Everyday Healthy Recipes

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Cookie Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Sweet Things/Desserts

    Marzipan Cake with Chocolate Chips

    April 5, 2020 By Monika Last Updated January 23, 2023 40 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    This quick and simple marzipan cake with chocolate chips is made using oil so it's light and fluffy as well as incredibly easy to make.  Finish off with a dusting of powdered sugar and enjoy.  It tastes so good you'll want another slice!

    Side view of marzipan cake slice with cake in background on top of paper.

    This simple marzipan cake shows a somewhat unconventional way of using marzipan in baking. But if like me you love this ingredient I am confident you will love this cake. 

    In traditional recipes marzipan (also called 'almond candy dough') is often used to create a smooth layer of icing encasing the entire cake.  This type of cake requires a large amount of marzipan which can be a little overpowering even for marzipan fans.

    Why you will love this marzipan cake

    • Because the marzipan is added right into the batter this cake is bursting with delicious marzipan flavour even though it contains a fraction of this ingredient used in traditional cakes. 
    • Because marzipan is very sweet you won't need to add very much sugar.
    • I used oil which produces light and fluffy bakes without the need to use an electric mixer.  A bowl and whisk will do.
    • I also used buttermilk for added moisture and light texture. 
    • Marzipan and chocolate make a delicious pairing.
    • In order to keep the focus on the marzipan a simple dusting of powdered sugar will suffice as decoration. 

    What is marzipan

    Marzipan is a baking ingredient consisting primarily of almond flour (ground almonds) and sugar. Sometimes it also contains egg whites and almond oil or extract for added flavour. It is easy to roll out, cut into chunks or slices, can be added to biscuits and used for icing cakes.

    You can buy readymade marzipan, which can be either white or with added colour. I used natural, white marzipan but you can use any in this marzipan cake recipe.

    Ingredients

    Marzipan cake ingredients in separate small dishes.
    Marzipan cake ingredients.
    • Marzipan: You need to chop it into chunks a little bigger than your chocolate chunks (see photo below). 
    • Buttermilk and Oil: Add moisture and help make the cake light and fluffy.
    • Milk.
    • Eggs.
    • Chocolate chunks: Use dark or milk chocolate chunks or chocolate chips.
    • Almond extract: Intensifies the almond flavour of this marzipan cake.
    • Sugar.
    • Flour.
    • Baking powder and bicarbonate of soda.

    Step-by-step recipe instructions

    1.Preheat the oven to 350 F/ 180 C/ gas mark 4. Line the bottom of a 20 cm (8'') spring form pan with parchment paper, lock the sides, lightly grease with oil and dust with flour turning around to coat evenly. Shake out excess flour and set the pan aside.

    2. In a bowl combine the flour, baking powder and soda, sugar and salt and stir thoroughly using a whisk. Stir in the marzipan chunks and chocolate chunks ensuring the marzipan pieces are coated evenly. Separate them with your fingertips if needed.

    Marzipan chunks, chocolate chunks and dry ingredients in yellow bowl with spoon.

    3. In another bowl whisk together the eggs, oil, buttermilk, milk and almond extract until smooth.

    Milk, oil and 2 eggs in large white bowl.

    4. Pour into the dry mixture and stir just to combine. The batter will be thick.

    Marzipan cake batter in large yellow bowl with spoon.

    5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top using a spatula or the back of a large spoon.

    Marzipan cake batter in round pan.

    6. Bake in the centre of the oven for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.

    Baked marzipan cake in pan.

    7. Remove your marzipan cake from the oven and set aside for 15 minutes. Remove the side and leave to cool completely before decorating with the powdered sugar and cutting.

    Top tips and FAQs

    • I used natural marzipan (store bought) but you can use a coloured variety if you like. 
    • Once you've added the marzipan pieces into the flour mixture ensure they are evenly coated and do not form clusters. Gently separate the pieces if needed using your fingertips.
    • Do NOT overstir the batter (to ensure your cake is fluffy and well risen). Stir just to combine the ingredients. The batter will be thick.
    • Cool the cake completely before decorating with the powdered sugar and cutting. It might be a little crumbly if you cut it warm.
    • Keep your marzipan cake with chocolate chips covered in a cool place for up to 3 days. 
    • Freeze (without the powdered sugar) tightly wrapped, or in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Decorate with the powdered sugar after the cake has thawed.
    Marzipan cake, cut, on top of paper.

    Related recipes

    • Lemon Marzipan Muffins
    • Almond Redcurrant Cake
    • Healthy Fruit Cake Tray Bake with Nuts
    • Rooibos Tea Loaf Cake
    • Simple Chocolate Coconut Cake (Dairy Free)

    Check out also these other healthy dessert recipe ideas.

    Slices of marzipan cake on top of paper with cake in background.

    Keep in touch!

    If you make this marzipan cake recipe I'd love to know how it turned out for you? Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

    Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for regular recipe updates! Or you could subscribe to this blog and receive all my latest recipes right into your mailbox!

    Recipe

    Side view of marzipan cake slice with cake in background on top of paper.

    Marzipan Cake with Chocolate Chips

    This quick and simple marzipan cake with chocolate chips is made using oil so it's light and fluffy and incredibly easy to make.  Finish off with a dusting of powdered sugar and enjoy. 
    4.84 from 18 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Low fat, vegetarian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 slices
    Calories: 363kcal
    Author: Monika Dabrowski

    Equipment

    • 20 cm/8'' spring-form pan

    Ingredients

    • 4.59 ounces (130 g) marzipan chopped into small chunks
    • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose/plain flour
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
    • ⅙ teaspoon fine sea salt
    • ½ cup less 2tsp (90 g) sugar
    • ⅗ cup (100 g) dark chocolate chunks or chocolate chips
    • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
    • 2 large eggs
    • ⅔ cup less 2tsp (150 ml) buttermilk
    • ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
    • 1 teaspoon almond extract
    • Confectioners sugar/icing sugar for dusting

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350 F/ 180 C/ gas mark 4. Line the bottom of a 20 cm (8'') spring form pan with parchment paper, lock the sides, lightly grease with oil and dust with flour (approx. 1 teaspoon) turning around to coat evenly. Shake out excess flour and set the pan aside.
    • In a bowl combine the flour, baking powder and soda, sugar and salt and stir thoroughly using a whisk.
    • Stir in the marzipan chunks and chocolate chunks ensuring the marzipan pieces are coated evenly. Separate them with your fingertips if needed.
    • In another bowl whisk together the eggs, oil, buttermilk, milk and almond extract until smooth.
    • Pour into the dry mixture and stir just to combine. The batter will be thick.
    • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top using a spatula or the back of a large spoon. Bake in the centre of the oven for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown (and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean).
    • Remove from the oven and set aside for 15 minutes. Remove the side and leave to cool completely before decorating with the powdered sugar and cutting.

    Notes

    • I used natural marzipan (store bought) but you can use a coloured variety if you like. 
    • Once you've added the marzipan pieces into the flour mixture ensure they are evenly coated and do not form clusters. Gently separate the pieces if needed using your fingertips.
    • Do NOT overstir the batter (to ensure your cake is fluffy and well risen). Stir just to combine the ingredients. The batter will be thick.
    • Cool the cake completely before decorating with the powdered sugar and cutting. It might be a little crumbly if you cut it warm.
    • Keep covered in a cool place for up to 3 days. 
    • Freeze (without the powdered sugar) tightly wrapped, or in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Decorate with the powdered sugar after the cake has thawed.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 114mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 84IU | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 2mg

    *Nutritional information is automatically generated and should be considered as an estimate.

    **A note about baking: If using a fan-assisted oven refer to your appliance's instructions and adjust the temperature accordingly.

    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @Monika8021 or tag #EverydayHealthyRecipes!

    More Healthy Desserts

    • Side view of Polish hazelnut torte torte slice on plate with cake in background.
      Polish-Style Hazelnut Chocolate Torte Cake
    • Side view of Polish plum cake squares on parchment.
      Easy Polish Plum Cake
    • Side view of Polish walnut cake slice on white plate.
      Polish Walnut Cake (Tort Orzechowy)
    • Side view of apple crumble tart slices on white plate.
      Easy Apple Crumble Tart
    1261 shares

    Comments

      4.84 from 18 votes (10 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Michelle says

      March 01, 2023 at 6:39 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe! I was thinking just for more almond flavour, do you think the recipe would work using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

      Reply
      • Monika says

        March 02, 2023 at 9:46 am

        I really can't say without testing it first, but I do know the amount would be different as you can't just substitute one for the other.

        Reply
    2. Helen Hood says

      February 19, 2023 at 10:58 pm

      5 stars
      Made this today, easy to make and absolutely love it. Marzipan and chocolate is a perfect combination.
      (I didn't have any buttermilk, but made my own with milk & lemon juice)
      Will definitely be making it again

      Reply
      • Monika says

        February 20, 2023 at 10:51 am

        Glad it worked with the milk and lemon juice. Thank you for your feedback:)

        Reply
    3. Deborah P. says

      August 14, 2022 at 8:08 pm

      2 stars
      I followed the instructions very carefully, even taking the time to locate full-fat buttermilk. The result looked just like the picture, and the flavor was good, but it was terribly dry. Where could I have gone wrong?

      Reply
      • Monika says

        August 15, 2022 at 2:45 am

        Perhaps it was in the oven a bit too long?

        Reply
    4. Monika says

      March 07, 2022 at 9:13 am

      You are welcome! Glad you enjoyed it:)

      Reply
    5. Anne says

      January 01, 2022 at 1:14 am

      5 stars
      It’s very easy to make and it’s absolutely delicious

      Reply
      • Monika says

        January 01, 2022 at 2:43 pm

        Glad you liked it and thanks very much for the feedback:)

        Reply
    6. Mj spanswick says

      March 30, 2021 at 2:14 pm

      5 stars
      I love the idea of cooking with oil rather than butter - it makes it so much easier! I have also tried your lemon & marzipan muffins which were fabulous! Do you have any other cake recipes using oil? Thanks mj

      Reply
      • Monika says

        March 30, 2021 at 2:37 pm

        Thank you, glad you enjoyed these! Most of my cakes contain oil, try for instance, carrot cake: https://www.everydayhealthyrecipes.com/low-sugar-carrot-cake/ You will find all my cake recipes under Recipes-Sweet Things/Desserts.

        Reply
    7. Suzy Nutshell says

      March 27, 2021 at 4:08 pm

      5 stars
      I had just the right amount of marzipan and bitter chocolate left over from Christmas. Perfect for this recipe. I used kafir yoghurt instead of the buttermilk. It’s a lovely tasty cake without being too sweet. I will be keeping some in a tin and freezing the rest.

      Reply
      • Monika says

        March 28, 2021 at 8:07 am

        Glad the kefir worked as well as buttermilk. Thank you for letting me know:)

        Reply
    8. Kay says

      March 18, 2021 at 5:23 pm

      Hi Monika - is the flour plain flour or self raising flour?

      Reply
      • Monika says

        March 19, 2021 at 9:24 am

        It's plain flour.

        Reply
    9. Sarah Cutler says

      March 11, 2021 at 6:39 pm

      5 stars
      My family really like this cake - it's delicious! I will be adding it to my favourite cake recipes. Thank you very much.

      Reply
      • Monika says

        March 12, 2021 at 12:54 pm

        Really glad to hear it, you are welcome! And thank you for letting me know:)

        Reply
    10. Connie S. says

      January 13, 2021 at 12:26 am

      Hello Monika! Today, January 12, 2021, was National Marzipan Day in the U.S. I have always wanted to try making marzipan so I did using a very simple recipe:http://floursandfrostings.com/easy-homemade-marzipan/
      Then I used some to make this cake. I was expecting it too be stodgy but it was fluffy, light and delicious with a slightly crisp top! It was super easy, too! I will definitely make this again. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
      • Monika says

        January 13, 2021 at 8:54 am

        Hi Connie, I am glad you chose this recipe to celebrate National Marzipan Day! Glad you liked it. Really appreciate your feedback:)

        Reply
    11. priya says

      April 09, 2020 at 8:13 pm

      5 stars
      This cake looks amazing 🙂 i have never tried cake with marzipan actually.:)

      Reply
      • Monika says

        January 13, 2021 at 8:55 am

        Thank you!

        Reply
    12. Balvinder says

      April 09, 2020 at 2:46 pm

      Hi Monika, I love using almond flour in cakes but haven't tried marzipan yet. I wonder it is available here. The texture of the cake looks really good.

      Reply
      • Monika says

        April 09, 2020 at 4:25 pm

        Thanks Balvinder. I checked online and walmart sells marzipan candy dough in the US so i am assuming something similar is available in Canada too. I hope you find it:)

        Reply
        • Balvinder says

          April 10, 2020 at 1:25 am

          There is Walmart in our city . Will check next month if they carry.. Thanks

          Reply
    13. Treat and Trick says

      April 09, 2017 at 2:30 am

      Deiicious cake, I wonder how the taste would be after adding marzipan, this is new to me though..

      Reply
    14. Jhuls says

      April 08, 2017 at 10:45 am

      I really wish I could have a slice right now. 🙂 This sounds very delicious!

      Reply
      • Monika says

        April 08, 2017 at 2:39 pm

        Thanks! Me too, but it's all gone unfortunately:)

        Reply
    15. Mandy Mazliah says

      April 08, 2017 at 6:05 am

      This looks so good. I love marzipan and am pretty sure this is a bake my whole family would enjoy x

      Reply
      • Monika says

        April 08, 2017 at 7:27 am

        Thank you Mandy! Marzipan really makes this cake and I've got lots leftover which will give me a good excuse to bake something else soon:)

        Reply
    16. Ginger says

      April 07, 2017 at 1:05 pm

      This looks delicious! I love your take on cakes - so healthy! Happy Fiesta Friday!
      Ginger x

      Reply
      • Monika says

        April 07, 2017 at 1:10 pm

        Thank you Ginger! I am always thinking of ways to make everything a little healthier:) Happy FF!

        Reply

    Hi, I am Monika, welcome to Everyday Healthy Recipes! This blog is all about simple recipes with a healthy twist, old classics with a modern take, and an occasional Polish dish thrown into the mix - all easy to make and delicious, perfect for everyday cooking.

    Find out more about me →

    Popular Posts

    • Side view of 3 plesniak cake slices on top of wooden surface.
      Polish Pleśniak Cake
    • Top down view of pierogi in bowl, making pierogi and dough.
      5 Traditional Pierogi Recipes (plus tips for serving, freezing)
    • Top down view of cottage cheese egg salad in grey bowl with spoon.
      Simple Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
    • Top down view of meatballs in mushroom sauce in large pan.
      Healthy Meatballs in Mushroom Sauce

    Polish Recipes

    • 4 colourful Polish soups in bowls.
      28 Traditional Polish Soups
    • Sauerkraut stew in green bowl with spoon with hands holding it, and grey pot with stew in background.
      Authentic Polish Bigos Stew Recipe
    • Top down view of cabbage rolls in large white shallow pan.
      Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Golabki) in Tomato Sauce
    • Close-up view of Polish potato dumplings in green bowl.
      Authentic Polish Potato Dumplings (Kopytka)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • About

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for recipe updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2025 · Everyday Healthy Recipes

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.