Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red White & Blue Marble Cake is a festive dessert perfect for patriotic celebrations like the Fourth of July or Memorial Day. With its eye-catching swirls of red, white, and blue, this vanilla-flavored cake not only looks stunning but also tastes moist and buttery. Whether served plain or topped with whipped cream or frosting, it’s a fun and flavorful centerpiece for any holiday table.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose floursugarunsalted buttereggswhole milkvanilla extractbaking powdersaltred food coloringblue food coloring

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with flour, mixing until just combined.

Divide the batter evenly into three bowls.

Leave one bowl plain (white), color one with red food coloring, and the other with blue food coloring. Mix each bowl gently until the colors are uniform.

Spoon dollops of each color into the prepared loaf pan in a random pattern.

Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the colors together to create a marbled effect. Do not overmix.

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 10 slices.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50–60 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 40–50 minutes

Variations

Add a lemon or almond extract for a twist in flavor.
Top with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream and fresh berries.
Use a bundt pan for a more dramatic presentation.
Sprinkle patriotic-themed sprinkles on top for added fun.

storage/reheating

Store the marble cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
To reheat, microwave a slice for 10–15 seconds or let come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Yes, gel food coloring is more vibrant and won’t alter the batter’s consistency.

Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Absolutely. Divide the batter among cupcake liners and bake for 18–22 minutes.

How do I prevent the colors from mixing too much?
Use a light hand when swirling to keep the marble effect distinct.

Is this cake overly sweet?
It has a balanced sweetness with a rich, buttery flavor.

Can I add frosting?
Yes, it pairs well with vanilla, cream cheese, or whipped cream frosting.

Can I make this in advance?
Yes, it can be made a day ahead and stored tightly covered.

Is this kid-friendly?
Definitely, kids love the vibrant colors and sweet flavor.

Can I substitute the milk?
Yes, whole milk can be swapped with almond or oat milk.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, for a larger cake or two loaves, just double all ingredients.

Do I need a stand mixer?
No, a hand mixer or whisk works fine for this recipe.

Conclusion

Red White & Blue Marble Cake is a stunning and simple way to celebrate patriotic holidays or any occasion that calls for a colorful dessert. Easy to make and visually impressive, it brings festive fun and sweet flavor to your table. Enjoy it on its own or dress it up with frosting and berries—it’s sure to be a hit.