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Meal Type ยป Desserts ยป Gluten Free Marble Pound Cake

Gluten Free Marble Pound Cake

Claire Cary

By

Claire Cary

4.91 from 11 votes
February 1, 2024
Jump to Recipe

This gluten free marble loaf cake is a total show stopping dessert! It’s naturally dairy free, moist with a delicious chocolate glaze. I promise, it’s surprisingly really easy to make!

marble loaf cake on a wire rack with milk in the background

This gluten free marble pound cake has been on my list of recipes to share for a loooong time, but to be honest it’s always kind of intimidated me!

But I was so wrong because this recipe couldn’t be easier! You start out with one main pound cake batter (essentially like a dense vanilla cake), which we’ll then divide up so we can turn half of it into a chocolate cake batter.

The marbling part is simple, which I explain more below, then we’ll finish it off with an absolutely delicious (and dare I say drinkable) chocolate glaze that you will definitely be licking off the spoon.

This marble pound cake is made with a base of eggs, sugar, butter or oil, gluten free all purpose flour and a bit of almond flour for a bit of extra moisture and structure.

If you love this recipe, you have to try my oreo cake, marble cookies, or red velvet marble cake next!

three slices of the gluten free marble cake with a bite taken out

How to make marble pound cake

Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Line a 9×5 or 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 loaf pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together all wet ingredients (except for the water, we’ll use that in a bit!) with an electric mixer.

Add in the dry ingredients (except for the cocoa and espresso) making sure to spoon and level the flour. Beat until a smooth batter forms.

Scoop out 1 3/4 cup of batter into a medium bowl. Add in the warm water, espresso and cocoa powder. Beat together until combined.

You can also use coffee in place of the water and espresso to achieve the same rich flavor. You won’t taste any coffee, it just enhances the chocolate.

There are a few methods on how to marble the loaf. What I tend to do is take 1 tablespoon of each kind of batter at a time and alternate them in the pan until each is gone.

two bowls with the batter

Then I’ll take a skewer and make a couple of swirls through the batter, not too many or you won’t be able to see distinct sections.

Another option is to add about 1/3 of one type of batter and alternate with the other until you finish, then swirl with the skewer. Anything goes here! The beauty of a marble loaf is that each slice is different, so don’t over think it too much!

When the loaf is ready, add to the oven and bake for 50-65 minutes. 60 is usually about right in my oven, but all ovens are different. If you notice the top browning too much before the center is done baking, tent the top with aluminum foil.

Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out by the parchment paper onto a cooling rack and cool for at least 2 hours.

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If you want to add the chocolate glaze, add all ingredients to a small pot. Bring a second pot to a boil, then remove from heat. Place the small pot in the large pot and stir until completely melted.

Drizzle over the loaf when it has cooled. You can leave it drizzles or use a knife to spread it out. Let it harden/cool before slicing. Enjoy!

process of making the cake batter

How to store

Yes! Once prepared, this gluten free marble cake will keep for about 3 days at room temperature. I suggest storing it in an air tight container with the lid very slightly ajar so it doesn’t become mushy.

I have not tried freezing it but I do think it would work ok. Just allow it to cool, slice and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

Place in a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Let thaw and either enjoy as is or warm up in the oven or microwave.

five slices of the pound cake with chocolate glaze

Ingredient swaps

FLOUR. If you can, I highly recommend following this recipe as written. I chose each ingredient for a reason, and the almond flour is key for texture and moisture.

However, if you need to make this nut free, I suggest using 1/2 cup more of the gluten free all purpose flour (so 2 1/2 cups total) and no almond flour or sub the almond flour 1:1 for oat flour.

I’d lean more towards the all purpose flour option rather than the oat flour!

SUGAR. You can use any kind of granulated sugar here, just note that it will change the color of the loaf.

I used white sugar, if you use brown or coconut, the vanilla part will have a very dark color and therefore look less marbled in contrast with the chocolate.

EGGS. This recipe calls for three large eggs, which is over my limit for being able to safely sub for an egg replacement.

Without the eggs, the cake will lake structure and rise, so I don’t recommend it!

gluten free marble pound cake with a bite taken out

You’ll also love..

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Lastly, if you want more recipes straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe to my email list. As always, if you make this recipe, be sure to tag me on instagram and leave a comment below so I can see your creation!

4.91 from 11 votes

Gluten Free Marble Loaf Pound Cake

by: claire cary

This gluten free marble loaf cake is a total show stopping dessert! It’s naturally dairy free, moist with a delicious chocolate glaze. I promise, it’s surprisingly really easy to make!
/ /
Prep: 15 minutes mins
Cook: 1 hour hr
Total: 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
10

Ingredients

Wet

  • ½ cup melted butter dairy or non-dairy
  • ¼ cup apple sauce
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons milk* dairy or non-dairy
  • 3 tablespoons warm water

Dry

  • 2 cups gluten free all purpose flour
  • 1 cup blanched almond flour
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • ¾ teaspoon espresso powder optional but recommended for a richer flavor

Optional Chocolate Glaze

  • ¾ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 3 tablespoons butter or refined coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup optional, but gives that classic shiny appearance
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
  • Line a 9×5 or 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 loaf pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat together all wet ingredients (except for the water, we’ll use that in a bit!) with an electric mixer.
  • Add in the dry ingredients (except for the cocoa and espresso) making sure to spoon and level the flour. Beat until a smooth batter forms.
  • Scoop out 1 3/4 cup of batter into a medium bowl. Add in the warm water, espresso and cocoa powder. Beat together until combined.
  • You can also use coffee in place of the water and espresso to achieve the same rich flavor. You won’t taste any coffee, it just enhances the chocolate.
  • There are a few methods on how to marble the loaf. What I tend to do is take 1 tablespoon of each kind of batter at a time and alternate them in the pan until each is gone.
  • Then I’ll take a skewer and make a couple of swirls through the batter, not too many or you won’t be able to see distinct sections.
  • Another option is to add about 1/3 of one type of batter and alternate with the other until you finish, then swirl with the skewer. Anything goes here! The beauty of a marble loaf is that each slice is different, so don’t over think it too much!
  • When the loaf is ready, add to the oven and bake for 50-65 minutes. 60 is usually about right in my oven, but all ovens are different. If you notice the top browning too much before the center is done baking, tent the top with aluminum foil.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out by the parchment paper onto a cooling rack and cool for at least 2 hours.
  • If you want to add the chocolate glaze, add all ingredients to a small pot. Bring a second pot to a boil, then remove from heat. Place the small pot in the large pot and stir until completely melted.
  • Drizzle over the loaf when it has cooled. You can leave it drizzles or use a knife to spread it out. Let it harden/cool before slicing. Enjoy!

Notes

You can use dairy free butter or regular butter. You can sub for refined coconut oil, but I recommend butter for the best flavor.
You can use any kind of granulated sugar here, just note that it will change the color of the loaf. I used white sugar, if you use brown or coconut, the vanilla part will have a very dark color and therefore look less marbled in contrast with the chocolate.
If you need to make this nut free, I suggest using 1/2 cup more of the gluten free all purpose flour (so 2 1/2 cups total) and no almond flour or sub the almond flour 1:1 for oat flour. I’d lean more towards the all purpose flour option rather than the oat flour!
6 tablespoons is equivalent to 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons. 
Serving: 1slice, with glaze / Calories: 364kcal / Carbohydrates: 48g / Protein: 8g / Fat: 22g / Saturated Fat: 6g / Fiber: 5g / Sugar: 28g

Did you make this?

Mention @eatwithclarity or tag #eatwithclarity!

Related posts:

  1. Gluten Free Chocolate Cupcakes
  2. Brownie Batter Chocolate Hummus
  3. Gluten Free Mini Chocolate Cake
  4. Blueberry Protein Donuts
4.91 from 11 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Catherine
    February 23, 2026

    An easy to follow recipe that turned out good! It was a tad drier than I expected, and as another baker noted, the upper center was a bit raw. Overall a great cake and I might try again but play with the ingredients.4 stars

    Reply
  2. Brenda
    February 19, 2026

    I made this in a loaf pan and it came out perfect
    Can I bake
    This in a round 9โ€ pan?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Claire Cary
      February 23, 2026

      Yes, should be fine! It’s just more dense than a classic layer cake so keep that in mind.

      Reply
  3. Ian
    May 12, 2025

    This was great! Mine came out slightly underdone just in the very center-top, but that’s probably down to my cheap oven. People were shocked that it was gluten free.

    I was excited to find a recipe for gluten free marble cake that used a mix of all-purpose flour blend and almond flour. I find gf baked goods that only use all-purpose blend often come out with poor depth of flavor and a texture that’s either gummy or weirdly “foofy” and insubstantial. This had a nice sturdiness without being heavy.5 stars

    Reply
    1. Claire Cary
      May 13, 2025

      So glad you loved it! What kind of pan are you using- that can also be a reason for an underdone center!

      Reply
  4. Sara
    February 25, 2025

    Has anyone tried using a different type of sweetener other than processed sugar in this?

    Reply
  5. Connie
    February 23, 2025

    This turned out excellent! I used Avocado oil to replace the butter. It was awesome. Very moist and the flavors came out perfect.5 stars

    Reply
    1. Claire Cary
      February 23, 2025

      Thanks, Connie! So glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  6. Connie
    February 22, 2025

    Excellent5 stars

    Reply
  7. Leslie
    December 31, 2023

    This was delicious! It was super easy to make and everyone loved it. I will definitely make this again and again. ๐Ÿ˜‹5 stars

    Reply
    1. Claire Cary
      January 2, 2024

      Thank you, Leslie!

      Reply
  8. Blythe
    June 22, 2023

    Really yummy cake, very easy to make! Very soft and moist with good flavor5 stars

    Reply
    1. Claire Cary
      June 27, 2023

      Thank you, so glad you enjoyed this one!

      Reply
  9. Gloria
    April 29, 2023

    No rating yet — I intend to make this. Is there a suitable substitute for the applesauce?

    Reply
    1. Claire Cary
      April 29, 2023

      You can try an extra egg instead of the applesauce!

      Reply
  10. Candice
    April 28, 2021

    Delicious! I have made this cake twice. I only changed the eggs to flax eggs and didn’t do the galze. It turned out fantastic. Thanks!!5 stars

    Reply
    1. Claire Cary
      April 28, 2021

      So good to know it worked with the flax eggs!

      Reply
claire cary

Welcome,
I’m Claire

Eat With Clarity is a place for gluten free recipes that are just as good as the real thing. With plenty of vegan, vegetarian and paleo options, there is something here for everyone!


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