• Firstly, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Secondly, in the bowl of a KitchenAid mixer, measure and add the shortening, then with the paddle attachment, mix well until smooth and softened.
• To the shortening, add the 1 1/2 cup sugar and then mix well.
• Measure and then add the baking soda, baking powder, and salt, mixing well to combine.
• To the bowl, measure and then add the 2 1/2 cups flour, and slowly mix into the shortening.
• Pour the milk into the bowl and then slowly mix until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula as needed.
• Measure and add the vanilla extract and mix until just combined.
• Finally, after all of the ingredients are mixed well, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well into the batter well before adding the second. Scrape the bowl down with a spatula and mix again if necessary.
• Place a piece of parchment paper on the countertop and use the base of a spring-form pan to trace the shape of the base with a pencil, then cut out the shape.
• Reinsert the spring-form pan base, and then spray the pan with non-stick baking spray.
• Place the piece of parchment paper into the spring-form pan and then spray with non-stick spray also.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan, except for 1/4 of the batter. Set the reserved batter aside and then spread out the batter in the pan with a spatula.

Make the Cocoa Filling

• In a microwave safe bowl, add 2 Tbsp water and heat in the microwave, then add the cocoa and mix well until completely combined and smooth.
• To the cocoa, add 1 Tbsp sugar and 1/4 tsp baking soda and mix well.
• Pour the cocoa mixture into the reserved batter and then mix well until completely combined, scraping the sides of the bowl down with a spatula if needed.
• Pour the cocoa mixture over the vanilla cake batter in the prepared pan, then using a spatula, spread out the cocoa batter.
• Using a knife, make many zigzag passes through the batter to give it a marble effect.

Bake the Marble Cake

• Bake the Marble Cake for 30-45 minutes, or until the cake no longer is jiggly in the center and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Remove the cake from the oven when done and then let it rest to completely cool before decorating.
• Once completely cool, preferably overnight, frost and decorate your cake.
• Then slice and finally enjoy!