mini marbled pound cake(s)...

1 3/4 cup flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

8 Tbsp butter; room temp

1 cup granulated sugar

3 eggs; room temp

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)

2/3 cup buttermilk

5 Tbsp cocoa powder

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together flour, baking powder & salt. Set aside. Grease and flour four 5 1/2 x 3 x 1 1/2 (approx) mini loaf pans OR one 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pan.

In large bowl cream butter and sugar until fluffy (3-4 min). Add the eggs in one at a time, mixing to incorporate after each one. Stir in extract(s).

Add the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour. Set aside 1/3 of batter.

In a small bowl combine cocoa powder and 6 Tbsp HOT water. Mix until smooth. Add to reserved 1/3 batter. Stir until well combined. Fill prepared pan(s) by alternating spoonfuls of each batter. Swirl with a skewer or cake tester.

Bake 40-45 min (for one cake) or 20-25 for small cakes (check after 15 min) or until cake tester comes out clean. Place on a wire rack to cool. Invert after 5-10 min. Let cool completely and top with icing glaze.

glaze:

1 1/2 Tbsp butter; room temp

1/2 cup powdered sugar

4 tsp milk

Combine all ingredients and stir until smooth and pourable (add more milk if necessary.)

I have been making this cake for years and was surprised that I have not shared it! This is a moist, delicious cake. Best part is, it comes together pretty quickly. I like making it into small loaves so I can get rid of 3/4 of it thus not downing it myself...just kidding...sort of...

Make it. You will love it.