Marmorkuchen (marble cake)

Method

1. Set the oven to 180°C/gas 4. Beat together the butter, 275g of the sugar, the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until the mixture is light and fluffy.

2. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the flour and baking powder. Gradually beat in 2-3 tablespoons of the milk, to give a slow dropping consistency.

3. Pour 2/3 of the batter into the prepared tin, it should fill three-quarters of the tin.

4. Sieve the cocoa and remaining sugar and add to the remaining third of batter along with 2-3 tbsp of milk.

5. Spread the chocolate mixture over the cake mixture in the tin, then lightly run a fork through them both, gently swirling the two colours together to create a marbled effect.

6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the cake shrinks slightly from the sides of the tin. Leave to stand for 5 minutes before turning out. When the cake has cooled, dust with icing sugar.