A classic Slovak marble cake, soft and airy, perfect with coffee or tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup milk or yogurt
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for marble effect)
- ½ cup salt
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Powdered sugar or chocolate glaze for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk/yogurt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Separate 1/3 of the batter and mix it with cocoa powder for the marble effect.
- Pour the vanilla batter into the Bundt pan, then add the cocoa batter on top. Swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool before removing from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate.
- Slice and enjoy with coffee or tea!
Notes
Bábovka is a beloved Slovak sponge cake, often served with coffee or tea during family gatherings, celebrations, and special occasions. This airy, tender cake is traditionally baked in a Bundt pan, giving it its signature ring shape with elegant ridges. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with melted chocolate, Bábovka is a comforting homemade dessert that embodies warmth, hospitality, and rich family traditions.
🥚 Eggs - make the cake fluffy and airy
🧈 Butter or oil - adds richness and moisture
🥛 Milk or yogurt - for a tender texture
🍬 Sugar - for sweetness
🧁 Baking powder - helps the cake rise
🌸 Vanilla or lemon zest - for extra aroma For the marble effect, a portion of the batter is mixed with cocoa powder before being gently swirled into the vanilla batter before baking.
🍫 Chocolate Bábovka - made with extra cocoa for a deeper chocolatey taste
🥜 Nutty Bábovka - includes ground walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for added texture Bábovka is best enjoyed fresh, paired with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, making it the perfect breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or light dessert.
✔ Soft, fluffy, and mildly sweet – perfect for any occasion
✔ A symbol of family warmth and hospitality If you love classic European cakes, Bábovka is a must-try Slovak dessert. Its soft texture, delicate flavor, and nostalgic charm make it a timeless favorite in Slovak households. Whether baked for a special gathering or a cozy weekend treat, Bábovka fills the home with a comforting aroma, welcoming everyone to the table. Bábovka is more than just a cake—it's a cherished tradition. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as an afternoon treat, its simple yet rich flavors will make you fall in love with this classic Slovak dessert. Try baking it today! 🍰💙 More Slovak recipes
A Cake with Many Variations 🌟
There is no single way to make Bábovka! Each family has its own unique recipe, passed down through generations. Some keep it simple and classic, while others enhance the flavor with ingredients like cocoa, vanilla, nuts, or raisins. One of the most popular versions is marble Bábovka, where vanilla and cocoa batters are swirled together to create a beautiful two-toned effect when sliced.How Bábovka is Made?
Despite its elegant appearance, Bábovka is surprisingly easy to make using everyday ingredients: 🌿 Flour - provides structure🥚 Eggs - make the cake fluffy and airy
🧈 Butter or oil - adds richness and moisture
🥛 Milk or yogurt - for a tender texture
🍬 Sugar - for sweetness
🧁 Baking powder - helps the cake rise
🌸 Vanilla or lemon zest - for extra aroma For the marble effect, a portion of the batter is mixed with cocoa powder before being gently swirled into the vanilla batter before baking.
Toppings & Serving Ideas 🍰
Once baked, Bábovka is typically topped with powdered sugar or a rich chocolate glaze. Popular variations include: 🍊 Citrus-flavored Bábovka - with orange or lemon zest for a fresh fruity twist🍫 Chocolate Bábovka - made with extra cocoa for a deeper chocolatey taste
🥜 Nutty Bábovka - includes ground walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for added texture Bábovka is best enjoyed fresh, paired with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, making it the perfect breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or light dessert.
Why You Should Try Bábovka 💖
✔ Simple yet elegant homemade cake✔ Soft, fluffy, and mildly sweet – perfect for any occasion
✔ A symbol of family warmth and hospitality If you love classic European cakes, Bábovka is a must-try Slovak dessert. Its soft texture, delicate flavor, and nostalgic charm make it a timeless favorite in Slovak households. Whether baked for a special gathering or a cozy weekend treat, Bábovka fills the home with a comforting aroma, welcoming everyone to the table. Bábovka is more than just a cake—it's a cherished tradition. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or as an afternoon treat, its simple yet rich flavors will make you fall in love with this classic Slovak dessert. Try baking it today! 🍰💙 More Slovak recipes
