Creating the perfect Chocolate Swirl Cake is a joy, especially when following these easy-to-understand steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are well mixed after each addition.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Add Vanilla and Almond Extracts: Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
7. Divide the Batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared cake pan.
8. Add Cocoa Mixture: In the remaining batter, stir in the cocoa powder until fully combined.
9. Layer the Batters: Spoon the chocolate batter over the vanilla batter in the pan. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the two batters together gently for a marbled effect.
10. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Cool the Cake: Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Prepare for Serving: Once the cake is cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired.

These steps will have you on the way to creating a beautiful Chocolate Swirl Cake that delights and impresses!