Red White & Blue Marble Cake is a festive and patriotic dessert perfect for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any celebration that calls for a burst of American pride. This moist, buttery cake features swirls of red, white, and blue for a stunning visual effect and is often topped with a simple glaze or dusting of powdered sugar. It’s fun to make and even more delightful to slice into.

ingredients

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

all-purpose floursugarunsalted buttereggsvanilla extractmilkbaking powdersaltred and blue food coloring

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt or loaf pan thoroughly.

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

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

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

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.

Divide the batter into three equal parts in separate bowls.

Leave one portion plain (white), tint one with red food coloring, and the other with blue food coloring.

Spoon dollops of each colored batter into the prepared pan in a random pattern, then swirl gently with a knife or skewer for a marble effect.

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

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 10-12 slices.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Cooling time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Variations

Add a cream cheese glaze for a tangy twist.
Use lemon or almond extract for extra flavor.
Top with whipped cream and berries for a patriotic presentation.
Make cupcakes instead by adjusting the baking time to 18-22 minutes.

storage/reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 7 days for longer freshness.
To freeze, wrap the cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat a slice, microwave for 10-15 seconds until warm.

FAQs

Can I use a box cake mix?

Yes, you can use a white or vanilla cake mix and divide and color the batter as directed.

Will the colors bleed together?

If you don’t over-swirl, the colors will stay distinct after baking.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Do I need to use gel food coloring?

Gel food coloring is preferred for more vibrant colors without altering the batter consistency.

Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?

Yes, it will add a subtle tang and make the cake even more tender.

Can I make this in a sheet pan?

Absolutely, just adjust the baking time accordingly and monitor doneness.

Is this cake too sweet?

No, it has a balanced sweetness, but you can reduce sugar slightly if desired.

Do I need a stand mixer?

No, a hand mixer or even a whisk with elbow grease will work just fine.

Can I make this the day before?

Yes, it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle.

Can I add sprinkles?

Sure! Mix patriotic sprinkles into the batter or sprinkle on top for added fun.

Conclusion

Red White & Blue Marble Cake is a cheerful and eye-catching dessert that brings color and joy to any patriotic occasion. With its moist texture and beautiful swirls, it’s a simple yet impressive treat that’s perfect for entertaining or celebrating with family and friends. Try it once, and it might just become your go-to holiday cake.