A moist, tender marbled loaf featuring swirls of rich chocolate and fluffy vanilla cake, topped with a crunchy almond-studded chocolate glaze. Perfect with a glass of milk or a warm drink, this loaf brings a satisfying combination of sweetness and texture that’s suitable for any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Almond Marble Loaf is an ideal balance of flavor and presentation. It offers the deep richness of chocolate complemented by the lightness of vanilla, all tied together with the nutty crunch of almonds. Whether you’re baking for a brunch, a tea-time treat, or a simple dessert, this loaf impresses both in taste and aesthetics. Plus, it’s dairy-optional and uses pantry-friendly ingredients.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

all-purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
salt
granulated sugar
plain yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
unsweetened almond milk
neutral oil (like canola or melted coconut oil)
apple cider vinegar
vanilla extract
cocoa powder
almond butter

For the Glaze:

dark chocolate chips
coconut oil
chopped roasted almonds

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix sugar, yogurt, almond milk, oil, vinegar, and vanilla until smooth.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Divide the batter in half. Stir cocoa powder and almond butter into one half to create the chocolate batter.
Alternate spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter into the loaf pan, then swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together until smooth, then stir in chopped almonds.
Once the loaf is cool, spread the glaze on top and allow it to set before slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8-10 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 50-55 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Nut-Free: Omit almond butter and roasted almonds; substitute sunflower seed butter and toasted oats for crunch.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Chocolate Overload: Add chocolate chips into the chocolate batter for extra richness.
Fruit Addition: Swirl in a spoonful of raspberry or cherry jam before baking for a fruity twist.
Citrus Hint: Add orange zest to the vanilla batter for a fresh, zesty undertone.

storage/reheating

Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 7 days. To freeze, wrap slices individually and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

To reheat, microwave slices for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes.

FAQs

What can I use instead of almond butter?

You can substitute peanut butter, cashew butter, or a seed-based butter like sunflower seed butter.

Can I make this loaf gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking to replace the all-purpose flour.

Is the glaze necessary?

While the glaze adds flavor and texture, the loaf is still delicious without it. You can skip or replace it with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, any dairy or plant-based milk can be used.

How do I know when the loaf is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes, divide the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.

What’s the best way to swirl the batter?

Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the chocolate and vanilla batters together after layering them.

Can I add nuts inside the batter?

Absolutely—chopped almonds or walnuts add texture inside the loaf.

How long does it take for the glaze to set?

Typically 15–20 minutes at room temperature, or you can refrigerate it for faster setting.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, any neutral oil such as vegetable, canola, or light olive oil will work.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Almond Marble Loaf is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s easy to prepare and impressive to serve. With its rich marbling and nutty glaze, it’s ideal for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a festive gathering. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as a make-ahead treat, this loaf is sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.