Creating Distinct Marbled Batters

The visual magic of marbled baking requires restraint. Each swirl blends the batters slightly; too many passes create muddy results instead of distinct patterns. For dramatic marbling, drop batters in distinct dollops rather than poured layers, use a thin tool like a skewer or chopstick rather than a wide spatula, and move slowly and deliberately. Three or four passes in each direction is usually sufficient. Stop while colors remain distinct. Both batters should have similar consistency; if one is thinner it will sink rather than swirl. Let batters cool to similar temperatures before combining.