red, green, or blue work beautifully)
• 1 1/2 cups white or brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon lime juice

Method:

Combine the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a soft, airy cake.

Add the vanilla essence, lime juice, and eggs one at a time, beating for about 2-3 minutes after each addition. Make sure the mixture is well-combined.

Sift the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

Portion out two small amounts of the cake batter into separate bowls. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl and mix until the colors are vibrant.

Pour the plain cake batter into a greased baking dish. Take spoonfuls of the colored batter and dot them over the top of the plain mixture. Using a knife or spatula, gently swirl the colors into the batter to create the marble effect.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving.

FAQ

1. Can I use food gel instead of liquid food coloring?
Yes, you can use food gel for a more vibrant color. Just remember to use less, as food gel is more concentrated than liquid food coloring.

2. Can I skip the spices?
The spices add a traditional Caribbean flavor, but you can leave them out if you prefer a plain vanilla cake.

3. How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?
Make sure you cream the butter and sugar well and avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine, but butter gives the cake a richer flavor.

5. Why add lime juice?
Lime juice balances the sweetness of the cake and enhances the flavor of the batter.

Trini Marble Sponge Cake is a beautiful, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its fluffy texture, colorful swirls, and a hint of spice make it a favorite in Trinidadian households and beyond.

More Trini Cake recipes

• Caribbean Fruit Sponge Cake Recipe
• Trini Black Cake Recipe